Our Philosophy

We believe that a high quality programme is the result of the quality interactions between educators and children. Educators value children as individuals and seek to expand their thinking and learning within a friendly, nurturing environment. A high ratio of adults to children ensures the needs of children are able to be responded to. Educators work alongside children allowing them to learn at their own developmental stage but are available to provide support and encouragement when appropriate. The principles, goals and strands of the early childhood curriculum Te Whāriki form the basis of the curriculum offered to children. Children are encouraged to be self-learners and are able to choose freely from a range of experiences offered. Flexible routines throughout the morning session ensure children can participate in long periods of uninterrupted play.

The physical environment is set up to provide children with a rich core curriculum that is well-resourced and easily accessible for children to choose from.

Parents are respected as the first and most important teachers of their children and have a worthwhile role to play in their child's learning and development. To this end we value parents input into the preschool and encourage parents to contribute to the programme as much as they wish.

An important aspect of Huntsbury Preschool is the role of the Parent Helps. They are a big support to the staff. As part of your child’s enrolment you also agree to help out for two sessions a term. As you stay and support your child’s learning, you give support to other children and help the staff maximise their work to make the sessions run smoothly. It’s a great way to feel part of your child’s learning, make friends with other parents, and be part of a community. As a community-based preschool, the partnership between teachers and parents is both valued and encouraged.

We acknowledge the bi-cultural partnership inherent in the Treaty of Waitangi and seek to ensure that the curriculum offered to children reflects this partnership.

The parent committee who form the Management are committed to supporting educators in their role by ensuring effective, efficient management systems are in place. This has a positive effect on the quality of the programme offered to families. Management is committed to employing trained staff who are committed to ongoing professional development. Educators at the preschool value the importance of keeping up-to-date with current trends and practices.