"The relationship is all. It is a matter of life to the child" Dr Emmi Pikler

Our Philosophy

At The Garden we are guided by the New Zealand Early Childhood Curriculum-Te Whariki and inspired by the principles of Dr Emmi Pikler. Our focus is on respectful care and relationships with children, whänau and teachers. We provide an inclusive environment that recognises and values New Zealand’s increasingly multicultural society as well as ensuring Te Reo and Tikanga Maori are woven into our daily practice.

The Garden is an environment which respects and incorporates the natural world into our everyday practice. This enables children to become active and involved explorers, constructors of their own learning. Our purpose is to provide a nurturing home away from home where children feel safe and teachers lead with their heart and inspire a culture of kindness. Teachers at The Garden are also passionate about free, natural, self-initiated movement for all children to unfold and develop as nature intended. 

Meaningful relationships encourage children to develop a sense of belonging, where they become confident and capable learners, they ask questions, take risks and problem solve. We use a key teacher system to support the development of these meaningful relationships.

Teachers at The Garden are actively involved in ongoing professional development. We encourage research and discussions on best practice from Aotearoa and around the world to be incorporated into our daily practice. The Garden Early Childhood Centre is a space for children and teachers to be empowered to work together and become a community of learners. We also recognise and value the importance of being active participants within the wider Omokoroa community.

"Waiho i te toipoto, kaua i te toiroa"

"Let us keep close together not far apart"