Philosophy

Nature based learning where relationships flourish (He akoranga taiao e puāwai ai te whanaungatanga)

The Village Preschool is a vibrant learning community for children, their families and our teachers.

We believe that strong whanaungatanga are at the heart of quality care and aim to foster trusting, respectful and empowering relationships.

We treasure the unique potential that exists within each child, and aim to extend their resilience, ignite curiosity and encourage them to be responsible for their learning through play-based exploration, imagination and inquiry.

We celebrate and respect the diverse cultures of our community, acknowledging parent aspirations and ensuring each child feels proud of who they are and where they come from.

We value the importance of cultivating a strong connection to nature and offer a wide range of opportunities for children to explore and discover.

We are committed to ongoing improvement and developing teachers into early childhood leaders who bring dedication and love to their work.

We prioritize creating an environment where children develop the skills and dispositions they need for lifelong learning.

Why Choose Nature Based?

A well-known study from Natural Resources Institute Finland, published in Science Advances, investigated how nature-based playgrounds affect children’s health. In this 28-day experiment, researchers modified urban daycare yards by adding forest soil, grass, and plants, and observed around 75 children aged 3–5. Compared to children playing in standard urban environments (with gravel or artificial surfaces), those exposed to natural materials showed a noticeable increase in the diversity of beneficial microbes on their skin and in their gut.

These microbial changes were linked to improvements in immune system function, including higher levels of immune-regulating cells such as T-cells and better balance in immune responses. However, the study did not claim a dramatic or instant “boost” in overall health; instead, it showed early signs of improved immune regulation, which may help protect against inflammatory and autoimmune conditions over time. The findings suggest that regular contact with natural environments can play an important role in supporting children’s developing immune systems.