Early Learning Regional News – April 2016

• Tai Tokerau
• Auckland
• Waikato
• Bay of Plenty - Waiariki
• Hawke’s Bay, Gisborne
• Taranaki, Whanganui, Manawatu
• Wellington
• Nelson, Marlborough, West Coast
• Canterbury
• Otago, Southland

Tai Tokerau regional update

Kia ora koutou

It’s April already and we are experiencing the seasonal changes. Enjoy these with the tamariki and whānau you work with.

• Welcome to a new centre, Blessings for Life – Kaitaia. Blessings for Life received a TAP3 Ministry of Education grant from the 2015 funding round and we join them in celebrating their new operation in Kaitaia with a focus on engaging children not currently enrolled in early childhood education (ECE).
• Welcome to Ahi Ka Home-based Childcare, also beginning operation in the Far North.
• We also welcome 2 new Playgroups:
• Te Puna Reo o Te Mangawhai – this puna has set up in Mangawhai with support from Plunket to help whānau and tamariki learn Te Reo me Tikanga Māori
• SPACE Northland – this Playgroup has set up in Tikipunga, Whangarei to work particularly alongside parents and very young children.
• Take time to read the information in this and previous Early Learning Bulletins about legislative changes. If you want any support in understanding the requirements under the new Vulnerable Children Act 2014, Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 or the Food Act 2014 contact one of our team. If you haven’t done it already, it is time to update your policies to ensure they line up with the new requirements.
• You will be reading and hearing conversations about COLs – Communities of Learning. We have 2, one in the Far North and one in Kaikohe, which have been approved and are working on their achievement challenges. We are expecting more to be established this year. COLs are set up to support students to have success through their educational pathway, which includes ECE. You can access more information on Communities-of-schools-making-a-difference.

We are looking at professional development opportunities for ECE involvement in COLs, so watch out for the email to your service detailing this information.

Tip of the month from our Special Education team

"Communication is much more than words. It is the way we connect and interact with people. It is part of our identity and culture. It helps us to learn, interact with others and to make friends. The hand model is a good reminder of the importance of providing a language-rich environment for the tamariki we engage and work with.”

Pukapuka Party – Bream Bay

Saturday 12 March saw the Bream Bay community of Tai Tokerau come together at the Ruakaka Village Green for a Pukapuka Party, a celebration of literacy.

Children of all ages took part, filling their Pukapuka Passports with stamps by participating in literacy-focused activities at the participating tents.

Education was well represented with early childhood services and schools from the Bream Bay area in attendance, as well as a number of staff from the Ministry.

The Ministry tent offered activities for the children to choose from including magnet fishing for letters to match or spell out words, making and talking about a floor puzzle, through to nail painting and colour conversations.

The children chatted about their experiences in early childhood and school during the activities, and were able to choose a book to take home before they moved onto the next tent.

Older students were also catered for with conversations about their high school experiences and they received NCEA puzzle packs.
Once participants had completed their passports, they made their way to the Passport Control tent to receive a free literacy-based activity pack.

The day was a huge success, and the Bream Bay community should be very proud of their commitment to literacy for all ages.

Ngā mihi
Hira Gage
Director of Education Tai Tokerau
Phone: 09 436 8914

Email: hira.gage@education.govt.nz

Auckland regional update

Director’s message

Well done, and thank you to the 59 ECE services and kōhanga reo the Education Review Office (ERO) evaluated as being well placed or very well placed to provide quality early learning for their children in the Auckland region up to the end of March this year. Below are 2 examples of the great work teachers, educators, kaiako, management and leaders are doing.

Junior Junction Lunn Ave

Teachers skilfully support children to access and plan their own learning through encouraging independent thinking, curiosity and creativity. Children see themselves as explorers and are confident learners. They have ownership of their play and their input is encouraged and valued by teachers.

Children are well supported to develop their social competencies. They negotiate with their peers, have respectful social skills and play collaboratively. They confidently initiate conversations and ask questions. As a result, children are able to successfully interact and support each other’s play.

