Draft:Small Sprouts - Early Learning
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| Small Sprouts Early Learning Centre | |
|---|---|
| Location | |
Whangaparāoa, Auckland, New Zealand | |
| Information | |
| Type | Early Childhood Education Centre |
| Founder | Elysia Leeming |
| Age range | 0–5 years |
| Website | https://www.smallsprouts.co.nz |
Small Sprouts is a licensed early childhood education (ECE) centre located in Stanmore Bay, Whangaparāoa, a coastal suburb on the Hibiscus Coast, north of Auckland. The centre provides childcare services for children aged 0 to 5 years and is known for its large outdoor environment, natural resources, multi-cultural focus, and a curriculum based on Te Whāriki, New Zealand’s national early learning framework. Small Sprouts offers the Government Subsidized 20 hours free for 3+ year olds, and is licensed from 7am - 6pm, Monday to Friday.
Overview
[edit]Small Sprouts was founded and is operated by Elysia Leeming. It is a family-owned, boutique early learning centre serving families across Whangaparāoa, including Stanmore Bay, Gulf Harbour, Manly, Red Beach, Arkles Bay, Orewa, Milldale, Millwater, and Silverdale. The centre integrates principles from the Reggio Emilia approach and the RIE philosophy (Resources for Infant Educarers), and has a strong commitment to sustainability, cultural competency, and whānau engagement.
Curriculum and Pedagogy
[edit]Small Sprouts delivers a curriculum underpinned by Te Whāriki: He Whāriki Mātauranga mō ngā Mokopuna o Aotearoa, with additional influences from the Reggio Emilia and RIE approaches. The centre incorporates national frameworks such as He Māpuna te Tamaiti and Tapasā to support emotional, social, and cultural development.
Kaiako (teachers) facilitate learning through play, open-ended exploration, and responsive caregiving. The centre views the physical environment as a “third teacher” (Te Toru Kaiako), and emphasises whanaungatanga (relationships), manaakitanga (respect and care), and the integration of te reo Māori and tikanga Māori in daily practice.
Philosophy and Values
[edit]Small Sprouts' philosophy is centred around three guiding values:
- Fun – Learning through joyful, play-based experiences.
- Heart-led – Teaching with empathy and aroha.
- Whakaute – Fostering respect for all cultures and celebrating diversity, particularly through bicultural practices grounded in te ao Māori.
The centre maintains strong partnerships with whānau and the wider community to support children's holistic development. This includes their school readiness programme, along with a close engagement with their local schools in the area which include; Whangaparāoa Primary School, Stanmore Bay Primary School, Red Beach School, and Gulf Harbour School
Facilities
[edit]Small Sprouts offer two curated rooms. Pikopiko which is for tamariki under 2s and Koru for tamariki aged 2 and up. Both areas have plenty of natural resources including outdoor areas and sandpits for both age groups.
Key features of the centre include:
- Extensive natural outdoor play areas which include multiple sandpits and outdoor resources for tamariki to engage with
- A wide variety of sustainable and open-ended natural resources
- An on-site cook (Kai Creator) who prepares nutritious, seasonal meals using free-range ingredients
- They accommodation for dietary needs that include but not limited to; Diary Free, Egg Free, Gluten Free, and Soy Free requirements.
Staff and Ratios
[edit]Small Sprouts maintains low staff-to-child ratios, exceeding the minimum requirements set by the New Zealand Ministry of Education. Over 80% of kaiako are fully qualified and registered. The centre has opted into full pay parity, ensuring staff are paid in alignment with government-supported teacher salary rates.
Community Engagement
[edit]The centre is actively engaged with the local Whangaparāoa and Hibiscus Coast communities. It frequently participates in cultural celebrations, community initiatives, and parent-led activities. Small Sprouts is listed in early childhood directories such as Kindello, where it has received positive reviews.
Cultural Competency
[edit]Small Sprouts aligns with national priorities for equity and inclusion through:
- Implementing Tātaiako: Cultural Competencies for Teachers of Māori Learners
- Incorporating Tapasā for Pacific learners
- Integrating Māori and Pasifika language, stories, and protocols into its curriculum
Social Media and Online Presence
[edit]See also
[edit]- Te Whāriki
- Early childhood education in New Zealand
- Reggio Emilia approach
- RIE philosophy
- Hibiscus Coast
- Ministry of Education (New Zealand)
References
[edit]
Category:Early childhood education in New Zealand
Category:Preschools in New Zealand
Category:Education in Auckland
Category:Hibiscus Coast