Quality early learning in Halswell
Our Curriculum
Our Curriculum
At Seedlings, learning is guided by Te Whāriki, New Zealand’s early childhood curriculum, enriched by Reggio Emilia principles and our primary caregiving approach with infants and toddlers. Every child is seen as capable and curious, growing through meaningful experiences, relationships and play.
Quality early learning in Halswell
Our Curriculum
At Seedlings, learning is guided by Te Whāriki, New Zealand’s early childhood curriculum, enriched by Reggio Emilia principles and our primary caregiving approach with infants and toddlers. Every child is seen as capable and curious, growing through meaningful experiences, relationships and play.




Every stage of childhood is unique.


Nursery (3 months – 2.5 years)
Our nursery is a calm, nurturing space with a strong focus on primary caregiving. Each pēpi has a dedicated kaiako who understands their routines and personality, building trust and secure attachments. Whānau involvement is central, ensuring consistency between home and centre so tamariki feel safe, settled and ready to explore.


Preschool (2.5 years – school age)
In the preschool room, independence and curiosity come alive. Tamariki are supported to explore, collaborate and express their ideas through play. Kaiako encourage creativity, literacy, numeracy and social skills in a warm, responsive environment. Through a well-designed curriculum these experiences help tamariki grow in confidence and resilience, preparing them for school and beyond.



Curriculum Highlights
Learning Through Te Whāriki
Our teaching is shaped by Te Whāriki’s four principles: Empowerment, Holistic Development, Family & Community, and Relationships. Its strands of Wellbeing, Belonging, Contribution, Communication and Exploration guide every experience, from daily routines to spontaneous play.
Project Work & Investigations
Exploration and inquiry are at the heart of our programme. Children and kaiako work together on project-based learning that grows from tamariki ideas and questions. These projects foster problem solving, respect for different perspectives and a sense of wonder in the world.
Primary Caregiving & Lead Carers
Our primary caregiving approach ensures each child is known, loved and supported. In Preschool, Lead Carers build close relationships, guide learning and support transitions, including the transition to school. This personalised approach fosters security, confidence and a strong sense of belonging.
Celebration of Learning
Each child's journey is captured in an individual online portfolio. Children have access to their learning portfolio as do their whānau where contribution is encouraged and welcomed. This provides our children with the opportunity and joy to revisit prior learning.
Join Our Whānau
We welcome you to discover how our calm, Reggio-influenced environment supports tamariki to thrive at their own pace. We’d love to welcome you and your whānau to one of our Halswell centres.

Join Our Whānau
We welcome you to discover how our calm, Reggio-influenced environment supports tamariki to thrive at their own pace. We’d love to welcome you and your whānau to one of our Halswell centres.

Join Our Whānau
We welcome you to discover how our calm, Reggio-influenced environment supports tamariki to thrive at their own pace. We’d love to welcome you and your whānau to one of our Halswell centres.

Join Our Whānau
We welcome you to discover how our calm, Reggio-influenced environment supports tamariki to thrive at their own pace. We’d love to welcome you and your whānau to one of our Halswell centres.


“From the first visit, we knew this was the right place. The team’s warmth, the approach, and the sense of belonging made our child thrive.”
— Parent at Knights Stream Park

“The teachers genuinely care. Our child has grown in confidence, independence, and happiness since starting.”
— Parent at Knights Stream Park

“We trust the team completely. Seedlings feels like an extended family for both parents and children.”
— Parent at Longhurst

“From the first visit, we knew this was the right place. The team’s warmth, the approach, and the sense of belonging made our child thrive.”
— Parent at Knights Stream Park

“The teachers genuinely care. Our child has grown in confidence, independence, and happiness since starting.”
— Parent at Knights Stream Park

“We trust the team completely. Seedlings feels like an extended family for both parents and children.”
— Parent at Longhurst

“From the first visit, we knew this was the right place. The team’s warmth, the approach, and the sense of belonging made our child thrive.”
— Parent at Knights Stream Park

“The teachers genuinely care. Our child has grown in confidence, independence, and happiness since starting.”
— Parent at Knights Stream Park

“We trust the team completely. Seedlings feels like an extended family for both parents and children.”
— Parent at Longhurst

“From the first visit, we knew this was the right place. The team’s warmth, the approach, and the sense of belonging made our child thrive.”
— Parent at Knights Stream Park

“The teachers genuinely care. Our child has grown in confidence, independence, and happiness since starting.”
— Parent at Knights Stream Park

“We trust the team completely. Seedlings feels like an extended family for both parents and children.”
— Parent at Longhurst

“From the first visit, we knew this was the right place. The team’s warmth, the approach, and the sense of belonging made our child thrive.”
— Parent at Knights Stream Park

“The teachers genuinely care. Our child has grown in confidence, independence, and happiness since starting.”
— Parent at Knights Stream Park

“We trust the team completely. Seedlings feels like an extended family for both parents and children.”
— Parent at Longhurst

“From the first visit, we knew this was the right place. The team’s warmth, the approach, and the sense of belonging made our child thrive.”
— Parent at Knights Stream Park

“The teachers genuinely care. Our child has grown in confidence, independence, and happiness since starting.”
— Parent at Knights Stream Park

“We trust the team completely. Seedlings feels like an extended family for both parents and children.”
— Parent at Longhurst