Te Kōhanga Reo o Tahuri Mai

There is a strong focus on te reo and te ao Māori in children’s learning and development. Children are confident, active learners. Quality staff and effective management are features of this kōhanga reo. Children receive quality care and education.

Isabel Evans
Director of Education Auckland
Phone: 09 632 9333

Email: isabel.evans@education.govt.nz

Waikato regional update

Director’s message

Kia ora. Nei rā te mihi ki a koutou.

I hope that this month finds you are all well as the days begin to get a bit chillier. Long may the sun continue to shine!

The new Food Act 2014 has now come into effect. There is some information about these requirements on our website. The Ministry for Primary Industries has also developed guidance for early learning services.

Our licensing and certification criteria guidance have recently been updated as a result of the Vulnerable Children Act 2014. Our licensing and certification staff will also use updated licensing and certification forms if they visit your early learning service. Have a look at the most up-to-date information on our website:

• Vulnerable Children Act information
• Updated criteria and guidance for early learning services

The Hamilton Children’s Team has been receiving a large number of referrals from the education sector. If you are worried about a child, I encourage you to get in touch with the Vulnerable Children’s Hub on 0800 FOR OUR KIDS (0800 367 687). The Hamilton Children’s Team has responsibility for ensuring that children and young people across Hamilton, who may be vulnerable, get the best service from the collective of agencies and providers that are working with and for them. You can also find more information on the Children’s Action Plan website.

If you would like me to come and visit your service I would love to do so. Please get in touch with me at paula.rawiri@education.govt.nz or on 027 280 8206.

Paula Rawiri
Director of Education Waikato
Phone: 07 850 8924
Email: paula.rawiri@education.govt.nz

Pasifika Playgroups

In 2013, the K’aute Pasifika Trust received Targeted Assistance for Participation funding to establish 5 Playgroups in Hamilton City. Here is a short report from 3 of the Playgroups.

Our Tongan Playgroup (pictured above) has grown in success. We were blessed to have Mele and Lesieli dedicate themselves to lead our group in 2015. We have the strong support of some parents like Ofa and grandparents as well. Our Tongan children have grown in the learning of their language and culture as Lesieli has taught them songs, colours, numbers and dances. We have seen children grow in confidence and, like a butterfly, shown us how beautiful they are when they spread their wings and try new learning opportunities.

In May 2015 we started our Fijian Playgroup (pictured above). Our Fijian community were very excited about having their own Playgroup. It has been so successful that in term 4 a second session was started. The group has a shared leadership focus with Gade, Mereia and Ana taking responsibility to teach the children numbers, colours, songs and dances in Fijian. It has been great to watch the children explore the resources available at Playgroups. They have learned the art of imaginative play as they feed their babies and make cups of tea for the adults.

Our Samoan Playgroup (pictured above) has seen some of our older children head off to other early learning services. It is great to know that this Playgroup has offered these children a good foundation for the next stage in their learning. We now have lots of babies in our group. We were blessed to have the services of Mativa who taught our children many songs, finger rhymes, numbers and colours. Upulasi has taken over the facilitator’s role and is showing great dedication. Our Kiribati group has decreased in numbers due to parents returning to work. So, we bring our one Kiribati child to the Samoan Playgroup.

We had a joint celebration with all our Playgroups for our Christmas break up (pictured above). We met at Claudelands Park and enjoyed watching the performances that each group did. Watching our Pasifika people enjoying each other’s culture and company reminded us why a Pasifika childcare service would work so well. Pasifika people appreciate the same things like humour, food, dance and togetherness. What a richness all these qualities would bring a Pasifika early learning service.

Ministry of Education – Waikato courses and workshops 2016

Over the next few weeks we will be holding a series of workshops about the neuroscience of the baby’s brain through a Māori cultural framework and responding to the needs of Māori learners. These seminars will be offered in Taumarunui, Tokoroa, Huntly and Ngāruawahia. The Huntly seminar will be held on 28 April 2016 at The Hub, Harris Street. The Ngāruawahia seminar will follow on 29 April 2016. Dates are yet to be confirmed for the Taumarunui and Tokoroa seminars. If you would like more information on these seminars please contact Pixie Macalister at pixie.macalister@education.govt.nz.

