Strong Relationships
Our Philosophy
At Swannanoa Preschool, we are a community of learners. We believe in respecting ourselves, each other, and the environment, and in creating a safe, warm and welcoming place where every child and their whānau feel a strong sense of belonging.
Meaningful relationships are at the heart of what we do. We work hard to nurture strong connections between tamariki, whānau, kaiako and our wider community, with communication and trust guiding these relationships.
We also value interdependence, or tuakana teina, where children learn alongside and from one another. These relationships extend beyond the centre, connecting children and families to the wider world around them.
Learning Through Play
We see play as a powerful and meaningful way for children to learn. Each child’s individuality is respected and celebrated, while we offer a balance of free play and thoughtfully planned experiences.
Through this, children are supported to grow as confident and capable learners and communicators, to feel secure in who they are, and to understand that they have a valued place within their community.
A Sense of Belonging
Learning happens best when children feel safe, secure and connected. We support learning at a pace that feels right for each child, fostering a positive and curious attitude toward learning.
Strong partnerships between kaiako, parents and whānau play an important role in this journey. We also support children to develop a strong sense of identity, helping them build confidence, resilience and the courage to explore new experiences and relationships.
Environment and Sustainability
We are proud to be an EnviroSchool, where caring for the environment is part of everyday learning.
Tamariki are encouraged to explore, respect and connect with the natural world around them.
Culture and Community
We recognise the unique place of Māori as tangata whenua, while also embracing the diverse cultures, languages and backgrounds of all our tamariki and whānau. We aim to create an environment where every child feels a strong sense of belonging, and where different cultures and perspectives are valued and respected.
These values are reflected in our relationships, our environment, and the experiences we share each day.
Our Team
We employ and support qualified kaiako, alongside teachers in training, to ensure high quality care and learning outcomes for our tamariki. Ongoing professional learning is important to us, and we continue to support our team as they grow in their practice.