Free Range LearningWe value the importance of free play and the role it has for children’s learning. Through play, children learn and practice social literacy and make sense of the world around them. Through our learning experiences in the bush and on the farm, we see our tamariki face challenges and experience risk taking in a safe environment. The time in the forest allows them to develop all their senses and learn to respect Papatūānuku. Understanding that everybody is different, we have a range of expert kaiako that are hand-picked for their unique strengths, versatility, interests and qualifications. Our kaiako are all fully qualified in first aid.
Our School Programme - One Day Per Week and School Holidays.
Our children’s lives these days are often so busy and not every child thrives in a normal classroom environment five days a week. We believe that having a day out from their structured routine, where they are able to ‘be themselves’, grounded in nature and practicing social and practical skills with like-minded children, will benefit them immensely.
We provide an environment where children feel they have a place, where they feel a strong sense of belonging and where they can explore their passions with the support of the adults around them. At our Forest, children spend the entire day absorbed in nature. The curriculum is child led and comes purely from the child’s interests, empowering them to take the lead in their own learning.
“Ko te ahurei o te tamaiti arahia o tatou mahi - Let the uniqueness of the child guide our work.”
Our Mission.
We believe that all children are unique and come to us with their own identity and ideas about the world around them. We also believe that every child learns in their own special way, at their own rate, and show their talents and interests in a range of ways. Our aim is to give children an opportunity to immerse themselves in nature, experience opportunities for leadership and creativity and take on the role of guardians/kaitiaki of the forest.
The NZ Curriculum in our context of NatureThe Key Competencies of the NZ Curriculum were developed in response to our rapidly changing world and its rapidly changing workforce, acknowledging that the future labour market is uncertain and that we are preparing these children for jobs not yet envisaged. Coupled with the change in how knowledge is viewed with information and communication technology advancements, which means that the traditional system of educating children centred on knowledge memorization no longer has a place, as knowledge is at our fingertips at any given moment. These Competencies are instead focused on building the capabilities of young people, and encompass knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values. We are simply no longer showing children what to see, but showing them instead where to look.
Learning Alongside our Animal FriendsHaving animals that children can interact with means they can naturally take on the role of guardians/kaitiaki. Through these daily interactions with our animal friends, children are able to practice respect and empathy and are responsible for the care and wellbeing of another. This will involve upholding the basic welfare of the animals such as feeding, grooming, rearing and every part of the animal’s life span. We rear Valais Blacknose lambs, we have a miniature donkey named Lolly, a miniature horse named Spice, a miniature Riggit Galloway cow named Daphne, four sheep, two goats, lots of chickens and our beautiful Waitakaruru stream is home to numerous huge and friendly eels! They all crave love and attention (and food!) and teach our tamariki patience and care.
Or Complete one of our Kura or Holiday Programme Enrolment agreements, and call us for a tour!
For the second week of each holidays (and the final week in the Christmas Holidays) we are inviting tamariki over five years old to attend The Forest and get a taste of our fabulous programme!
