The DEN - Discover Education in Nature

Welcome to The DEN - Discover Education in Nature, located in the scenic area of Napier, Cato Road, New Zealand. As an establishment and point of interest, we offer a unique and innovative approach to early learning and education in nature.

At The DEN, we provide discovery education for children in a home-like, purpose-built environment set on two acres of natural, outdoor play space. Our aim is to foster a strong sense of belonging and support healthy emotional regulation, ownership, and security through continuity of child-teacher relationships.

We take pride in creating an inclusive environment that acknowledges and respects diversity, nurturing the next generation of resilient global citizens. Our curriculum is designed to foster passionately curious children, with two acres of natural playspace that provides rich and meaningful learning experiences in nature.

For school-aged children aged 5 years and above, we offer our unique School Programme that focuses on numeracy and literacy. This innovative approach supports natural body and brain development, ensuring a well-rounded education.

We believe in open communication and collaboration between the child, the parent/whanau, the environment, and the teacher. To facilitate this, we provide a digital parent information forum, ensuring that parents are involved in their child's education journey.

At The DEN, we are committed to growing knowledge and connections to the preservation of our land, awakening an awareness of the value of nature. Our staff and teaching team are responsive to community cultural and linguistic identities, practicing culturally responsive teaching and learning.

Our vision is to design a place where quality early years education is delivered in a natural setting with a sensory and movement focus. As parents ourselves, we understand the importance of giving children room to move, explore, and develop their senses. We are thrilled to offer a unique and innovative place for children to come, play, and learn.

Our founder, married to Shane and mother to Oscar, has over twenty years of experience as an early childhood teacher. She is particularly passionate about children's holistic development through connecting with nature. She looks forward to meeting your family and exploring at The DEN with your child.

Don't just take our word for it, here's what one of our satisfied families had to say: "When we were looking for a kindy for our youngest child to attend, we wanted to find a centre that provided high-quality education through free play and holistic development. The DEN ticked every box and more! The open-ended play equipment, large open spaces, and unstructured schedule allow for high-level free play and authentic learning for the tamariki. We have felt so welcomed by all the staff at The DEN, who have taken the time to get to know our whanau and ensure our son has a strong sense of belonging. The low teacher-child ratio means the tamariki are well supervised, and their learning is well responded to and extended. We are so happy we found The DEN!"

Join us at The DEN - Discover Education in Nature, where your child can thrive in a natural setting, surrounded by the beauty of the outdoors.