‘Child Protection – Sexualised Behaviour’– a number of these courses are currently being facilitated and there is a lot of interest in this topic. There will be a seminar in Waihi on 9 May 2016 for teachers from early learning services and schools in that area. The seminar will be held at the Waihi Central School. Invitations with further details will be sent out shortly. Please register your interest for this course with Phillippa Clarkson at phillippa.clarkson@education.govt.nz.

‘Special Education Courses’ – there is something for everyone in May.A range of courses are being run by Ministry of Education staff including Positive Management of Challenging Behaviour, Talk to Learn, Managing a Traumatic Incident, Assistive Technology iPad Bitsboard PRO and Inclusion of Children with Hearing Loss in Early Childhood Settings – what more could you ask for? Enrol now! Queries to Ann Luxton on 07 867 9520.

2016 MOE Waikato Courses

Bay of Plenty–Waiariki regional update

Director’s message

Talofa lava and kia ora koutou

Last month I talked about a range of initiatives including our TAP 3 (Targeted Assistance for Participation) spend. I had hoped that I would be able to tell you the names of the successful recipients this month, but we have had a number of delays so you will have to wait until next month.

We recently held our first Cross Sector Ministerial Forum for this year. The feedback I have had from members of the forum is that it was a very good meeting. Representing early learning on this forum are David Mudford from New Shoots, Michela Homer from BestStart and Rosina Taniwha from Te Rito Maioha Early Childhood New Zealand.

At the forum I shared the Minister’s priorities for education in 2016:

• Investing in Educational Success (Communities of Learning or COLs)
• Improved student-centred pathways
• Strengthening inclusion
• Strengthening 21st century practice for teaching and learning
• Reviewing the Education Act 1989
• Reviewing the funding systems for early childhood education (ECE) and schooling.

Coupled with our regional priorities:

• Aligning our teams to work smarter
• Increase participation in early learning
• Increase achievement in NCEA level 2 including equity for Māori and Pasifika
• Increase number of COLs and approved achievement challenges
• Strengthening inclusive practice
• Ensuring effective network provision for the future – focus on Tauranga.

These priorities provide us with some very real and exciting challenges and opportunities. I welcome your ideas and suggestions on how together we can achieve these priorities. I know that many of you will be very interested in the review of the funding systems – there will be opportunity for you to feedback into this review. I will let you know the process for that when the time comes.

Jon Dimock and Merle Ramsay from this office met with early learning services within Papamoa. This group of services is coming together to discuss how they can collectively become involved in the Papamoa COL. The group also invited a representative from Nga Potiki a Tamapahore who spoke about the education aspirations of Nga Potiki. Thank you Michela Homer from BestStart, who is taking the lead in organising this group. If you would like to have a similar meeting please don’t hesitate to contact Merle Ramsay who is our Lead Advisor for COLs (email merle.ramsay@education.govt.nz or phone 07 349 7397).

We also held a Special Education Update meeting in Tauranga. This meeting provided an opportunity for members of the education community to hear about the major themes from the Special Education Update and for them to provide further feedback. Ministry staff from our national office were impressed with the range of sectors represented and the number of people attending – well done early learning.

If you have questions about anything in this Bulletin, don’t hesitate to talk with Aroha, Gina, Jon, Renee, Chrissy or Michelle in the first instance. Also, if you are doing something special which you would like me to know about please don’t hesitate to make direct contact with me at the email address below.

Ngā mihi

Ezra Schuster
Director of Education Bay of Plenty – Waiariki
Phone: 07 349 8309
Email: ezra.schuster@education.govt.nz

Hawke’s Bay, Gisborne regional update

Referrals to the Ministry of Education Early Childhood Services

The work of the Special Education Early Childhood Services at the Ministry of Education is about informing and supporting families and teachers to be the main support for a child with special education needs. Our aim is to support the child’s participation alongside their peers. Early intervention staff interview parents and teachers, and together they draw up a plan for support.

