Long Bay Nature Kindergarten

Welcome to Long Bay Nature Kindergarten, located on Beach Road in Auckland, New Zealand. As an establishment and point of interest, we are proud to offer a unique curriculum that is inspired by the beautiful surroundings of Aotearoa New Zealand. Our goal is to provide the very best early learning experiences for children, helping them to become active, resilient, and connected to themselves, others, and the environment.

At Long Bay Nature Kindergarten, we believe that play is not just a mere indulgence, but an essential part of children's health and well-being. In our mixed age group setting, children have the opportunity to develop strong friendships and social skills. They learn to negotiate, discuss, and express their opinions, while also supporting and respecting each other. Through play, children are motivated to learn leadership, empathy, self-awareness, and self-regulation. These skills are not only important for their early years but also prepare them for living in the 21st century.

Creativity is encouraged at Long Bay Nature Kindergarten, where play is not pre-defined. Children have access to a wide variety of materials and are encouraged to create and explore. They also encounter maps, pictograms, signs, letters, and numbers on a daily basis, fostering their early literacy and numeracy skills. Reading books is a daily activity, and we facilitate writing when children show interest.

We believe that children are a valuable part of their community, and at Long Bay Nature Kindergarten, they develop a sense of self that is crucial in the early years and important for life. They take responsibility for "their" place and the environment, fostering confidence and a love for learning. We believe that appropriate risk-taking in the outdoors can minimize accidents, and children learn to look after themselves and set their own limits. They find strategies to keep themselves safe, manage risks, and use their initiative to solve problems.

Founded by Jan Beatson in 1994, Play and Learn is a trusted name in early education. As New Zealand's first and original Nature Kindergarten, we have continuously developed outdoor programs over the last 20 years, allowing children to experience the wider world and connect with nature. In addition to our Long Bay location, we also operate centers in Auckland and Dunedin.

Join us at Long Bay Nature Kindergarten and let your child reach their full potential through high-quality early education.