TE RUMA AKO - TWO TO THREE AND A HALF YEAR OLDS

God is at the centre of all we do—in our play, learning, and relationships. Respectful, loving connections are the foundation of Te Ruma Ako, where children are supported to know God and grow in relationship with Him.

We value primary caregiving, with key teachers building trust and consistency through care, play, and learning. This approach continues from the Infant Room to meet each child’s daily needs. We also embrace every child’s culture, language, and identity, encouraging whānau and community involvement. 

A classroom with children engaged in various activities, and a teacher is sitting with two children at a table. The room has large windows, colorful decorations, and art supplies visible.
A woman wearing glasses and a blue vest over red shirt demonstrates a craft project to three young children at a table with magazines and papers, in a classroom setting.
A young girl with curly hair and a gray hoodie looking up at something off-camera, holding onto a wooden surface.

Nicola Cain

Nicola is the Head Teacher in Te Ruma Ako.
”I am passionate about creating a learning environment where every child feels comfortable and confident and is supported to meet their potential. My teaching philosophy is based strongly around whanaungatanga (connection/relationships) and manaakitanga (kindness/respect). I believe through these values tamariki are supported to develop their sense of belonging and are then able to thrive in the environment.”

A woman with shoulder-length hair and glasses smiling at the camera, leaning on a black metal railing outdoors on a sunny day.

Ayako Taylor

Ayako is the 2IC in Te Ruma Ako.
"I value relationships with tamariki and respectful teaching in a nurturing environment. My passion for teaching is to support children in finding their own strengths and to help develop their confidence in who they are. I love seeing each tamariki shine and blossom through their learning journeys!"

A woman with glasses and earrings wearing a red polo shirt with 'Absarokton Baptist Preschool' logo, standing outdoors with a railing in front, smiling at the camera under a clear sky.

Lote Touli

"I am passionate about working with tamariki as this is their first step into their learning journey, being able to make connections with them and their whānau to help support them and ensure they reach their potential during their time here before they venture off to school"   

A woman with long brown hair smiling and sitting indoors. She is wearing a dark blue jacket with a logo that reads 'Ashburton Baptist Preschool.'

Mia Ward

“I embrace the uniqueness of every child, recognising their individual strengths, interests, and needs. My teaching philosophy is rooted in compassion, respect, and kindness, fostering an environment where children feel valued and safe. I am dedicated to creating fun and engaging learning experiences by offering diverse activities that spark curiosity and exploration. By creating a peaceful and secure atmosphere, I strive to support tamariki to thrive by connecting them with the world around them through intentional and meaningful play. It is my passion to support each child to reach their full potential.”

A woman with glasses wearing a red Ashburton Baptist Preschool polo shirt leaning on a black railing outdoors on a sunny day.

Jinling Wang

“I love fostering a nurturing home environment where children can engage in educational activities and grow.”

A DAY IN THE LIFE

Schedule timeline with times and activities including welcome at 8:00AM, self-directed play from 8:00AM to 11:20AM, tidy up at 11:30AM, lunch at 11:30AM, mat time from 12:00PM to 12:30PM, afternoon activities starting at 2:30PM, late afternoon at 4:45PM, and close at 5:30PM.
Child wearing colorful rain boots with chili peppers design standing on carpeted floor.

THE FIRST STEP OF AN INCREDIBLE JOURNEY

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THE FIRST STEP OF AN INCREDIBLE JOURNEY 〰️

  • ROUTINES

    The routines in Te Ruma Ako vary depending on children's individual needs. Teachers will communicate with parents on their child's home routine and will follow that as closely as possible. Naps can be offered if needed. We check and change nappies every two-three hours or more frequently if it’s required.

  • KAI

    Rolling morning kai continues from 9.30 to 10.30. The first group of children will say grace/karakia to bless the food for everyone. We assist the children with hand washing, promoting independence. The teachers prepare hot food for the children out of their lunch boxes. We use crockery and glasses and sing our karakia/grace.

  • SELF DIRECTED PLAY

    Children select from music, stories, puzzles, dress up, physical activities both inside and outside, sensory exploration, and construction activities. Table top ac-tivities set up according to children's interests espe-cially at the end of the day to support them winding down before going home.

  • MAT TIME

    Teachers plan mat times to incorporate Bible stories as part of the term planning. Mat time Includes music and movement, physical activities, board stories, story books, and CD books all which links to children's interests in our room.