Welcome to Waiapu Kids St Mary’s Tahatai
Waiapu Kids St Mary’s Tahatai is a community based, early childhood centre and service of Anglican Care Waiapu. We provide quality care and education for up to 32 children in a mixed age group setting.
The concepts of ‘tuakana – teina’ and ako are strongly valued at the centre. This is seen in the respectful and reciprocal relationships between teachers, our older tamariki and our younger tamariki as they learn together. Children are encouraged to interact and learn from each other in a safe environment.
We value children’s play as the way in which they learn about the world around them. Different activities and opportunities are provided for children each day to extend their interests, develop social, emotional and cognitive skills, and build self-confidence and creativity.
Based in Papamoa, we have a strong relationship with our community and enjoy taking part in events and going out to our community.
Philosophy
All Waiapu Kids services incorporate the following philosophy into our practice and teaching:
Respect is at the heart of our teaching practice and is integrated daily in our curriculum. This is seen in our relationships with whānau, tamariki, our community, and our environment, and strengthened by our Christian values and teaching practice.
We promote children to learn and grow within a caring stable environment, incorporating Christian principles and the Anglican ethos of care, respect and equity.
Anglican Care Waiapu
We are part of Anglican Care Waiapu (ACW), an organisation delivering a range of social services throughout Bay of Plenty, Eastland, and Hawke’s Bay. You can find out more about ACW here.
All Waiapu Kids services incorporate the following philosophy into our practice and teaching:
“Waiapu Kids early childhood education services believe that each child is unique and created in the image of God. Jesus showed a special care and respect for tamariki. This belief guides our practice and our commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, tangata whenua, and the wellbeing of children and their whānau.”
Anglican Care Waiapu is committed to the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi and safeguarding them from harm or abuse. We take our commitment very seriously. Our Child Protection Policy is in line with the Vulnerable Children’s Act 2014 and must be adhered to by all staff and volunteers.
You can read the policy here.