We keep our room largely undecorated, knowing that infants can easily become over-stimulated by ‘visual pollution’, and you will notice it is more homely than class-roomy. To keep up with best practice we engage in ongoing development to best understand the nature and development of this age group. We have a specialist approach to infant care that is unique to our room and based upon the simple principle of respect. Your baby will be actively listened to, responded to, and loved.

We understand that infants are driven by an innate need to self-educate, and simply require us to support their natural curiosity and exploration by ensuring that their environment offers them possibilities and opportunities. We respond quickly to their cues, assure their wellbeing and belonging, and they naturally gain confidence to learn.

Parents and family are the experts on their children, and we encourage and facilitate open communication to enable us to know your babies and their individual needs and preferences so that their care is specifically tailored to them.

Through watching, listening, copying and lots of trial and error Paua children are mastering so many new skills. Our Paua room is set up specifically with this learning in mind, with ample space and resources providing plenty of time for uninterrupted play and learning. Resources provide opportunity for children to mimic and explore ideas through imaginative play becoming mothers of their own “babies”, firefighters on their bikes, or tigers in the jungle enabling them to make sense of the world and their place within it, learning how to work with and alongside others as they play.

Paua teachers are a vital resource themselves at this highly influential age, and pride themselves in role modelling positive social interactions, encouraging language development and literacy through stories, rhyme and song as well as allowing children to copy and try out “jobs” such as gardening, animal care or baking to name a few.

Repetition is key for children of this age so resources and activities are constantly available, many of which utilize the same skills but in different contexts allowing for practice, practice, practice until our now very independent Pauas are ready to start their next journey to primary school.

Once your child turns four, we provide a special transition programme in collaboration with the new-entrant teachers of our local schools. Special attention is given to not just word recognition, numeracy and vocabulary but also concentration, working in a group and routines. We encourage aspects of learning and behaviour that will prepare them well for their move to ‘big school’.