OUR HOME BASE
PHILOSOPHY
At Little Beans, we believe that all children are unique individuals,
worthy of acceptance, respect and the very best of care. By creating an
environment where children and families feel safe and comfortable, we
encourage curiosity, kindness and an innate love of learning. Little Beans
draws inspiration from the RIE/Pikler approach, emphasizing warm and
nurturing relationships and a physical environment that interests, challenges
and promotes learning through the freedom of play and discovery. Children
are free to progress at their own individual pace, surrounded by people who
know them and can journey alongside them, as they discover the world and
their place in it. They are empowered to think for themselves, make decisions,
problem solve and work towards their own solutions; with the guidance of
their teachers, families and peers. This approach offers children
the chance to build the skills of resilience and to develop a strong view of
themselves as confident and competent learners.
OUR VALUES
HEART
We are a centre with HEART. Our team of qualified professionals
love what they do and can offer to the children in our care. Our
team are empowered to use their skills, talents and passions to learn, grow
and share with all children. Baking, gardening, getting messy, imaginative and
creative play; these are enjoyed and shared from the heart. Our small numbers
mean that we really are a whānau. We know our children and families well and
we work together for the good of all who come our way.
CONNECTION
At Little Beans, we believe that children thrive in environments that value
relationship and CONNECTION with others. We promote primary caregiving
and ensure that every child has a key teacher and point of contact while at
Little Beans. This is especially important as children transition into Little Beans
and between our nursery and preschool environments. Through these
relationships and others, we desire that children and families develop a sense
of trust and belonging as Little Beans becomes a home away from home.
DISCOVERY
It is our aim at Little Beans to work with whānau in developing lifelong
learners. Our children are growing up in a world that is ever changing and it is
our goal to create an environment where they can DISCOVER and develop the
skills, knowledge and attitudes needed to navigate their world. Time to play
and learn at Little Beans gives children opportunities to navigate relationships
with others, challenge their own abilities, try new things, grow in confidence,
develop empathy and become active contributors. We thoughtfully design our
environments to support children’s natural desires to learn through their own
interests and their interactions with the environment and with others. Our large,
natural, outdoor spaces allow children to freely explore and discover the
natural world. There are countless opportunities to dig in the garden, pick
flowers, collect leaves, watch butterflies, splash in puddles and more. As
children interact with the natural world, they develop understanding of and
appreciation for many important facets of life.
VISIT | FEES | HOURS
We encourage you to make a time with us to look around Little Beans so
we can provide you more information on what we can offer your child and
family, as well as a fee schedule based on attendance requirements
When your child turns three years old, they will be able to benefit from up to
20 hours per week FREE of charge through the ‘20 Hours ECE’ subsidy.
‘20 Hours ECE’ can be used for up to a maximum of 20 hours per week, six
hours per day. For any additional hours per day or week, an hourly rate
applies.
Hours of operation 8am-5pm Monday-Friday. We close on Public Holidays.
To book your visit, simply hit the button below and let us know a day and time that suits - we'll be awaiting your arrival!
LEARNING JOURNEYS
Our teachers take great pride in documenting children’s learning and
experiences at Little Beans both through our online platform Educa and in child
accessible books. Immediate and extended family can have instant access
to new updates via Educa and our children spend countless hours revisiting
their learning while reading their personalised books that are available to them
throughout the day.
LOCATION
Set in a suburban villa, Little Beans is located on Slater Street in Richmond,
Christchurch, at the North Avon Road end. With easy access to the CBD, we
cater to many local families, as well as those from further afield.