We believe that the opportunity to play in nature is one of the greatest gifts we can give our tamariki.  This is even more so in this fast paced, highly structured, and technologically-advanced world that we live in.

Research continues to show the many benefits to children from playing in nature, including;

• Increased self-confidence

• Resourcefulness and resilience

• Caring for the world around us

• Increased creativity and imagination

• Better ability to manage risk

• Calmer and happier temperaments

At The Wilderness, with our onsite native forest, vegetable gardens, orchard, and animal paddocks, we will provide children with ample opportunity for free-play in nature as well as some more structured learning of the world around us.  We are very excited to share this beautiful natural space with our Wilderness tamariki.

If your child is joining us in the Nursery, they will experience Primary Caregiving. At The Wilderness, our aim is to provide consistency and stability for your child and your family, as this helps to make the transition into Care so much easier. We believe that it is important that each child has a special person to care for their best interests. Your child's Key Caregiver will be there to work as an advocate for your family, and especially for your child, while they are here at The Wilderness.

Your child’s Key Caregiver will take the time to observe and really get to know your child. They will spend quality time with them and take the opportunity to learn those extra little things that other people may not notice.  This Key Caregiver will also be responsible for your child’s care moments.  Care moments are the special one-on-one times during the day. These include feeding, dressing, changing nappies, and sleeping.  We believe it is important to treasure these times, to make sure they are respectful to the child, enjoyable and unhurried.  It is during these Care moments that the relationship is developed and strengthened.

When your child turns four years old they are encouraged to gather together to participate in group experiences. These activities are aimed at helping children develop knowledge and skills that will be needed when they start school.

We also work closely with the schools in our area to ensure that your child’s transition to school is enjoyable for yourselves and your child.

It is our aim to include you in their day as much as possible.  Not only do we aim to ensure that a teacher is always available for a chat at drop off and pick up, we have also introduced Storypark (www.storypark.com) as a tool for communicating with you about your child’s learning.  

Through Storypark, you might see your little one happy at play on their first day, accomplishing that challenge of getting all the way across the monkey bars, eating up all of their nutritious lunch, or splashing in the muddy sandpit with their friends.

We know it’s the little moments that count and we will ensure that you are included in these.

As well as documenting learning on Storypark, your child will have their very own book which will be used to document your child’s learning goals, their acheivements, magic moments throughout their time at The Wilderness, and even snippets of their artwork.  The children love reading and sharing these special books, and they become a wonderful keepsake for families.

We also hold events such whanau evenings, education evenings, and celebrations where we welcome families to come in, spend some time in the Centre, and talk to the team about your child’s time at The Wilderness.