What We Do, and Why
Steiner Kindergartens work from the developmental principle that learning for young children happens in two ways: The first is through imitation; and the second is through activity. Therefore, our programme is designed to provide children with opportunities to actively imitate and practice quality interactions and work habits through the medium of play.
The learning that is developed through play is reinforced and deepened through repetition and carefully designed daily, weekly, termly, and seasonal rhythms. Thus, children learn in a secure environment, experiencing and exploring a wide range of domestic, artistic, creative, construction and outdoor activities.
Equity Statement:
Steiner schools and kindergartens are responsive to the wider cultural, social and political contexts in which they are located in 21st century Aotearoa New Zealand. Our schools embrace and honour Aotearoa New Zealand’s bi-cultural heritage and consider all human beings to be free and equal in dignity and rights.
The Steiner Federation acknowledges Rudolf Steiner’s work. The Steiner school movement in Aotearoa New Zealand works out of an approach of equity and rejects strongly any historical statements from which inferences of racial prejudice may be made. Steiner/Waldorf schools and teacher training centres are culturally safe havens for all.
The Federation of Rudolf Steiner Waldorf Schools in New Zealand’s Curriculum Guidelines state that, “the principles that are fundamental to Steiner education are that it is accessible to, and able to be adapted to, the needs of different ethnicities, cultures and religions. Curriculum content allows for the exploration of a wide variety of cultural traditions and world views. Steiner/Waldorf schools in Aotearoa New Zealand strive to imbue their curricula with the unique spirit and history of this land and its peoples.”
Fees / Charges
We offer the ECE 20 hours free for all of our tamariki, from the ages of 2 – 6. A fee of $5 an hour will be charged for any hours outside of 20 hours a week.
A daily optional charge per child per enrolled day is required to cover food costs. Our purposeful curriculum means that we involve our tamariki in the preparation of meals. Therefore, we provide all kai, including morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea. Optional charges for morning sessions are $8 per enrolled day (available from 8.30am – 1pm) and $10 per enrolled day for full days (available from 8.30am – 3.30pm).
*A note on optional charges: This means that you can choose to op in or opt out of paying these daily charges. Should you decide to opt out of the charges, you will be required to provide all of your child’s kai, as well as following all the food safety guidelines as set out by the Ministry of Education. More information on this can be provided at enquiry.