We work closely with the Child Development Service workers and staff at the Hawke’s Bay District Health Board, the B4 School Check Coordinator, Plunket, audiology professionals and paediatricians.

We generally accept referrals for children who are in early learning settings from 3 years of age onwards, but this can be earlier. If you wish to make a referral, please discuss this with parents and gain their permission.

If you think a child may need a service from us, we are more than happy to talk with you to determine whether or not a referral is necessary or appropriate.

Please phone Lyn Kerr on 06 831 0671 to discuss referrals in general terms.

Marilyn Scott
Director of Education Hawke’s Bay, Tairāwhiti
Phone: 06 833 6898
Email: Marilyn.scott@education.govt.nz

Taranaki, Whanganui, Manawatu regional update

Director’s message

Ngā mihi mahana ki a koutou katoa.

This month we held the first of 3 sector forums in New Plymouth. There was a fantastic turnout, with close to 100 people attending from across the Taranaki region. Participants heard about the Ministry’s priorities and our progress towards 98% of all children attending early learning before starting school.

Raewyne Bary from the Massey Child Care Centre was the guest speaker. The Massey Child Care Centre was a finalist in the 2015 Prime Ministers Education Excellence Award. Raewyne shared the service’s leadership journey and her learnings on being a leader. I am sure that different aspects of Raewyne’s messages resonated for many participants. For me, the messages about developing a learning community were of particular interest, as schools and early childhood services move toward developing Communities of Learning. Her discussion points on this aspect of leadership were based on: strong relationships, leadership, creativity, trust, high levels of communication, active participation, empowerment and respect.

The next forum will be:

• Palmerston North, 10 May 2016. Theme – Continuity of Learning
• Whanganui, 11 May 2016. Theme – Self Review.

I look forward to meeting many of you at these forums.

National Quality Improvements Collaborative

In November 2015, the Ministry of Education invited 12 ECE services from across our region to participate in a year-long national project. This is aimed at increasing participation and attendance in quality early learning settings using an improvement methodology. Ko Awatea (Counties Manukau Health) and the Ministry of Education are working together to support the delivery of this project.

In March 2016, our 12 services joined others from around the country for a hui at Ko Awatea in Auckland to engage in professional learning and share their successes since implementing the improvement methodology. Aramoho Kindergarten, Barsanti Kindergarten, Durie Hill Kindergarten, Bright Beginnings Childcare Centre-Hatrick Street, Hundred Acre Pre-School, Top Kids Victoria Avenue, Top Kids Harrison Street, Stepping Stones Early Learning Centre, Top Kids South Road, Top Kids Pacey Avenue, Hawera Kindergarten and Cherish Childcare represented our region well.

It was great to hear the strategies these services have adopted to increase participation and attendance at their services and how they are making a difference for children, whānau and the wider community. You can find more information on the project and Ko Awatea at their website: http://koawatea.co.nz/.

Please contact me on 021 229 7685 or email jann.marshall@education.govt.nz if you wish to discuss any issues or ideas. I look forward to hearing from you.

Ngā mihi

Jann Marshall
Director of Education Taranaki, Whanganui, Manawatu
Phone: 06 349 6352
Mobile: 021 229 7685

Email: jann.marshall@education.govt.nz

Wellington regional update

Director’s message

Tēnā koutou

At the end of March I began my new role as Director for Education, Wellington. It’s a real privilege to be here and be part of the great work that is happening across our region.

First, I want to thank all of you for the work you do every day to make our children’s lives better. I am well aware of the important role that quality early childhood education (ECE) makes to the life of a child. I want to acknowledge the work you have done to ensure children in the Wellington region have a chance to access high quality early learning.

I have spent the last 3 years working closely with Peter Hughes, Secretary for Education, as his Chief Advisor. I want to bring what I have learnt from Peter and work in partnership with the regional office. I’m looking forward to building an even greater understanding in more detail of our work.

In this Bulletin, I have included 2 stories that demonstrate the importance of working collaboratively in the early learning space if we are to achieve the results we want. We want this to result in increased ECE participation and achievement, particularly for our Māori and Pasifika children.

