Supporting All Our Learners
At Kidlywinks, we believe in the power of mixed-age learning. Unlike new, modern centres where children are often grouped by age, we mix all ages in our play spaces, just like a real family. We believe children learn best when they have the opportunity to interact with others of varying ages. Older tamariki naturally take on mentoring roles, while younger tamariki are inspired by their peers, fostering empathy, cooperation, and confidence. This dynamic environment encourages social skills, problem-solving, and a strong sense of community.
Infants
At Kidlywinks, we are passionate about providing exceptional care for our infants in a warm, nurturing environment. We prioritise consistency by ensuring all our teachers are highly trained in infant care and can seamlessly support each other, creating a stable and familiar experience for your child. Inspired by the philosophies of Emmy Pickler and Magda Gerber, we incorporate key elements of RIE (Resources for Infant Educarers) into our daily routines. This approach is grounded in respect for each infant, taking the time to communicate our actions and offering plenty of opportunities for free movement, allowing them to develop physical skills at their own pace. Our goal is to support your infant’s growth and independence in a calm, thoughtful, and responsive way.
Toddlers
At Kidlywinks, we place a strong emphasis on uninterrupted playtime for our toddlers, allowing them the freedom to explore, learn, and grow at their own pace. With plenty of child-directed, open-ended play opportunities, toddlers can develop their senses, physical skills, and social competencies in a safe and fun environment. Our mixed-age setting provides unique opportunities for toddlers to nurture and support younger tamariki, while also encouraging their independence and risk-taking in a positive, guided way. Daily water play, messy play, and art experiences keep our toddlers engaged, fostering creativity and supporting their learning to reach their fullest potential.
Preschool
At Kidlywinks, we recognise the importance of preparing our tamariki for the transition to school. That’s why we invite all our four-year-olds to participate in Preschool Time every day after lunch. During this dedicated time, our experienced teachers work closely with the children, helping them develop the key skills needed for school readiness, including literacy, numeracy, and social abilities. This focused time also allows us to identify any gaps in their learning or areas where they may need extra support, ensuring that each child feels confident and prepared for the next step in their educational journey.