Busy Bees Hastings

Welcome to Busy Bees Hastings, a unique and special institution located in the heart of Hastings, New Zealand. We understand that choosing the right center for your child's education and care is a significant decision, and we are here to support you every step of the way.

At Busy Bees Hastings, we value every child as a precious taonga (treasure) and believe that each child is unique. Our center is designed to cater to children of all ages, with a cosy nursery, a separate toddler space, and an adventurous kindergarten environment. Each area has its own outdoor space, providing endless opportunities for children to explore and connect with the natural environment.

We are proud to promote an inclusive environment where tamariki (children) develop knowledge and understanding of New Zealand's dual heritage, culture, language, and identity. We also celebrate the diverse cultures within our community. We believe in open communication and collaboration with parents and whānau (extended family) to ensure that every child's learning, interests, goals, and holistic development are nurtured.

We recognize that parents and caregivers are the child's first educators, and we value their input and involvement in our center. Through a supportive and collaborative approach, we work together to develop shared goals and aspirations for each child. In our nursery environment, we focus on building loving and trusting bonds between infants and teachers, providing a structured day that caters to individual needs. Play is open-ended and filled with fun as children explore and experiment with their ideas and theories about the world around them.

As children transition into the toddler stage, we understand that big changes happen, such as increased independence and more curious questions. Our educators welcome each toddler with open arms and patience, creating an environment that entices curiosity and exploration. We support childhood learning with a curriculum that is developmentally appropriate and supportive of all children during this age of discovery and wonder.

Our kindergarten program is designed to prepare our little ones for their next learning adventure. We believe in giving children opportunities to contribute to the curriculum, make decisions, and share their ideas. This helps them develop a sense of ownership and prepares them for a lifelong love of learning.

Health and wellbeing are essential aspects of every child's life. At Busy Bees Hastings, we focus on the four key pillars of Hauora (physical, mental and emotional, family and social, and spiritual wellbeing), weaving these aspects into our everyday curriculum. We have researched and developed programs specifically focused on physical activity and nutrition to ensure that children gain the skills and habits needed for a healthy future.

Our center cook lovingly prepares morning and afternoon tea daily, following the New Zealand Food and Nutrition Guidelines and the Ministry of Health Healthy Eating for Babies, Toddlers, and Children. We encourage children to bring their pouaka kai (lunch boxes) daily, promoting healthy eating habits.

Our local curriculum incorporates learning dispositions, the principles and goals of our ECE curriculum, and competencies derived from Tataiako. Our innovative learning environments are abundantly resourced with stimulating educational resources that complement the delivery of our local curriculum and educational program. Our passionate teachers encourage children's creativity, support their emerging social interactions, and celebrate their individual successes.

We are proud to have a talented group of kaiako (teachers) who have been selected based on their experience and passion within the Early Learning field. They bring professional knowledge of teaching and nurturing tamariki, as well as a philosophy of education and knowledge of child development.

At Busy Bees Hastings, we believe that as an early learning center, we have an important role to play in our local community. We celebrate whanaungatanga (relationships) by connecting with our community through multicultural celebrations and creating a sense of belonging for everyone, no matter their cultural background.

The first five years of a child's life are incredibly significant and influential. We understand the importance of this stage and strive to create a nurturing and stimulating environment for children to thrive. We have received positive feedback from parents, who have seen their children grow and learn at Busy Bees Hastings. They appreciate the emphasis we place on building relationships, being attentive to children's needs, and creating a sense of belonging.

We invite you to join us on this exciting learning journey for your child. Please feel free to call or visit anytime to learn more about Busy Bees Hastings and how we can support your child's education and care.