12 Slater Street, Richmond, Christchurch 8013
Little Beans is a place where we learn through play and grow through connection. Little Beans aims to create an unhurried, home-like environment. We are an independent early childhood centre, catering for up to 8 infants and toddlers
(0-2 years) in our nursery and 26 children (2-5 years) in our preschool.
We offer a child-led approach, based on children’s interests and underpinned by the New Zealand Early Childhood Curriculum, Te Whāriki. Our programme and routines are consistent, yet flexible, as we meet the daily needs of the tamariki
in our care. Our team of qualified and experienced early childhood educators are passionate about their role in growing the next generation.
PHILOSOPHY
At Little Beans, we believe that all children are unique individuals, worthy of acceptance, respect and the very best of care. By creating an environment where children and families feel safe and comfortable, we encourage curiosity, kindness and an innate love of learning. Little Beans draws inspiration from the RIE/Pikler approach, emphasizing warm and nurturing relationships and a physical environment that interests, challenges and promotes learning through the freedom of play and discovery. Children are free to progress at their own individual pace, surrounded by people who know them and can journey alongside them, as they discover the world and their place in it. They are empowered to think for themselves, make decisions, problem solve and work towards their own solutions; with the guidance of their teachers, families and peers. This approach offers children the chance to build the skills of resilience and to develop a strong view of themselves as confident and competent learners.
OUR VALUES
HEART
We are a centre with HEART. Our team of qualified professionals love what they do and can offer to the children in our care. Our team are empowered to use their skills, talents and passions to learn, grow and share with all children. Baking, gardening, getting messy, imaginative and creative play; these are enjoyed and shared from the heart. Our small numbers mean that we really are a whānau. We know our children and families well and we work together for the good of all who come our way.
CONNECTION
At Little Beans, we believe that children thrive in environments that value relationship and CONNECTION with others. We promote primary caregiving and ensure that every child has a key teacher and point of contact while at Little Beans. This is especially important as children transition into Little Beans and between our nursery and preschool environments. Through these relationships and others, we desire that children and families develop a sense of trust and belonging as Little Beans becomes a home away from home.
DISCOVERY
It is our aim at Little Beans to work with whānau in developing lifelong learners. Our children are growing up in a world that is ever changing and it is our goal to create an environment where they can DISCOVER and develop the skills, knowledge and attitudes needed to navigate their world. Time to play and learn at Little Beans gives children opportunities to navigate relationships with others, challenge their own abilities, try new things, grow in confidence, develop empathy and become active contributors. We thoughtfully design our environments to support children’s natural desires to learn through their own interests and their interactions with the environment and with others. Our large, natural, outdoor spaces allow children to freely explore and discover the natural world. There are countless opportunities to dig in the garden, pick flowers, collect leaves, watch butterflies, splash in puddles and more. As children interact with the natural world, they develop understanding of and appreciation for many important facets of life.
We made the move to the Little Beans Whānau just a short time ago, but it feels like we have been there forever! We were embraced by everybody and welcomed, and it was such a great feeling, and certainly as parents, we put our trust into these people, and I couldn’t recommend Little Beans highly enough. What I love is how the Tamariki have a key Kaiako who knows that child’s needs inside and out. Corbin loves going to Little Beans and the experiences there are fantastic. - Tasha
Little Beans is a home away from home for us. It has a lovely vibe of warmth and love. The staff are so incredibly patient and caring. They always put the children's needs at the heart of everything they do. They really respect and trust the children, which is really important to us, and something that makes Little Beans uniquely special. We also love how small the centre is, it creates a calmness and means the staff and families feel like one big extended family. We are so glad we found Little Beans, it's perfect. - Janelle
Little Beans is a wonderful centre that we are so happy to be a part of. We have felt a sense of belonging since day one and Lincoln has only flourished since being there. He looks forward to going to preschool every day and spending time with his friends and teachers, and there is a real sense of whanau and community that is present within. Thank you for providing Lincoln with the necessary tools he needs to be able to learn meaningfully alongside his friends. - Peita
