Te Whariki

Te Whariki is the bicultural national curriculum statement for the early childhood sector produced by the Ministry of Education.  Playcentre follows this curriculum and each Playcentre is reviewed by the Education Review Office.  It is founded on the aspirations that children: "grow up as competent and confident learners and communicators, healthy in mind, body, and spirit, secure in their sense of belonging and in the knowledge that they make a valued contribution to society."

There are four broad principles:

These principles are interwoven with five strands:

Each strand has goals associated with it:

Strand One - Well-Being

Children experience an environment where: their health is promoted, their emotional well being is nutured; they are kept safe from harm.

Strand Two - Belonging

Children and their families experience an environment where: connecting links with the family and wider world are affirmed and extended; they know they have a place; they feel comfortable with the routines, customs and regular events; they know the limits and boundaries of acceptable behaviour.

Strand Three - Contribution

Children expereince an environment where: there are equitable opportunities for learning, irrespective of gender, ability, age, ethnicity, or background; they are affirmed as individuals; they are encouraged to learn with and alongside others.

Strand Four - Communication

Children experience an environment where: they develop non-verbal communication skills for a range of purposes; they develop verbal communication skills for a range of purposes; they experience the stories and symbols of their own and other cultures; they discover and develop different ways to be creative and expressive.

Strand Five - Exploration