Interconnectedness and collaboration are central to the underlying principles of Te Whāriki, ie, empowerment, holistic development, family and community, and relationships.

Please feel free to contact me directly by email suze.strowger@education.govt.nz at any time or by mobile on 027 229 4009. I will reply to every email I get directly. It may not be straight away, but you will get a reply from me.

Early Learning Provider Forum

Pauline Cleaver, the outgoing Director for Education Wellington, welcomed a gathering at Pataka Museum in Porirua on Friday 18 March as part of an Early Learning Provider Forum.

Representatives from across key agencies and the early childhood sector came together to celebrate the Wellington region’s overall achievement of 98% participation in quality ECE. While this is a great achievement it was also acknowledged that the participation rates for Māori and Pasifika children, currently sitting at 96.3% and 96% respectively, still require our collective effort to reach the government target of 98%.

Hon Hekia Parata, Minister of Education, was a guest speaker at this event. Tamariki from the Porirua Whānau Centre’s ECE welcomed her with the beautiful waiata – Te Aroha. The Minister reiterated the importance of ECE and the powerful effects this has for families over their lifespan and future generations.

At the end of her address the Porirua Whānau Centre children sent her enthusiastically on her way with their own especially choreographed haka.

Photo: Hon Hekia Parata, Minister of Education, with tamariki from the Porirua Whānau Centre’s ECE.

The remainder of the event involved a Panel Forum made up of:

• Dr Pat Tuohy, Chief Advisor, Child and Youth Health, Ministry of Health
• Kerry-Leigh Dougall, Manager Māori Section, Nākū Ēnei Tamariki
• Olivia Tubb, Advisor, Child Material Hardship Project, Ministry of Social Development
• Chris Rice, B4 School Check Coordinator, Plunket
• Diana Cruse, mother/ECE Educator, Carterton.

Jilly Tyler, Director, Early Learning Taskforce moderated the panel to answer the question, “How can agencies work better together for educational outcomes?”

Topics were debated including the Strength and Difficulties (SDQ) questionnaires as part of the Ministry of Health’s B4 School Check, how to engage hard-to-reach children, the Work and Income eligibility criteria for an ECE subsidy, and the future of the Engaging Priority Families (EPF) initiative.

It was clear there is more work to do so that health, education and social agencies can work together for better educational outcomes.

Communities of Learning

Investing in Education Success (IES) is a government initiative focused on lifting student achievement. One of the strategies of IES is the formation of Communities of Learning (COLs), which provide exciting and innovative opportunities for education-focused communities to work together to strengthen seamless educational pathways. To date, the Minister has approved 8 COLs in our region. The areas these are located in include Porirua, Horowhenua, Dannevirke, Pahiatua and Lower Hutt.

In response to developing COLs, we are implementing a Strengthening Early Learning Opportunities (SELO) project that will focus on continuity of learning, including strengthening transitions between ECE services and local schools. The project will be developed and implemented over the next few months, prioritising areas where there are existing COLs. So watch the space, and if you receive an invitation to participate in this project please ensure you take the opportunity to do so.

Being more mindful of a child’s journey prior to school will assist in a school’s transition process. It will also encourage them to know who their feeder ECE services are so that they can better cater for the needs of children when they arrive at school.

COLs, both formally and informally, encapsulate all the variables that we know make a big difference to achievement over the course of a child’s life. Let our region embrace the opportunities that COLs bring.

Find more information about COLs on our website.

Ngā mihi

Suze Strowger
Director of Education Wellington
Phone: 04 463 8668
Mobile: 027 229 4009
Email: suze.strowger@education.govt.nz

Nelson, Marlborough, West Coast regional update

No update this month.

Canterbury regional update

Director’s message

Kia ora.

The first term of the year is always a busy one, with a significant number of events. The annual Canterbury sPACIFICally PACIFIC Polyfest recently took place in Christchurch. It was great to see students on stage in their dazzling costumes with their impressive dance routines. There were many highlights at the festival and along with the amazing performances, the sun was shining, and the community was out in force to celebrate the awesome Pasifika entertainment and delicious food in a Pasifika village atmosphere.

