Our Philosophy – At Mt Eden Kindergarten, our experienced and qualified teaching team is dedicated to providing a safe and enjoyable learning environment that supports and enhances each child’s hauora—encompassing social, emotional, physical, and intellectual well-being. We are committed to fostering a friendly, inclusive, and caring culture where every individual is empowered, respected, and valued. Our goal is to uphold and enhance the mana of each child, supporting their growth, self- confidence, self-acceptance, independence, and sense of belonging.

Our Teaching Team and Curriculum – Our kaiako  (teachers) are dedicated life-long learners with a deep passion for their practice, continuously committed to personal and professional growth. We show aroha (love) to all children in our care. Our teaching approaches are inspired and guided by the principles, strands, and goals of Te Whāriki (The New Zealand Early Childhood Curriculum). We place great value on developing a local curriculum that reflects the interests and learning needs of our children, alongside the aspirations of our whānau. We acknowledge and uphold the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and actively promote bi-cultural awareness and understanding by incorporating Tikanga Māori and Te Reo Māori into our daily practices.

Our Great Outdoor Environment –  Our learning environment is vibrant and continually evolving to keep children engaged in learning. We are proud of our verdant and spacious outdoor environment that offers numerous benefits for children’s development and well-being. The lush greenery and ample space provide an ideal setting for physical activity, allowing children to engage in vigorous play and explore their surroundings with freedom. This natural setting fosters a sense of adventure and curiosity, encouraging them to connect with nature and develop a deeper appreciation for the environment. The open space also supports social interactions and collaborative play, helping children build important social skills and teamwork.

Our Resources –  Our thoughtfully curated collection of educational resources includes a diverse range of materials such as interactive learning tools, nature-inspired play equipment, and a wide selection of books and art supplies. These resources are designed to stimulate many positive learning dispositions, such as curiosity, creativity, imagination, and critical thinking. This abundance of resources not only fosters a love for learning but also empowers children to explore, experiment, and discover, laying a strong foundation for their future educational journey.

Our Community – We embrace Kotahitanga, or togetherness, by fostering reciprocal, respectful and responsive relationships between our children, their parents and whanau and the teaching team. We recognise and appreciate the valuable insights and contributions that each child and their whānau bring in to the learning community. Whanaungatanga, which emphasizes close connections and kinship, is central to our approach, guiding our collaborative efforts with children, parents, and whānau. We celebrate and integrate children’s diverse cultures, languages, and individualities, and emphasize the importance of understanding and engaging with the wider world.

EnviroSchool Programme – As an Enviroschool kindergarten, we take great pride in our profound commitment to nature. We are dedicated to cultivating a deep appreciation for and understanding of responsible and sustainable environmental practices among our tamariki, their whānau, and our own educational team. The hands-on learning experiences will enhance on children’s knowledge of sustainability, as well as actively fostering and encouraging kaitiakitanga (principles of guardianship) and tikanga (customary environmental practices).

We welcome you to visit us, we’d love to show you around our wonderful kindy.