About

Lollipops Petone children are identifiable for their resilient, confident, exploratory nature, and intellectual curiosity.  This is achieved through natural environment-based learning and uniquely New Zealand environments where children learn through Ako principles, in tune with nature and in partnership with their peers and teachers.

We believe strongly in fostering relationships between parents and whānau, working collaboratively to support their aspirations and values.  We celebrate the diversity of every culture within our centre and embrace the unique place of Māori as Tangata Whenua.  

Our spaces reflect children as being confident and capable, fostering independence, self-help skills and social competence.  We believe that learning the skills to interact and work cooperatively with others is one of the most important skills children can develop. Children are not unnecessarily interrupted, with all meal and rest times individualised and flexible.  The importance is on exploration through play and children developing the skills to identify and meet their needs for themselves.  Our programmes recognise and celebrate children’s interests and skills and learning is child led. It is based on reflective teachers who listen to and observe children, involving parents and whānau as we work in partnership to assess and evaluate teaching and learning.   

Children are empowered to lead their play and learn alongside teachers who support and provoke thinking and learning.   Rituals are incorporated into care moments to provide meaningful and personal care and learning. 

We believe that beauty and purpose within the environment promotes curiosity and exploration and respect and care is taken. 

We believe that the outdoor environment is pivotal to children’s learning, play, health and wellbeing and children have access to outdoor play in all weathers.  For the Tui and Kakapo young children this means the outdoor environment is accessible all day.