“From the first visit, we knew this was the right place. The team’s warmth, the approach, and the sense of belonging made our child thrive.”
— Parent at Knights Stream Park

“The teachers genuinely care. Our child has grown in confidence, independence, and happiness since starting.”
— Parent at Knights Stream Park

“We trust the team completely. Seedlings feels like an extended family for both parents and children.”
— Parent at Longhurst

“From the first visit, we knew this was the right place. The team’s warmth, the approach, and the sense of belonging made our child thrive.”
— Parent at Knights Stream Park

“The teachers genuinely care. Our child has grown in confidence, independence, and happiness since starting.”
— Parent at Knights Stream Park

“We trust the team completely. Seedlings feels like an extended family for both parents and children.”
— Parent at Longhurst

“From the first visit, we knew this was the right place. The team’s warmth, the approach, and the sense of belonging made our child thrive.”
— Parent at Knights Stream Park

“The teachers genuinely care. Our child has grown in confidence, independence, and happiness since starting.”
— Parent at Knights Stream Park

“We trust the team completely. Seedlings feels like an extended family for both parents and children.”
— Parent at Longhurst

“From the first visit, we knew this was the right place. The team’s warmth, the approach, and the sense of belonging made our child thrive.”
— Parent at Knights Stream Park

“The teachers genuinely care. Our child has grown in confidence, independence, and happiness since starting.”
— Parent at Knights Stream Park

“We trust the team completely. Seedlings feels like an extended family for both parents and children.”
— Parent at Longhurst

“From the first visit, we knew this was the right place. The team’s warmth, the approach, and the sense of belonging made our child thrive.”
— Parent at Knights Stream Park

“The teachers genuinely care. Our child has grown in confidence, independence, and happiness since starting.”
— Parent at Knights Stream Park

“We trust the team completely. Seedlings feels like an extended family for both parents and children.”
— Parent at Longhurst

“From the first visit, we knew this was the right place. The team’s warmth, the approach, and the sense of belonging made our child thrive.”
— Parent at Knights Stream Park

“The teachers genuinely care. Our child has grown in confidence, independence, and happiness since starting.”
— Parent at Knights Stream Park

“We trust the team completely. Seedlings feels like an extended family for both parents and children.”
— Parent at Longhurst

“From the first visit, we knew this was the right place. The team’s warmth, the approach, and the sense of belonging made our child thrive.”
— Parent at Knights Stream Park

“The teachers genuinely care. Our child has grown in confidence, independence, and happiness since starting.”
— Parent at Knights Stream Park

“We trust the team completely. Seedlings feels like an extended family for both parents and children.”
— Parent at Longhurst

“From the first visit, we knew this was the right place. The team’s warmth, the approach, and the sense of belonging made our child thrive.”
— Parent at Knights Stream Park

“The teachers genuinely care. Our child has grown in confidence, independence, and happiness since starting.”
— Parent at Knights Stream Park

“We trust the team completely. Seedlings feels like an extended family for both parents and children.”
— Parent at Longhurst

“From the first visit, we knew this was the right place. The team’s warmth, the approach, and the sense of belonging made our child thrive.”
— Parent at Knights Stream Park

“The teachers genuinely care. Our child has grown in confidence, independence, and happiness since starting.”
— Parent at Knights Stream Park

“We trust the team completely. Seedlings feels like an extended family for both parents and children.”
— Parent at Longhurst

“From the first visit, we knew this was the right place. The team’s warmth, the approach, and the sense of belonging made our child thrive.”
— Parent at Knights Stream Park

“The teachers genuinely care. Our child has grown in confidence, independence, and happiness since starting.”
— Parent at Knights Stream Park

“We trust the team completely. Seedlings feels like an extended family for both parents and children.”
— Parent at Longhurst
Every stage of childhood is unique.


Nursery (3 months – 2.5 years)
Our nursery is a calm, nurturing space with a strong focus on primary caregiving. Each pēpi has a dedicated kaiako who understands their routines and personality, building trust and secure attachments. Whānau involvement is central, ensuring consistency between home and centre so tamariki feel safe, settled and ready to explore.


Preschool (2.5 years – school age)
In the preschool room, independence and curiosity come alive. Tamariki are supported to explore, collaborate and express their ideas through play. Kaiako encourage creativity, literacy, numeracy and social skills in a warm, responsive environment. Through a well-designed curriculum these experiences help tamariki grow in confidence and resilience, preparing them for school and beyond.
Curriculum Highlights
Learning Through Te Whāriki
Our teaching is shaped by Te Whāriki’s four principles: Empowerment, Holistic Development, Family & Community, and Relationships. Its strands of Wellbeing, Belonging, Contribution, Communication and Exploration guide every experience, from daily routines to spontaneous play.
Project Work & Investigations
Exploration and inquiry are at the heart of our programme. Children and kaiako work together on project-based learning that grows from tamariki ideas and questions. These projects foster problem solving, respect for different perspectives and a sense of wonder in the world.
Primary Caregiving & Lead Carers
Our primary caregiving approach ensures each child is known, loved and supported. In Preschool, Lead Carers build close relationships, guide learning and support transitions, including the transition to school. This personalised approach fosters security, confidence and a strong sense of belonging.
Celebration of Learning
Each child's journey is captured in an individual online portfolio. Children have access to their learning portfolio as do their whānau where contribution is encouraged
and welcomed.
This provides our children with the opportunity and joy to revisit prior learning.











