Starting school is a big milestone, and at Highfield Haven we work alongside tamariki and whānau to help make that transition a positive and confident one. Our Getting Ready for School programme supports children to build the skills, independence, and emotional readiness they need as they prepare for their next learning journey.
Through play-based experiences, guided learning, and meaningful relationships, we help tamariki grow in confidence, develop practical life skills, and strengthen their ability to learn alongside others.
Our programme focuses on nurturing the whole child. We support tamariki to develop early literacy and numeracy skills, build independence, strengthen social and emotional confidence, and take part in everyday routines that prepare them for school in a natural and engaging way.
We help tamariki begin to recognise letters, numbers, and their own names through fun, hands-on learning experiences. Children are encouraged to develop early pencil control, practise mark-making and writing, and build confidence with simple literacy and numeracy concepts through play.
We support children to develop independence in everyday tasks such as toileting, handwashing, managing their belongings, serving food, and tidying up after themselves. These important self-help skills help tamariki grow in confidence and feel more capable in their daily routines.
We encourage tamariki to give things a go, while also learning when and how to ask for help. By modelling clear communication and offering gentle guidance, we support children to become confident problem-solvers who know support is always there when they need it.
Children are supported to take part in group experiences where they practise listening, contributing, taking turns, and sharing with others. Through mat times, collaborative activities, and discovery-based learning, tamariki develop the social confidence and learning habits that help them engage in a school setting.
We help tamariki build the emotional confidence needed for starting school by supporting them to manage separation from whānau, talk about their feelings, develop friendships, and respond to others with empathy and care. We create a safe and supportive environment where children can build resilience and a strong sense of belonging.
At Highfield Haven, we believe school readiness is about more than academic skills. It is about helping tamariki feel confident, capable, connected, and ready to take the next step in their learning journey. Our aim is to ensure each child leaves our centre feeling supported, empowered, and excited for school.
