Sustainability – Sustainability is a key focus at Laingholm Kindergarten – we were runners-up in the Auckland Community Zero Waste Awards in the ‘Power of the People’ category! We participate in the Enviroschools programme and have achieved Green-Gold status. This programme aims to create a healthy, peaceful and sustainable world through people teaching and learning together. Laingholm Kindergarten fosters strong links to the local community, which is deeply embedded within our philosophy. We are proud of our Green – Gold status and work hard to support our community in many sustainable practices.

Our environment – We have an amazing, expansive outdoor play area providing children with natural areas to explore. We venture outside every day as the outside is a classroom without walls, where children learn about the natural world and opportunities for risk and challenge are promoted.

Our Kaiako/Teachers – Our Kaiako support learning through play by noticing, recognising and responding to children’s experiences to support their learning and build on their strengths and interests. Kaiako are skilled in delivering the Incredible Years Kaiako programme which supports children with self-regulation and their social, emotional and academic competence. Kaiako are also skilled in implementing the Engage programme which helps increase children’s resilience.

Whānau/Family – Family and community are an integral part of the experience at Laingholm Kindergarten, and we encourage parents and whānau to be involved in every possible way. From filing art work, taking a mat time, joining us on excursions or running a fundraising event, there are loads of ways to get involved in kindy life. We respect our children’s home cultures and enjoy celebrating significant cultural days with whānau. We value different ways of knowing and being and celebrate the many diverse cultures and the differing generations of our family and community.

Learning platform – We delight in providing a rich and challenging environment where tamariki can explore and lead their own learning. Kaiako have developed a strong bi-cultural curriculum and place a high value on upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We embrace Te Ao Māori and Ao Mārama and value Māori concepts such as Tuakana Teina, where older and younger children learn from each other. This is deeply embedded within the teaching team and tamariki and is encouraged throughout the day.

Ready for school – We have a well-rounded transition to school programme, that fosters the importance of friendships and connection with our local schools. Tamariki join our Tuakana Rōpu around six months prior to them starting school or when a place becomes available. Being in Tuakana Rōpū means that once a week for a period of half an hour, tamariki take part in a tailor-made programme to prepare and aide their transition to school.

Our Kindergarten has a strong focus on environmental education, sustainability and intergenerational relationships. We are community minded and above all love having fun. We welcome you to come and visit us, we’d love to show you around.