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.

A teacher reading an illustrated book with young children during group time.
A young child exploring the outdoor environment during playtime.
Young children engage in supervised water play with a teacher in an outdoor early childhood environment.

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.

CTA-image
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CTA-card
CTA-card

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.

CTA-image
CTA-card
CTA-card
CTA-card

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.

CTA-image
CTA-card
CTA-card
CTA-card

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.

CTA-image
CTA-card
CTA-card
CTA-card

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.

A teacher reading an illustrated book with young children during group time.
A teacher reading an illustrated book with young children during group time.
A teacher reading an illustrated book with young children during group time.
A teacher reading an illustrated book with young children during group time.
A teacher reading an illustrated book with young children during group time.
A teacher reading an illustrated book with young children during group time.
Young children engage in supervised water play with a teacher in an outdoor early childhood environment.
Young children engage in supervised water play with a teacher in an outdoor early childhood environment.

Seedlings Early Learning Centre has two Halswell locations in Christchurch providing a loving environment where tamariki grow through curiosity, play, manaakitanga and belonging.

Longhurst

03 322 1335

2 Hamill Road, Halswell

Knights Stream Park 

03 260 1435

8 Killarney Avenue, Halswell

© 2026 Seedlings Early Learning Centre. All rights reserved.

Site by Lariat

Seedlings Early Learning Centre has two Halswell locations in Christchurch providing a loving environment where tamariki grow through curiosity, play, manaakitanga and belonging.

Longhurst

03 322 1335

2 Hamill Road, Halswell

Knights Stream Park 

03 260 1435

8 Killarney Avenue, Halswell

© 2026 Seedlings Early Learning Centre. All rights reserved.

Site by Lariat

Seedlings Early Learning Centre has two Halswell locations in Christchurch providing a loving environment where tamariki grow through curiosity, play, manaakitanga and belonging.

Longhurst

03 322 1335

2 Hamill Road, Halswell

Knights Stream Park 

03 260 1435

8 Killarney Avenue, Halswell

© 2026 Seedlings Early Learning Centre. All rights reserved.

Site by Lariat

Seedlings Early Learning Centre has two Halswell locations in Christchurch providing a loving environment where tamariki grow through curiosity, play, manaakitanga and belonging.

Knights Stream Park 

03 260 1435

8 Killarney Avenue, Halswell

Longhurst

03 322 1335

2 Hamill Road, Halswell

© 2026 Seedlings Early Learning Centre.

Site by Lariat