Our curriculum is based on Te Whāriki, New Zealand’s Early Childhood Curriculum.

Makuru mātā me he pītau huruwhenua - like the unfurled frond

This whakataukī refers to the unfurling of the fern frond, a symbol for renewal, growth and the realisation of potential Whippersnappers Philosophy At Whippersnappers we acknowledge Te Tiriti o Waitangi as the founding document of Aotearoa, New Zealand. By embracing and celebrating our own cultural history, we are able to recognise and celebrate the cultural values of others in the multi-cultural nation that New Zealand is becoming. As such our Philosophy is guided by the values of our local community, whānau, kaiako and Te Taumutu Rūnanga 

Makuru mātā - The Abundant Water Fern Māori name gifted to Whippersnappers by Te Taumutu Rūnanga and the Ruahikihikitanga Portfolio Found from the coast to the apline range, ferns are a significant influencer in the forest dynamics, providing an important function in the nutrient cycle. Mātā or water ferns are the primary coloniser of disturbed land, clearings caused by tree falls or animal damage. A tall bracken-like fern, the young fronds of the Mātā fern are hairless and are a distinctive bluish-green colour. The fronds turn red-brown with age, There is early evidence that the mātā was used as a poultice for skin wounds. Mātā were present in abundance across the early landscape of the Canterbury Plains. They, along with other varieties of fern, formed the undergrowth beneath dense canopy of trees. Makuru Māta recognises theimportant role the water fern plays in providing cover and nutrition to the whenua, much like the role of Whippersnappers to nurture and grow the young inquisitive minds of the new generation. Although delicate in its for, the mātā fern is a hardy plant which is able to adapt and flourish in diverse situations. 

Manaakitanga - is hospitality, acknowledgement, showing respect, care, sympathy and empathy Whākana ki ō manuhiri i tō kāinga - Mana is upheld through fulfilling roles and responsibility We see each child as a competent and confident learner, we value the uniqueness and individuality that they contribute to our service, their whānau and the community. Through our play-based curriculum encompassing the principles and strands of Te whāriki, we are able to follow the child’s interests which guides their learning and development. We aim to support each child to reach their full potential and instill a lifelong passion of learning. 

Whanaungatanga - is ancestral, historical, traditional spiritual and kinship ties, the extended family and relationships Mā te tuakana e tika ai te teina, mā te teina e tika ai te tuakana - Through relationships and respect we can find the way forward We have established and maintain strong links within our local Whippersnappers whānau and our wider community. We actively seek ways we can engage our extended whānau and community and greatly value their participation and contribution, valuing the knowledge and wisdom they are able to share with us. 

Tiakitanga - is to guard, tend, watch for, care, protect conserve and look after He tītī whakaia tahi - The muttonbird is fed only once, make the most of what you have The natural environment and sustainability are both important aspects of our programme as well as the Envirotown that we proudly call our community. Tamariki are encouraged to become kaitiaki, taking part in caring for our place through their physical actions and practicing mindfulness. We value papatuānuku and encourage respectful harvesting of the crops grown here at Whippersnappers to share with whānau, tamariki and the community. 

Aroha - is love, compassion, empathy, selflessness, tolerance and goodwill Aroha ki te Tangata. Aroha tētahi ki tētahi - Love to the people. Love to one another Aroha is at the core of all we value at Whippersnappers and is constantly displayed in the responsive, reciprocal interactions between kaiako and tamariki.. The daily curriculum is also grounded by aroha as tamariki navigate social and emotional development guided by kaiako that promote the holistic development of all tamariki with compassion, respect and care. 

Kotahitanga - is solidarity, unity, shared aims. Ko te toa i a tini, i a mano o te takata - It is the bravery of a multitude, of thousands of people united. We recognise the importance of a shared vision for tamariki and whānau. Kaiako ensure all steps are taken to maintain the mana of our tamariki and their whānau and emphasise working together toward a shared goal. Partnership, collaboration and unity are at the heart of interactions, planning and assessment during each tamaiti learning journey at Whippersnappers. 

Primary Caregiving

Whippersnappers offer Primary Caregiving for all children. A ‘Primary Caregiver’ is the child’s special teacher. Primary Caregivers are responsible for the child’s care routines, observations, discussions with families and setting appropriate learning objectives in partnership with families.

This does not mean that the child and their primary caregiver maintain an exclusive relationship. However, the primary caregiver becomes the in-centre expert on the child, within the team, and holds responsibility for providing consistent care in a way that maximises the potential for learning in all experiences. This allows a strong and secure attachment between child and primary caregiver to develop, and helps the child to gain a positive sense of self worth.

Each child is assigned a primary caregiver before they start their pre-visits. Each primary caregiver has a focus group consisting of approximately 4 or 5 children.

Each primary caregiver has an assigned buddy. A buddy is another teacher who works alongside the primary caregiver with their focus group of children. The buddy knows the children and their routines to ensure the child’s needs are met at times when the primary caregiver is unavailable.

When an infant or toddler starts at the Nursery School they have their needs met foremost by their primary caregiver and then by their buddy teacher in order for them to establish a strong bond from the beginning. 

If a child has a preference to a particular teacher after a primary caregiver is assigned, changes may be made to acknowledge and respect this child’s feelings.

Infant and toddler’s care routines are special times which allow opportunities for valuable teaching and learning. It is important that these special times are uninterrupted therefore staff will be flexible throughout the day (prioritising children’s needs, parents needs and break times) to enable consistent care for each individual child. 

Primary caregivers recognise learning and plan for each individual within the group, ensuring positive experiences for the child within the programme.

Within the team is a support system incorporating consistent primary caregivers who all know the children well and support their team members when needed.

As part of Whippersnappers’ primary caregiving system relief teachers unfamiliar to the children will not participate in care routines. Relievers are encouraged to interact with the children and will support the teaching team with the daily housekeeping tasks.

A caring and nurturing environment is provided for our infants and toddlers. We recognise that each child’s emotional security is paramount and that this directly affects their learning and development. We therefore strive to maintain a peaceful and unhurried environment. Our daily routine is relaxed and flexible, allowing for each child’s home routines to be followed as much as possible. This maximizes consistency and continuity and eases the transition between home and centre.