Keeping up with a changing world

It’s what’s on the inside that counts. A sense of belonging reflected in your environment is really important.

As our communities grow more diverse, we change and adapt our practices to suit – whether it’s about understanding different cultures, recognising ways to support those children with additional learning needs, or accommodating new whānau who need extra support.

Alongside this, it’s sometimes necessary to shine a light on our own procedures and ways of doing things, looking at how we respond to challenges within early childhood education and how we can be more adaptable and imaginative in our actions.

Kidsfirst Bush Street performed a comprehensive review of their environment and practices to ensure they were genuinely meeting the needs of their community.

By creating more opportunities for those children with additional learning needs and their whānau, as well as ensuring the environment and day-to-day kindergarten routines were accepting of all types of tamariki, the kindergarten team were able to provide an space where barriers to participation are reduced, and a learning environment that supports all learners.

The kindergarten has always fostered a learning culture of respect and belonging, helping tamariki at the beginning of their learning journey to understand that they are valued and included.

Through implementations of positive behaviour, as well as the kaiako’s own professional development, the team was able to instigate a social model of inclusion, and stay adaptable even after their work, to ensure that every learner is given an equal opportunity to learn at their own pace.

Kidsfirst Bush St were Highly Commended in the 2023 Kidsfirst Values Awards.

Every year Kidsfirst Kindergartens celebrate the individuals, kindergartens and teaching teams who have showcased our values in their mahi, with their generosity, hard work and enthusiasm for what we stand for and believe in.