68 Farrington Avenue, Bishopdale, Christchurch 8053
Our Story
He waka eke noa
At Little Blue Penguin, children, educators, parents, whānau and leaders will collaborate to co-design an exceptional programme with the same goal in mind: children who are comfortable in their surroundings, happy in their play and confident in their learning.
As a Christchurch-based mum, passionate early childhood educator, and keen researcher I had a vision to create a truly exceptional and unique learning space for children to learn, grow, discover and develop in a natural, home away from home setting.
Because of my dedication to early childhood advocacy, supportive learning communities and continual improvement, I decided that the best option is to create my very own evidence-based preschool and nursery.
Little Blue Penguin is dedicated to quality care and meeting the needs of each child and their whānau. This is achieved through our evidence-based and holistic approach to teaching and learning, as well as our core values: calmness, closeness, consistency, curiosity and confidence.
Knowing each child, their whānau (who they are and where they come from) is crucial to the success of the programme, and in order to truly implement a holistic approach Little Blue Penguin will provide nutritious home-cooked meals for children; caring for the children’s well-being first and foremost. - Gina Colvin
At Little Blue Penguin we practice a key kaiako system, this is an enhanced version of 'primary caregiving' that you may be familiar with.When your child enrols at LBP our team of kaiako work together to assign your child a pair of key kaiako. This ensures that children form two strong relationships, so that if one of their key kaiako are away, they have another one available.It is the role of the kaiako pair to form a strong relationship with you and your child, and to be your child’s 'champion' – advocating for them during their time with us.
You may notice that one particular kaiako will play a more significant role during your child’s settling visits and in their first few weeks, as this familiarity will support your child to develop a strong sense of belonging at LBP. During this time key kaiako will:- take responsibility for engaging in responsive and respectful care routines with your child- spend time getting to know you and your child, understanding their cues and interests- work closely with their colleagues to support your child as they develop trusting relationships with our wonderful team of kaiako. We strive to provide a calm and consistent environment for your child to thrive in, therefore we implement a set roster so that you will know who to expect at drop off and pick up times.Our kaiako pair system allows for quicker, smoother, and more efficient communication between LBP and parents. This enables prompt and appropriate responses to a child’s needs resulting in better experiences and developmental outcomes for the child.
We are dedicated to providing children with the best start in life.
Little Blue Penguin is dedicated to quality care and meeting the needs of each child and their whānau. This is achieved through our evidence-based and holistic approach to teaching and learning, as well as our core values: calmness, closeness, consistency, curiosity and confidence.
Knowing each child, their whānau (who they are and where they come from) is crucial to the success of the programme, and in order to truly implement a holistic approach Little Blue Penguin will provide nutritious home-cooked meals for children; caring for the children’s well-being first and foremost.
Our Philosophy
Rapunga Whakaaro
At Little Blue Penguin, children, educators, parents, whānau and leaders will collaborate to co-design an exceptional programme with the same goal in mind:
Children who are comfortable in their surroundings, happy in their play & confident in their learning.
As a Christchurch-based mum, passionate early childhood educator, and keen researcher I had a vision to create a truly exceptional and unique learning space for children to learn, grow, discover and develop in a natural, home away from home setting.
Our Nursery
Rūma noho
Our Nursery is a small, homely space designed for younger babies to explore and develop freely. We practice primary caregiving, so each baby has their own teacher who is available to meet their individual needs.
Our Preschool
Tauparapara
Our Preschool focuses on inquiry-based learning; the natural curiosity of young children is stimulated as they take an active role in the education process by exploring their environment to make inquiries and discoveries. Skilled teachers then guide this process in a way that supports the children’s own ideas and extends their learning.
Holistic Development
Kotahitanga
Little Blue Penguin values holistic development and places importance on a nurtured well-being in order for meaningful learning to take place.
Our Programme /Marautanga
Our teachers aim to create a comfortable, homelike environment that offers children plenty of opportunities to freely imitate what they see and to engage in creative play.
We are a mixed age setting which encourages reciprocal relationships and a culture of teaching, learning and support. At Little Blue Penguin older children are encouraged to help younger ones learn how to master new skills. These interactions encourage social, communicative and language skills and instill values such as; kindness, humility, gratitude and generosity.
The Little Blue Penguin early childhood curriculum is inspired by evidence and reflects the best teaching practice from around the world, such as Malguzzi, Montessori, Rudolf Steiner, Gardner, the competencies in Tataiako and Te Whariki, New Zealand’s early childhood curriculum document.
The curriculum focuses on inquiry based learning; the natural curiosity of young children is stimulated as they take an active role in the education process by exploring their environment to make inquiries and discoveries. Skilled teachers then guide this process in a way that supports the children’s own ideas and extends their learning.
Kai
At Little Blue Penguin we are committed to protecting and nurturing the health and wellbeing of our tamariki.
Little Blue Penguin provides delicious and nutritious meals and snacks for all children, just let us know your child’s individual nutritional needs and we can cater for them when developing our menu.
Children are actively involved in the preparation and serving of their meals. Children peel vegetables and fruit for the meal as well as set up the table with cloths, plates and cutlery. They get to take turns serving the food to their peers, and are able to lead a Maori karakia (non-religious) to express respect and gratitude for the meal.
Through their involvement in our meal times children will:
– Develop their fine motor skills;
– Learn about nutrition, hygiene and hand washing practices;
– Taste different foods;
– Expand social and communication skills;
– Build their independence, confidence and leadership skills;
– Develop an awareness of sustainability.
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