Our Areas

We have re-created the feeling of home as closely as possible so that children and families have that sense of belonging from the beginning.

‘Mi casa es su casa’ literally meaning my house is your house in Spanish, means you’re welcome here and that is true of The Blue Cottage.

Our 3 different areas, depending on your child’s stage and development, allow for them to interact with others at a similar stage in a safe environment.  We are also big believers in tuakana teina where the older children teach and care for the younger children so all 3 areas regularly interact with each other.

A lot of time and heart has gone into personally upcycling and renovating furniture, resources and sewing soft furnishings ourselves.  Loose parts play is also featured heavily where children of any age are provided with lots of objects which they can use however their imagination drives them. This can be found in each of the different areas. We have ensured that the environment enables the children to feel safe and secure so they can explore their surroundings and reach their individual potential.

Pipi (Infant)

Pipi Room

 

This is a calm and peaceful space where your baby is nurtured by our loving team and there is always someone available for a cuddle. Routine at this stage is constantly changing and communication between home and Cottage is so important as we work to recreate your home routine as closely as possible. Our team has a wealth of knowledge to help you through these changes.

The infants have 2 sleep rooms to minimize disturbance, a ‘safe space’ for the non-mobile infants to explore and a beautiful outdoor space designed by the teachers

 

The ratio in this room is 1 teacher to every 3.5 children and your baby will move on to the toddler room when they are approximately 22 months old but this decision will be made between the family and the team as each child develops different skills at different ages. We welcome you in to continue breast feeding either in the baby room or in a quiet place elsewhere, you can safely store and reheat expressed milk or we supply formula milk. We also provide all other food your baby requires, nappies through our nappy project and everything else your baby might need while they’re at The Blue Cottage.

Please go to our “Parent Information” pages for more information.

Tipa (Toddler)

Tipa Room

This is traditionally a stage full of dynamic and energetic explorers and scientists who are learning about how their bodies and their actions affect their environment and others around them. As fits our whole philosophy, we put a lot of emphasis on teaching our toddlers about respect, trust and doing your best for the whole group. Here the toddlers will experience lots of one on one time with the teachers and many different group activities. The children always have access to our outside space and all the glorious and sometimes messy opportunities that that can bring. There is also a designated sleep area and a teacher to give your toddler a warm cuddle as they rouse from their slumber and prepare themselves for their afternoon adventures. The ratio in this room is 1 teacher to every 5 children plus we also have a teacher aid. We also provide all other food your toddler requires, nappies through our nappy project  and everything else your toddler might need while they’re at The Blue Cottage. Please go to our “Parent Information” pages for more information.

Paua (Preschool)

Paua Room

We have worked very hard to create a space that is practical but still homely so the children feel comfortable and able to get on with their busy day discovering all the new and wonderful places that their imagination will take them. The children’s day will include mat time where we come together to talk about our day and share some laughs. They will have access to the outside at all times other than during the most extreme weather. Remember ‘There is no bad weather, only bad clothing’.

The ratio in this room is 1 teacher to 8 children. With our higher staff to child ratios we get to build trusting close relationships with the children. We do this through listening; being attune to your child’s verbal and non-verbal cues. We use eye contact, keep promises, tell the truth and establish boundaries, consistency and a clear routine. We notice where your child is at and build an individual plan around your child. We also provide all food and everything else your pre-schooler might need while they’re at The Blue Cottage.

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Outside

Outside

Our outside play area is available to the children always except in the most extreme weather. It is so important for their physical and spiritual development that children have the opportunity to be in nature, climb trees, scrape their knees, plant flowers, listen to the birds and run around as fast as their bodies will let them. Outside play can be messy, especially if your child takes a liking to our mud kitchen but luckily children are washable plus we wash their clothes!

It was vitally important to us that the outside area is one that allows for imagination and exploration no matter what the age of the child. So rather than having play equipment that dictates to the child how it is to be used, we provide lots of equipment that the children can use to create whatever their imagination desires. A spaceship? An obstacle course? A zoo?

We also grow our own vegetables, and have a worm farm that the children love.

We are fortunate to be in a location which is so convenient for families and offers such amazing beauty on our doorstep. We enjoy views out to the Papamoa hills and we are next to the Gordon Spratt reserve and all the 50 acres of exciting opportunities that it provides. All the babies and children will be able to regularly visit this space and explore everything that it has to offer.