Yendarra Kindergarten in Otara has a warm, welcoming atmosphere, embracing all children and families as part of our kindy whānau.

Proud of who we are – We see tamariki as taonga: each child being unique, with individual strengths and learning needs. We create an environment in which all children are able to express, value and embrace their own cultures and backgrounds. We respect our rich cultural diversity and incorporate this into our learning programme.

Whānau involvement – We value meaningful collaborative partnerships with our whānau/parents and we welcome and encourage families to become involved in our kindergarten programme.

Respect and role modelling – The open relationships and conversation with peers, teachers, and other adults at kindy really supports children’s learning. We have built an environment where manaakitanga (respect) is paramount, where our tamariki are encouraged to awhi and tautoko (embrace and support each other), by providing positive role modelling. We learn and embrace the concepts of Maori values such as tuakana teina (supporting older/more confident children to awhi (help) younger/less confident children) and ako (learn from each other).

Learning connections – Learning through play is at the heart of the kindy experience. Our engaging resources encourage our tamariki to explore. Our learning programme is based on the Early Childhood curriculum Te Whariki and provides experiences and activities that develop skills, knowledge and positive attitudes our children will carry through life. Our teaching team respond to children’s interests and extend on them to build further connections in their learning.

So much space for learning – We have large indoor and outdoor spaces that are fully utilised by all our whānau, tamariki, and teachers. Our generous outdoor environment allows our tamariki to grow, develop their tinana and wairua and learn from being within its diverse elements, like, Papatuanuku and Tane Mahuta. We’re proud to be part of the Enviroschools programme which helps us build a sustainable future and teach the importance and benefits of looking after our planet.

Specialist care – Our kaiako are skilled in implementing the Incredible Years Teacher Programme which supports young children with self-regulation and their social, emotional and academic competence.

We offer families 35 hours free education and care every week. We’re open 8.30am to 3.30pm, perfect for those families needing longer hours and with children at school. Contact us today, we’d love to show what we have to offer.