At The Vines Early Learning Centre, we love watching our youngest tamariki grow, explore and discover the world around them. Every day, we get to see how our littlest explorers thrive in a thoughtfully prepared environment designed especially for them.
Children are critical thinkers, problem solvers and explorers from infancy. They:
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Observe patterns
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Test cause and effect
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Form ideas about how the world works
Our role is to provide a safe, calm and supportive environment where this curiosity can grow.
Why does the environment matter so much for infants?
Infants learn through:
- Relationships
- Everyday interactions
- The spaces around them.
At our early learning centre for infants, our kaiako create a peaceful environment where little ones feel settled and ready to explore. Too much noise or activity can be overwhelming, so we focus on keeping our infant spaces:
- Calm
- Predictable
- Responsive to each child’s needs.
At The Vines, our youngest tamariki have a beautiful outdoor space that is:
- Safe
- Inviting
- Rich in sensory opportunities.
Here, infants and toddlers experience the world while gently building their movement and motor skills in new and exciting ways.
These everyday experiences build:
- Awareness
- Coordination
- Curiosity.
How does Te Whāriki guide learning for infants?
Te Whāriki reminds us that children make sense of the world through play. Their exploration includes all aspects of the environment:
- Natural
- Social
- Physical
- Spiritual
- Human-made.
At The Vines, we recognise that learning does not happen in isolation. Learning happens through:
- Doing
- Asking questions in their own way
- Interacting with others
- Forming early theories
- Trying things out.
What role does outdoor play have in infant development?
Outdoor play offers a rich mix of elements. Fresh air, varied temperatures and natural light stimulate the senses. Different textures, such as smooth floors, soft carpet, grass and sand, provide valuable sensory feedback. These experiences support brain development during this important period of growth.
Gross motor development is another key benefit. Pulling to stand, cruising along low structures, climbing small steps and navigating gentle slopes all build strength, balance and coordination. With supportive kaiako nearby, children develop confidence in their physical abilities.
What makes our infant environment special?
Everything in our infant space is chosen for its potential as a learning resource.
Kaiako provide:
- Open-ended materials
- Sensory-rich resources
- Safe structures for movement.
Infants can:
- Move across varied surfaces
- Pull themselves up on low furnishings
- Use safe structures to support balance and strength.
How do we support physical development?
Kaiako respect each infant’s motor progression and allow physical development to unfold naturally at an individual pace. We do not rush milestones. Instead, we provide safe and stimulating objects and furnishings for infants to move around, hold on to, balance against or pull themselves up on.
Strong foundations for lifelong learning
Our early learning centre for infants is more than a place of care. It is a thoughtfully designed space where our littlest explorers can safely investigate, discover and grow.
By honouring each child’s pace, nurturing their curiosity and providing rich sensory opportunities, we help even our youngest tamariki begin their lifelong journey of learning with confidence.
Partnering with families
At The Vines, we believe strong family partnerships are essential. Every child develops at their own pace, and our role is to walk alongside families during these important early years.
Our youngest tamariki are not simply being cared for. They are exploring, discovering and growing in a space designed just for them. Through rich outdoor experiences, calm and responsive relationships, and thoughtful routines, we help lay strong foundations for confidence, curiosity and lifelong learning.
We are proud to offer a space where children can learn and explore together.