A forest/ woodland environment is a perfect place for children to play freely, explore their imaginations and to gain a sense of freedom, learning through play and using nature as their teacher.  We work to ensure our programme aligns seamlessly with our National curriculum, Te Whāriki, our own local curriculum - created by families and teachers for the children who work and play within our context, and the philosophy, vision and values of The Forest ECE.

Children are encouraged to follow their interests, extend their own learning and gain skills through real life hands on experiences.   We provide an environment where children feel safe to explore their ideas with the guidance of registered ECE teachers that are also Nature Programme qualified (Archimedes Forest School, Level Three). Being outside, the learners are exposed to the elements, the flora and fauna, and gain an understanding and respect for the natural world.  We aim to be educating the next kaitiaki (guardians of the land) that will help ensure a healthy future for all New Zealanders.  

Nature play provides learners with opportunities to test and extend themselves physically, emotionally and cognitively.  No two days are the same, and thus tamariki are provided with opportunities that strengthen their confidence in their abilities, their resilience and their perseverance, as they become independent and creative learners. 

The weather systems alone provide endless opportunities for learning.   Whether the day provides wet, cold, hot, sunny, foggy, icy, frosty, dusty - the landscape constantly evolves to provide new resources and inspiration to investigate and and environment that is limited only by their imaginations which is of course the ultimate resource!

The forest has endless open ended learning opportunities - there are no screens, toys or other stimuli in the forest.  The children create their games and toys using the loose parts they find to extend their own interests.   We learn to safely use tools - knives for whittling, ropes for knot tying, axes and saws for cutting, shovels for digging.  

This holistic approach to education teaches children as  whole - fostering cognitive, physical, social, emotional and spiritual development.  Come join the fun!