where nature and nurture combine…
With our place being situated on a quiet back street with established trees in the backyard of a beautiful old villa in Somerfield, Christchurch, we’re naturally spoilt for choice! Waka Huia, locally owned and operated by a kiwi family with a decade of experience in early childhood education and a passion for their work that is contagious. This allows for a welcoming, inclusive and safe environment to support meaningful learning experiences and encourages children to develop into their own capable, confident selfs and adaptable members of their community in their own time and space. Our nurturing pathways ensure a smooth, fun and rewarding transition into primary school.
Location
While sun pours in through the beautiful leadlight windows, children are given ample opportunities to relax, explore and discover while building and maintaining respectful relationships. Our big playground outside includes…
a sand pit
a bike track
a water play area
climbing equipment
…and on days where this isn’t enough, we will have little adventures into the community with our long standing teachers who know and understand the community and their needs!
Garden to Table
We practice a garden to table philosophy where children can pick kai straight from the garden, carefully select fresh eggs from the coop and enjoy them for their morning tea!
We provide healthy morning and afternoon teas, prepared on site
We have a vegetable garden including established fruit trees as part of our large backyard. We practice sustainable gardening and recycling to give back to our environment
We have a passion for nature and nurture, and love to spend time with the children in our vegetable garden, teaching them about growing their own edible treats
Learning for school
We have a close relationship with-, and offer school visits to Somerfield school to ensure continuity and a smooth transition to school.
The children are supported to lead their own learning by having freedom of choice over their experiences
Our curriculum is based on Te Whariki, ensuring culturally sustainable practices supporting te ao Māori and tikanga Māori
Frequent visits to Somerfield School, builds up the children’s confidence in a school environment
Small numbers (max 30) providing excellent teacher to child ratios. 20 hours ECE also available
our promise
Low teacher to child ratios allow children to have space and time to themselves (just as they would at home) as they naturally grow, learn and flourish