Nurturing healthy growth

We believe strong teamwork between management, educators and whānau is imperative to the development of a positive, nurturing, safe, and fun curriculum and environment for our tamariki. We are committed to seeking input and ideas, including from the tamariki themselves.

While they are at Eden Cottage, tamariki are encouraged to participate in a play-based nurturing educational environment that is founded on Christian principles.

Encouraging individual development

Eden Cottage is inspired by the highly regarded Reggio Emilia philosophy of learning which encourages tamariki in their interests and learning preferences.

All Eden Cottage tamariki are given the opportunity to refine social skills, build healthy self-esteem, and participate in academic experiences full of sensory integration allowing for optimal brain development.

This is achieved by implementing Te Whaariki – the New Zealand Early Childhood Curriculum and our long-term goals.

Transition to school programme

The Transition to School programme allows tamariki to develop the necessary skills and learning required to prepare them for a successful graduation to primary school. They learn self-help skills, letter recognition, and writing their names. This takes place in the mornings and involves games, songs and rhymes. We also go on regular excursions, including to our local Konini Primary school, library, shops, and parks, to get used to new environments.

Kaitiakitanga: Sustainability

Our sustainability programme helps our tamariki to grow a sense of responsibility for the environment, leading them to becoming kaitiakitanga (environmental guardians). The role of our tamariki in this includes monitoring the worm farm, feeding the worms and adding bedding, watering and weeding the flower beds, and planting new flowers when needed.