Lots of Hugs Feilding encourages children to “just be” as they learn through play. Children have a natural instinct to learn and explore by using all of their senses. Their inherent love of learning is encouraged by giving them opportunities to engage in their environment and supported by experienced and qualified educators.
Our rhythm of the day ensures that all children make a connection with the environment around them. Our days flow between waking, eating, playing, working and sleeping (depending on age group).
Te Whariki framework
Guided by Ministry of Education-approved early learning framework, our developmentally appropriate learning programmes are based on the following principles:
- Empowering children to learn and grow
- Holistic child development
- Involving family, whanau and the wider community
- Building responsive and reciprocal relationships
Age groups
We understand that all children develop at different ages and stages, so our rooms are defined through the developmental capabilities of the children within it. Our centre welcomes children between 0-5 years, with separate buildings for the under 2s and 2-5-year-olds.
Children are encouraged to interact across multiple environments at various times of the day to support their transition to the next room, and their stage of development and to allow friends and siblings to be together and share their journey.
Parents as first teachers
At Lots of Hug – Feilding, we believe parents, carers and families are the first significant and constant caregivers in children’s lives. We foster these invaluable family-to-educator relationships, allowing us to collaborate to promote positive early years education and care.
We invite parents to the centre on multiple occasions, and their child’s learning journey is regularly shared through Storypark.
Toys and resources
Suitable materials and equipment will be offered and available in well-defined areas where children engage in play. Loose parts, nature, and materials that provide open-ended opportunities will be some of the resources offered to children. Lots of Hugs supports the use of quality toys and resources that foster deep imaginative play and encourage mindfulness to also support children’s overall well-being.
Dramatic play, art, music, construction, numeracy, literacy, language, practical life and STEM will form well-defined areas in our rooms. There is also plenty of outdoor play in our generously sized and purpose-built outdoor area.