The child protection sessions held recently have proved very useful. The ‘How to recognise and deal with children and young persons exposed to or at risk of abuse’ workshop was a joint initiative of the Ministry of Education, Child, Youth and Family, and Police, with the Christchurch Children’s team co-presenting with us. For those of you who were unable to attend, we will be scheduling more sessions throughout the year and invitations will be sent to services.

Ekea Te Pae Kahukura

‘Ascend the heights of excellence’

Mātauraka Mahaanui brings together people from education, rūnanga and community organisations to represent collective ‘mana whenua’ Papatipu Rūnanga and Māori interests. Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, as Treaty partner, has mandated this group to act on its behalf in the greater Christchurch area.

On Tuesday 8 March 2016, we celebrated the launch of 2 mana whenua facilitator positions that are part of a new and exciting educational collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Mātauraka Mahaanui.

Mana whenua facilitation takes another step in implementing the Māori Medium Strategy 2015-2025 and the Māori Achievement Plan 2015-2025. The objectives are for mana whenua to lead and build the education sector’s focus on:

• the ability to raise achievement
• accelerating Māori language provision
• enhancing Māori learner outcomes across Canterbury.

The mana whenua education facilitator role is a culturally responsive, values-based position established to work with learning communities through supporting:

• curriculum enhancement via cultural narratives
• the development of rūnanga/mana whenua-specific resources
• collaboration
• Māori learner-focused goal setting
• culturally responsive approaches to assessment
• a link for school/education community engagement to mana whenua
• learning communities to take a systematic approach to Māori learner engagement and success
• the growth of leadership and pedagogy in the Māori learning space via authentic engagement
• productive partnerships that support Māori education success
• mana enhancing conversations – growing capacity ‘in relationship’ with others.

Corban Te Aika and Dianne Collier have been appointed as mana whenua education facilitators and are excited to have an opportunity to be working in this space. They look forward to introducing themselves to you and working with learning communities in greater Christchurch.

Staff changes

Playgroups

You were previously notified that Louise Hardham had left the Ministry of Education. Julie Gibbons has picked up overall responsibility for Playgroups and any queries you might have should be directed to her. Contact details are:

Julie Gibbons
Phone: 03 378 7883
Mobile: 027 886 4435
Email: julie.gibbons@education.govt.nz

A warm welcome to Lauren Luketina, who has recently started with us as an Education Advisor in early childhood. Lauren graduated from Victoria University and following a move to Christchurch with her family she had been working in the community sector in Christchurch. Before that she worked for He Whānau Manaaki O Tararua in Wellington. She is very happy to be here in Christchurch working for the Ministry of Education. Contact details are:

Lauren Luketina
Phone: 03 3787884
Mobile: 027 405 8414
Email: lauren.Luketina@education.govt.nz

Congratulations

I am pleased to congratulate the teachers and others involved with Kidsfirst Kindergarten Beckenham on their recent Category 4 ERO review. Well done to you all.

Mandatory reporting

Under the Education Act 1989, employers must make a mandatory report to the Education Council in certain circumstances. Failing to make a report is an offence, which carries a fine of up to $25,000 unless there is reasonable justification.

When to make a mandatory report

Employers need to make a mandatory report when:

• a teacher is dismissed for any reason
• a teacher resigns from a teaching position, if within the 12 months preceding the resignation the employer advised the teacher it was dissatisfied with, or intended to investigate, any aspect of the teacher’s conduct or competence, or on the expiry of the teacher's fixed-term contract 
• a teacher ceases to be employed by the employer, and within the following 12 months the employer receives a complaint about the teacher's conduct or competence while he or she was an employee
• the employer has reason to believe the teacher has engaged in serious misconduct
• the employer is satisfied that, despite completing competence procedures with the teacher, the teacher has not reached the required competence level.

