Pathways to School

The move from preschool to primary school is a milestone in your child’s life and the transition is so much smoother when they are well prepared for this step. Each child must have the opportunity to grow and foster a love for lifelong learning and be prepared physically, emotionally, socially and cognitively for the changes that occur during this transition, through smooth Pathways to School and Kura. We are dedicated to developing each child’s full potential and further discovering and enhancing skills that are essential foundations for formal learning and in preparing tamariki for school success, working in partnership with parents.

Our Pathways to School and Kura program for your preschool child include the following focus areas: 

  • Early literacy, numeracy and science.
    This is a priority that includes a variety of learning experiences needed to meet the learning progressions in the early years. Our Letterland program brings literacy to life and supports the learning of phonemic awareness through rich, real-life, play-based learning which includes rhythm, rhyme, playful songs and story. Literacy Home Links promotes shared reading and is a great opportunity for tamariki alongside their whānau to grow a love for words and to become excited and curious about the wonderful world around them.
    Your child will also be introduced to a range of scientific and mathematical concepts through discovery, play and experiments, to help them identify with real-life moments. 
  • Enquiry-based learning and project work.
    Project work allows your preschooler to pose questions, solve problems, develop social skills through working with others, learn how to plan and increase their awareness of the world around them. You may see this communicated as the 4 Cs— creativity, communication, collaboration and critical thinking— all of which make up some of the crucial foundation skills in preparing tamariki for school success.
  • Real-life learning and self-management.
    Lunch-boxes and school bag days are where your child enjoys a packed lunch, at Kindercare, so they get used to eating this type of meal and gain the necessary skills to open packets and wrappers independently. 
  • Creative arts and digital technology integration.
    This is an ongoing inclusion with dance, music, drama and visual arts added to children's learning experiences. Further, w
    ith digital technologies becoming ubiquitous in the primary school environment, we teach children to use these technologies as tools to extend their learning, and to be creators, rather than just passive consumers of digital content. 
  • The school and kura pathway connection.
    We see building pathways, connections, and relationships with local school and kura communities to be critical to the success of positive transitions.