OUR PHILOSOPHY
Hedgehog House philosophy is based on the importance of building trusting relationships with children and their families. From this safe base children’s learning journeys can be optimised. We strive to provide all the resources to enable children to experience plenty of enjoyment in play within a stimulating and thoughtful environment.
​
Our teachers believe in enveloping individual relationships with each child and being respectful of the variety of personal interests and learning styles they have. This ensures children’s individual needs are valued and also extended so they develop a sense of belonging at Hedgehog House. The centre’s size, relaxed and homely nature enhances the potential for children to make strong friendships.
Additionally, our committed teachers continue to weave the Te Whariki curriculum in a physically stimulating play environment, underpinned by emotional connection, the warmth and responsive care crucial for children’s development.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Hedgehog House philosophy is based on the importance of building trusting relationships with children and their families. From this safe base children’s learning journeys can be optimised. We strive to provide all the resources to enable children to experience plenty of enjoyment in play within a stimulating and thoughtful environment.
​
Our teachers believe in enveloping individual relationships with each child and being respectful of the variety of personal interests and learning styles they have. This ensures children’s individual needs are valued and also extended so they develop a sense of belonging at Hedgehog House. The centre’s size, relaxed and homely nature enhances the potential for children to make strong friendships.
Additionally, our committed teachers continue to weave the Te Whariki curriculum in a physically stimulating play environment, underpinned by emotional connection, the warmth and responsive care crucial for children’s development.
D A I L Y R O U T I N E
What will your child be doing?
We provide learning programme, which mixes free play with teacher-led learning.
​
Children learn through play, and so the majority of the time our children play at activities which interest them, supported by our teachers. We have a wide range of activities available for them, including drawing and painting, puzzles and matching games, construction sets and block play, dress-ups, the sand pit and our playground.
Teachers supervise and take advantage of the "teachable moments', when they get actively involved to expand children's knowledge and excitement about a topic that's caught their interest. We believe that children should have a wide range of resources to choose from, so when you visit us, you will see lots of things to play and build with within their reach, so that they can explore them at will.
​
Before our meal breaks, we have mat time. Mat time is another group time which allows children to practice sitting on the mat (just like the big kids at school!) to hear stories, sing songs and jump and dance together. Sometimes we even do yoga sessions!
On Friday mornings we have Antonio a music teacher visit the centre and facilitate a group music session, which includes dancing and practicing playing musical instruments.
Learning group activities allow children to practice skills such as using scissors, holding a pencil and recognising numbers and letters. Even more important, they learn to speak to a group, take turns and follow instructions. Best of all, they don’t even realise they’re learning these things because they do so in a play-based setting, doing science experiments, playing games and listening to stories.
​
Later in the day as children begin to go home, we will often sit together and read books and sing songs as we wind down from the day.
​
Daily Routine
7.30 Centre Opens – breakfast is offered then it’s free play
9.30 Mat time
9.45 Morning Tea
10.00 Morning Activities continue
11.20 Tidy up time before lunch
11.30 Mat time
11.45 Lunch Time
12.15 Babies & Toddlers Nap time
12.30 Lunch time over and quiet play
12.40 Inside /Outside Teacher Led Activities and free play
2.30 Afternoon Tea
3.00 Tidy Up Time
3.15 Mat Time - Story Time
3.35 Free play (Stories, music, art)
4.30 Late afternoon tea offered
5.30 Home Time (Centre Closes)
ERO REPORT
Read our latest ERO report...
