Our programme is inspired by the schools of Reggio Emilia, in Northern Italy.
In 1999, we began our study of these schools and their enormous impact on the field of early childhood education worldwide.
We have explored and embraced many of their central tenants: an image of a strong and capable child, parent’s as partners in the educational project, attention to the environment as the third teacher, the practice of communicating through documenting our research and children’s work, and the teacher as co-researcher with children.
We are currently engaged in exploring and deepening our understanding about how these central ideals are incorporated in our programme.
Alongside the Reggio Approach we implement a programme based on the principles, strands and goals of the New Zealand Early Childhood Curriculum; Te Whaariki – He Whaariki Matauranga mo nga Mokopuna o Aotearoa. They both place emphasis on the development of the whole child and connecting tamariki with their heritage. Loris Malaguzzi’s love of metaphor, and the symbolism of weaving in Te Whaariki, create a pedagogical “fabric”, interwoven with many fine threads.