Our Philosophy

• We aim to provide quality childcare and preschool education in an environment that is homely, safe, caring, happy and stimulating meeting the needs of each child and their whanau"
• "We use a mixture of structure, free play and carefully planned experiences in both the inside and outside environments. We also use people and places within our Peppertree and wider community to expand our children's learning environment, to inspire and nurture in children a love of and confidence to become life long learners" 
• For our full philosophy click here.

Our Programme

Our programme is based on the curriculum for early childhood centres -  Te Whaariki. We provide the children with opportunities to explore the 16 areas of play. We carefully plan our indoor and outdoor environments to meet the children's individual learning goals providing them with stimulating and fun activities.  

We decide on monthly focus's coming from the children's interests and happenings. Our monthly focuses include dress up days, excursions out into the community and carefully planned activities to extend children's learning. Each week we focus on a different letter, colour, number and shape.

Profile Books

Each child has their own profile book which is a record of their learning journey. The profile book contains learning notes, photos, milestone achievements and learning goals for each child. Learning goals are set by the parents twice each year. Teachers then use teaching strategies to support your child's learning and development to meet goals. Progress and outcomes are documented.

We are also recording your child’s learning online through “Storypark”.  Using Storypark you will be able to contribute to your child’s Learning Portfolio.  You are also able to invite other people, especially extended family members to view and contribute to your child’s Portfolio. 

Transition to School Programme

At Peppertree we work to ensure your child's transition to school is as smooth as possible by fostering independence, and encouraging children to take responsibility for themselves and their belongings.

In the mornings the older children's mini group focuses on ensuring the children are ready for school. We work on the five key concepts of maths, literacy, self help skills, social skills and children's choice.  

We have good relationships with the local primary schools and are part of the North Canterbury Early Liason Group where new entrant teachers and Early Childhood Teachers meet regularly.

Enviroschools

We are proud to have bronze Enviroschool awards at both Peppertree and Little Peppertree.  As part of this we believe in respecting Aotearoa and our environment as well as our resources and each other.

Our curriculum includes projects around sustainability and caring for our environment- this includes our vege and flower gardens, recycling and rubbish, worm farms and our hens.