The Vulnerable Children’s Act 2014 has also introduced new safeguards. The new law requires state-funded services and their contracted providers to safety check (vet and screen) the children’s workforce and have child protection policies, to ensure we have a safe and competent workforce for all children. In addition, those who work with children will need to have their checks updated every 3 years while their employment or engagement continues.

Finally, I am happy to share 2 stories submitted by the Canterbury Playcentre Association about recent events in their organisation. I hope you enjoy reading these. Please contact Barbara Madden at barbara.madden@education.govt.nz should you have any news to share with the Canterbury early childhood community.

Mā te wā

Coralanne Child
Director of Education Canterbury
Phone: 03 378 7345

Email: coralanne.child@education.govt.nz

The Day the Teddy Bears had their Picnic

The beloved bears of Canterbury joined their human companions for a morning of music, stories and play, and to celebrate Playcentre.

By Kate Barber (Canterbury Playcentre Association)

More than 200 people and umpteen teddies descended on Hagley Park on Wednesday 9 March 2016 to do what people and teddies like best – gad about gaily and have a picnic.

Hosted by the Canterbury Playcentre Association, the Teddy Bears Picnic was a wonderful celebration of Playcentre, play and the people involved. As part of Playcentre Awareness Week (PAW) – and possibly inspired by the acronym – teddies from across the region had their coats patched and preened, and enjoyed a day in the park with their friends.

The toddlers, teddies and big people warmed themselves up with singing and dancing.

Naturally, there were marvellous things to eat and wonderful games to play. Lynette from the library came and told stories about teddies, and Jody from Jody’s Music and Movement led everyone in song and dance.

Lynette from Christchurch City Libraries got everybody involved in the fun.

There was also a special visit from one of Canterbury Playcentre’s VIBs, Canterbury Waitaha Bear. He enjoyed giving high 5’s and giving out special treats to the children.

Members of the public joined in the fun, perhaps wishing that they too had brought their special bears along. There’s always next time.

While the teddies were the stars of the show, the event was really about coming together and having fun. “It was a fantastic way to celebrate our wonderful Playcentre whānau, and to share the fun with others,” explains Linda Weed from the Association.

Playcentre has been around 75 years – the picnic saw this older bear come out to play with the young ones.

After a morning of picnicking and playing, that warm ragged feeling that bears and kids (and parents) know well had set in. And, with grubby coats and droopy heads, the weary bears reluctantly headed home for a bath and a nap – along with their little human companions.

A Wild Time

When Wild Wednesdays roll around, the families at Avonhead Playcentre head outdoors for a morning of boundless exploration.

By Kate Barber (Canterbury Playcentre Association)

Each week, these fully-funded Playcentre sessions venture into new territory. From orienteering at The Groynes, to clambering over rocks at Cave Rock, to leaping waves at Waimairi Beach, the 11 little explorers – and their parents – have been having a wild time. One week the party joined other Playcentre families in the Botanical Gardens for the Teddy Bears Picnic, wild in the sense that there were bears, but quite civilised otherwise.

Cave Rock presented an opportunity to test their physical skills and reach new heights!

If Tawhirimatea is up to mischief, they simply tug on their gumboots and zip up their jackets. Before heading to Riccarton Bush one week, Centre Coordinator, Kirsty Bell, wrote on the group’s Facebook page, “Let’s hope for rain. I’ve only ever been there in the sunshine!”

On arrival, there isn’t a predetermined route or tight timeframe. As Kirsty explains, “we put aside any adult agenda we might have – it’s the children who lead the way.”

Often the trail takes unexpected turns. After all, children’s curiosity doesn’t stay on the beaten track. Kirsty recalls their recent trip to the Styx Mill Reserve – “No-one really knew the area. So we let the children decide where to go. It turned out that we didn’t really explore the reserve itself. Instead we explored the area around the reserve, and we got a bit lost!”

That morning the children hauled themselves up hills, tugging at grass for support; they collected harakeke seeds and spotted spider egg sacks hanging from plants. They met people out walking their dogs and listened to an impromptu dog safety talk. Kirsty laughs about their ‘getting lost’ experience, quick to point out that there was so much to be found.

