Our Prestons Philosophy

To Whakaaro o Mātou ki a Prestons

At Little Blue Penguin Prestons, we are dedicated to nurturing a learning environment where Māori values and principles are deeply interwoven into every aspect of our practice. We are committed to nurturing a learning environment that upholds the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

We value partnership by actively engaging with and involving whānau and the wider community in our practices, ensuring that their input and perspectives are respected and integrated into our approach.

We prioritise participation by empowering tamariki to take an active role in their learning journey, encouraging their voices and interests to shape the learning environment.

We are dedicated to protection by safeguarding the well-being and cultural identity of tamariki and their whānau, creating a safe and nurturing space where they can thrive.

We firmly believe in the holistic development of tamariki, emphasising the vital role of social-emotional competence alongside cultural foundations in their early years. Embracing the concepts of aroha (love and compassion), tuakana-teina (peer mentoring), and whanaungatanga (relationships), we are committed to fostering an inclusive space where children and their whānau can thrive, celebrating the diverse languages and cultures that contribute to our community.

By intertwining Te Reo Māori values into the essence of our service, we are determined in honouring the rich cultural identity of tamariki and their whānau. This forms the foundation for lifelong learning, respect, and understanding, deeply rooted in the concept of kaitiakitanga.

Our approach is guided by the following key principles:

Manaakitanga (Closeness and Calmness):

We honour the concept of manaakitanga by embracing an environment of warmth, inclusion, and empathy, much like kaitiakitanga embraces the role of being guardians and protectors of nature and culture.

As caregivers and educators, we take on the responsibility of nourishing and protecting the well-being and growth of tamariki, creating a nurturing atmosphere that fosters not only a sense of belonging and comfort, but also instills a deep respect and appreciation for the world around them.

Kotahitanga (Consistency):

We recognise the significance of kotahitanga in providing a stable and predictable environment for our tamariki, akin to the way kaitiakitanga emphasises the importance of caring for and upholding the balance and consistency of our environment.

By incorporating the ethos of kaitiakitanga into our practices, we ensure that the routines and rituals provided create a secure and harmonious environment, fostering trust and a sense of community, much like the relationship between a kaitiaki and the environment they care for.

Whakawhanaungatanga (Curiosity):

We value whakawhanaungatanga by inspiring tamariki to explore, question, and learn, mirroring the elements of kaitiakitanga that encourage an understanding of our interconnectedness with the world and the importance of preserving it for future generations.

By instilling a profound appreciation for diversity, inclusivity, and our environment, we strive to cultivate a sense of guardianship and responsibility within our tamariki, fostering a curiosity and desire to care for and protect the world around them.

Mana Motuhake (Confidence):

We nurture Mana Motuhake by actively empowering the self-esteem and self-efficacy of tamariki.

Just as kaitiakitanga promotes the empowerment and autonomy of individuals in caring for and preserving the environment, we aim to instill in our tamariki a strong sense of confidence and self-belief, encouraging them to take ownership of their own growth and to become guardians of their own potential while also upholding their role as stewards of the world around them.