“Interactions are warm, encouraging and inclusive. Children play and learn cooperatively. Adult conversations with children are respectful and affirming.”
“The well-resourced and inviting environment is highly conducive to children’s wellbeing, exploration and engagement in learning. Children are motivated, involved and challenged. They are encouraged to make decisions, take responsibility and become independent.
Child initiated, imaginative play is very evident. Children take advantage of regular opportunities to engage in sustained independent and small group activities. Literacy and numeracy concepts are effectively integrated within the daily programme.”
“A bicultural perspective is positively reflected throughout the kindergarten. Regular use of te reo Maori and practices that incorporate tikanga Maori successfully promote Aotearoa’s dual heritage.”
Awards:
- NZ Kindergarten Cultural Award
- Heart Foundation Healthy Heart Award
- Jump Rope for Heart
“The team at Orapa Kindergarten consistently promote and support healthy heart messages in a non-judgmental, supportive and realistic manner. They ‘walk the talk’ by role modelling and being all inclusive. Orapa is an exceptional kindergarten.”
Anne Berrie: Heart Foundation Health Promotion Coordinator
“It has been an absolute pleasure reading about all of the amazing activities you have been doing around food and movement. The efforts you have made around whānau engagement and collaboration are some of the best I have seen. You should be extremely proud. Congratulations.”
Ainslie: Heart Foundation ECE Programme Manager