Waka Kura

Our school readiness programme (Waka Kura) supports children and whānau with a positive transition to school. Waka Kura focuses on fostering a love for learning and strengthening dispositions such as self-care skills, taking responsibility, problem-solving and thinking skills, risk-taking and confidence.

Readiness for school is about having a positive learner identity and refers to a combination of cognitive, physical, social and emotional development. Waka Kura extends on the strengths, interests and abilities of our tamariki and builds on Let’s Grow values of manākitanga, kaitiakitanga, whānaungatanga, ako and tuakana-teina.

We acknowledge that while academic skills such as writing and reading are important, they are typically taught at school. Opportunities to develop early literacy and mathematics at Let’s Grow are provided in authentic contexts and as an extension of the children’s interests.