Our programmes Family Service Centres Papakura Centre Papakura Early Learning Centre Background Papakura Early Learning Centre, next to Kelvin Road School, is part of a family service centre (FSC) providing health, education and support services for families. The centre is open Monday to Friday 8.30am–5pm for children from two to five years of age and registered for 35 children. Our Learning Environment The centre offers activities that are based on the Te Whariki curriculum with emphasis on capturing the interest of the child’s learning. There is a holistic focus of the children’s development which includes social, intellectual, physical, cultural, spiritual and emotional leaning. Through weaving the strands and principles together the children can experience learning through playing in a quality, spacious indoor and outdoor environments that are equipped with a range of resources that are readily accessible to them. Children have opportunities for a wide variety of play, social interaction and imaginative, creative play. The Centre offers fruit and healthy snacks and children can bring their lunch daily. Children and their whānau experience respectful relationships with kind and caring teachers who value the children and community interactions. Mixed-age play opportunities are encouraged, valued, and support tuakana/teina relationships where the children learn together. 20 Hours Free ECE The government subsidises all children who attend early learning services. We provide free early learning experiences for up to 20 hours per week for children from two-five years of age. We receive equity funding along with the disability and learning funding that allows us to be fees-free and more. This applies for six hours a day and no more than 20 hours a week. Children who are three or four years old: You can opt into the government-funded “20 hours ECE” scheme then your child’s first 20 hours of attendance at our centre is free. This funding is provided by the government and is available for everyone, regardless of your family income. At the enrolment, you complete an Attestation Form at the centre to claim your 20 Hours Free. The centre will claim this funding for you when your child starts with us Children who are two years old: We are committed to increasing participation in quality Early Childhood Education services by making sure our centre is affordable for everyone. Your child can attend the centre at the age of two and we also offer some free sessions. Conditions apply with limited vacancies. Once your child turns three, you will need to opt into the government-funded 20 Hours ECE scheme to continue to receive up to 20 hours free attendance. Please contact our centre for further information on how you can use your 20 Hours Early Childhood Education. Our Practice Each child is welcomed for who they are, and the staff are very skilful in settling and work alongside children, following their play ideas. There is a focus on children's literacy development. Our team of registered teachers reflect the cultural diversity of our families and community. Teachers include a Māori perspective in the curriculum and include the use of te reo Māori in the daily programme. Children have leadership opportunities to lead karakia, waiata and participate in kapa haka. We welcome children and families from the seven continents - Australasia/Oceania, Asia, Africa, Europe, North and South America and Africa. We celebrate the various emphasis on the Pasifika language weeks annually and include the ‘cultural’ learnings for all children in the centre. Children's emotional and learning needs are well supported by experienced and caring teachers. ERO REPORT MAKE AN ENQUIRY Papakura Early Learning Centre Address: 14 Maurice Street, Papakura, Auckland Phone: 09 299 6610 Email: [email protected]