Rōpū Tiaki Tamaiti – College Centre

Rōpū Tiaki Tamaiti – College Centre provides education and care for children 0–5 years in a mixed age group setting with a maximum of 32 children at staffing ratios of 1:4 for under two-year-olds and 1:8 for over two-year-olds.
The different strengths that our 7 kaiako bring to the Centre complement each other to enrich the learning environment.

Our philosopy

Rōpū Tiaki Tamaiti – College Centre is a warm, nurturing learning environment for all tamariki and whānau.

Our caring, friendly, and professional kaiako encourage all whānau and tamariki to become active participants within our supportive learning community.

We honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi by using te reo me ana tikanga Māori in our everyday practice. We value the diverse cultures of our community and strive to acknowledge and celebrate these authentically within our learning environment.

All tamariki have a key kaiako, who sensitively observes and responds to individual needs and interests, planning the environment and programme accordingly. As communication between home and the centre is paramount, we share information frequently between whānau and kaiako, often seeking whānau aspirations to guide us. Daily routines are determined by both the natural rhythm of the tamaiti and their home routine, and are flexible to the ever changing needs of the tamariki. Through our key kaiako system, we strive to ensure that tamariki feel that they are seen, heard, and understood. Our team works together to create a predictable environment that facilities learning and play.

Learning at Rōpū Tiaki Tamaiti – College Centre

All tamariki are viewed as capable, able to move freely and safely throughout our environment, and make their own choices. This enables them to learn with and alongside each other at their own pace.

Tamariki have purposeful kaiako listening, interacting, supporting ideas, finding resources required to extend their thinking and play. The interests of tamariki are visible throughout the programme and documented in their portfolios. Kaiako respond respectfully to tamariki with their best interests in mind.

We aspire to add complexity to the learning of tamariki as they explore their world and make discoveries, becoming independent lifelong learners.

Kai

Our cook prepares nutritious kai for the tamariki. Tamariki sit in small groups with a kaiako at the table, kaiako will hold tamariki who are not yet sitting independently.

The menu is displayed on the wall to your right as you enter the main room, it is updated at the beginning of each week and the menus are on a 6-week cycle. If your child has any special dietary requirements, please discuss this with the cook who works 10am–2pm or a kaiako.

Read the latest Rōpū Tiaki Tamaiti – College Centre ERO report