In anticipation of such discoveries, the children are equipped with their treasure bags. “They have collected shells, driftwood and seaweed, acorns, leaves and even a bird’s nest,” says Kirsty.

Then on Thursdays they take their taonga back to Playcentre. “We took the harakeke seeds that we found at Styx Mill back to the centre and used them for paintings,” explains Kirsty.

The children recount memorable moments – the tickle of a ladybird on their arm, the sharp sand blowing against their legs, mud flowing into their gumboots. The treasures reinforce their memories and bring their stories alive for the other children.

The plan is to create an area in the playground where children can amass their treasures as a tangible reminder of their adventures and a rich resource for further play.

Geared towards extending the 3-6 year-olds, the sessions are open to all. For Kirsty, “it's important that the little ones get to explore as much as the older children.” For a baby, the sensory stimulation that these sessions and settings provide is incredible, squeezing lumps of mud and fiddling with strands of grass is indeed ‘a wild time’ when you’re one!

The children all get different things out of the sessions. They build confidence and develop their skills, and they forge strong bonds with each other and with the parents.

... over the ditches at Mona Vale

Rhia and Delaney (4-year-olds) love leading the group knowing that they are free to stop and climb a tree or hide in a bush. Adelaide (aged 3) can’t get enough of swimming and has had ample opportunities. Bentley (4 years old) also loves beach days, for the sand play as much as for the water.

Whatever their age, Kirsty is certain on one point – “they all love having the freedom to explore.” They climb trees, jump in puddles, splash in the surf and dig in the sand and in between, and their little legs do a lot of running powered by their curiosity and the invigorating fresh air!

The sessions certainly shed sunlight on what constitutes taonga and what a wild time feels like when you’re little. The treasures and experiences on offer here aren’t colourful and plastic; they don’t involve staring at screens and, best of all, they’re free.

On Wild Wednesdays being free is what it’s all about!

Otago, Southland regional update

ECE services participating in Communities of Leaning

Kia ora koutou and warm Pasifika greetings

I hope you have had a busy and learning-focused month with plenty of outside play in the extended summer we have all been enjoying. We are starting to have discussions about the role of the ECE sector in Communities of Learning (COLs) and we share here some of these so far.

A key aspect of the Investing in Educational Success (IES) initiative is the development of COLs, which are groups of schools and ECE services in an area that collaborate and have a focus on educational pathways for their learners, starting with Playgroups and ECE services and linking to primary schools and secondary schools. The aim of COLs is for teachers to collaborate to improve teaching and learning outcomes by sharing best practice across schools and ECE services, with a focus on learner transition points in order to lift the achievement of all students in the COL.

Regionally, 8 COLs have already been approved including Wakatipu Basin, Cromwell, Dunstan, South Otago, Gore, Fiordland and Northern Southland, Lower Mataura Valley and the Southern Area schools. The involvement of ECE services in COLs will vary between each community.

There are established ECE and school networks across the region who meet regularly to discuss transition, exploring and making links between Te Whāriki and the New Zealand School Curriculum. These meetings provide a good starting point to discuss ECE and COLs. For example, the South Otago COL is planning to incorporate local ECE services. A meeting was held by the South Otago transition group, and our Ministry team was invited to discuss and build their understanding of COLs and consider next steps. The COL that is looking to form in Oamaru has the Oamaru Kindergarten Association as a member.

Becoming part of a COL is entirely the choice of each ECE service. Each COL develops achievement challenges and an implementation plan. ECE services have an opportunity to explore what challenges they are facing collectively in supporting their learners. From here, an opportunity arises to discuss and share best practice, which will improve outcomes for their learners. 

Take the time to discuss within your own ECE service whether COLs are something that you would like to be involved with, especially as more are being established locally. Please contact your ECE Education Advisor for more information.

Also, please contact me if you wish to discuss any issues or ideas. I look forward to hearing from you.

Ngā mihi mahana

Julie Anderson
Phone: 03 471 5217
Mobile: 027 836 4846

Email: julie.anderson@education.govt.nz