Our approach and learning
Learning through real experiences
Our approach is grounded in Te Whāriki and reflects our belief that children learn through relationships, play, exploration and meaningful experiences.
Our approach
Countless opportunities to put learning into practice.
Our 1.7-acre environment gives children countless opportunities to put their learning into practice through animals, gardening, nature, movement, food, friendships and everyday life.
Peace of mind
Safe, settled and ready to explore
Choosing childcare means trusting someone else with the person who matters most to you. You want to know your child will be safe, comforted when they need it, and understood as an individual.
At The Farmyard, caring relationships underpin our day. We take time to get to know your child's routines, interests and the little things that help them feel secure, working alongside you to help them settle and develop a sense of belonging.
Our farm environment offers room for adventure, with thoughtful supervision and guidance along the way. Whether children are caring for animals, exploring the bush or learning to climb and balance, our teachers help them discover what they can do while learning how to keep themselves and others safe. Everyday hygiene, care routines and attention to each child's needs support their health and wellbeing throughout the day.
Feeling safe also means knowing there is someone to turn to. We support children through big feelings, help them build friendships, and offer reassurance when something feels unfamiliar. We keep you informed about how your child is settling, what they are enjoying and any concerns that arise, and we welcome your questions. You should feel connected to your child's day and confident in the people caring for them.
What we focus on
Our learning priorities
- 1
Growing independence and confidence
Children are encouraged to make choices, develop self-help skills and become increasingly capable. Everyday routines, caring for animals, gardening and taking responsibility for their environment all provide opportunities to develop independence.
- 2
Social and emotional wellbeing
We support children to understand and express their emotions, build friendships, solve problems and develop resilience. We encourage children to communicate, cooperate, include others and work through challenges.
- 3
Communication, language and early literacy
Stories, songs, rhymes, conversations, storytelling and dramatic play support children's communication and early literacy. Children develop confidence through sharing ideas, asking questions and making connections.
- 4
Curiosity, thinking and problem-solving
Children are encouraged to investigate, experiment and discover. From exploring nature and life cycles to building, creating and working things out with friends, learning happens through curiosity and hands-on experiences.
- 5
Physical development and outdoor exploration
Our 1.7-acre environment provides space to run, climb, balance, move and challenge themselves. Bush walks, swimming, gymnastics and outdoor play provide rich opportunities for physical development and confidence.
- 6
Real-life experiences and pathways to school
Children learn through doing, from bread making and preparing fruit for morning tea to gardening, caring for animals and taking part in community experiences. As children approach school, we support the development of early literacy, numeracy, communication, independence, problem-solving and social skills. We also work alongside whānau to support a positive transition to school.
Learning through our environment
Learning might look like
Making bread
following instructions, measuring, communication and independence
Gardening
caring, responsibility, science and connection with nature
Caring for animals
empathy, responsibility and confidence
Bush walks
physical development, curiosity and exploration
Sharing stories
language, imagination and early literacy
Playing with friends
communication, cooperation and social development
Our days
Rhythm, storytelling and celebration
Our days include familiar rhythms and rituals that help children feel secure and connected.
Storytelling, seasonal festivals and off-to-school ceremonies are meaningful parts of our centre's culture, creating opportunities to celebrate children's growth, important milestones and their connections with one another.
Learning is everywhere, and often the most meaningful learning happens when children are simply involved in real life.
Book a tour
Come and experience it for yourself
The best way to understand what makes our centre special is to see it in action.