Settling In With Care
Every child settles differently. Some happily wave goodbye from day one, while others need more time and reassurance - and that's completely okay.
We know this can be an emotional time for families, and we're here to support you every step of the way. Together, our Kaiako create a gentle, individual settling plan that puts your child's needs first.
If we feel your child would benefit from shorter days in the beginning, we'll always let you know. Over the years, we've helped many families through this transition, and we've never had a child who didn't eventually settle, build confidence and look forward to coming to Riverhead Montessori.
Helping Children Do It Themselves
Our Tui Nest children are naturally curious and eager to explore the world around them.
From their very first days, they're encouraged to build independence through age-appropriate Montessori activities. Younger children practise simple tasks such as carrying objects, putting toys away, feeding themselves and caring for their belongings. As they grow, they begin pouring, sweeping, preparing food, watering plants and helping care for their classroom.
Every small achievement builds confidence, coordination and the belief that "I can do it myself."
From their very first days, they're encouraged to build independence through age-appropriate Montessori activities. Younger children practise simple tasks such as carrying objects, putting toys away, feeding themselves and caring for their belongings. As they grow, they begin pouring, sweeping, preparing food, watering plants and helping care for their classroom.
Every small achievement builds confidence, coordination and the belief that "I can do it myself."
Early Learning Through Montessori
Every material in Tui Nest is carefully chosen for this age group.
Our children explore activities that support fine motor skills, early language, beginning number concepts, sensory development, science, biology, music, movement and creative expression.
They learn through touching, trying, repeating and discovering at their own pace.
Our children explore activities that support fine motor skills, early language, beginning number concepts, sensory development, science, biology, music, movement and creative expression.
They learn through touching, trying, repeating and discovering at their own pace.
Outdoor Play Every Day
Outdoor play is a big part of life in Tui Nest.
Our children explore our beautiful half-acre grounds, sandpit, swings, climbing frames, bikes and playhouse. They run, dig, climb, balance and enjoy plenty of mud, water and messy play.
We go outside in all weather, dressed for the occasion, because nature is part of everyday learning.
Our children explore our beautiful half-acre grounds, sandpit, swings, climbing frames, bikes and playhouse. They run, dig, climb, balance and enjoy plenty of mud, water and messy play.
We go outside in all weather, dressed for the occasion, because nature is part of everyday learning.
Food
All children bring their own lunchbox, giving families the freedom to choose what their child eats. Our health and safety is paramount and we provide lunchbox guidelines as per Ministry of Health recommendations in regards to eliminating choking hazards and maintaining food safety.
The children enjoy rolling morning tea, where they share a platter of fruit or crackers. Tamariki also bake goodies to share for morning tea.
There is water available at all times and all kaiako are there to make sure your children are eating and drinking enough, especially when little ones can become so busy they forget to eat.
The children enjoy rolling morning tea, where they share a platter of fruit or crackers. Tamariki also bake goodies to share for morning tea.
There is water available at all times and all kaiako are there to make sure your children are eating and drinking enough, especially when little ones can become so busy they forget to eat.
Nappies & Toilet Training
We follow you and your child's lead when it comes to toilet learning. When your child is ready, we'll work closely with you to create a gentle transition plan that respects their individual pace. We understand this can be a sensitive stage, and we're here to support both you and your child throughout the process.
Children in nappies are changed as needed, with every change recorded for you. Our kaiako always provide care with warmth, dignity and respect, understanding that nappy changing can feel unfamiliar for children as they build trusting relationships with us.
Children in nappies are changed as needed, with every change recorded for you. Our kaiako always provide care with warmth, dignity and respect, understanding that nappy changing can feel unfamiliar for children as they build trusting relationships with us.
Tui Nest is a warm, calm and caring space where children feel safe enough to explore, try new things and slowly become more independent.
With patient kaiako, a gentle Montessori environment and plenty of time outdoors, our youngest children are supported to grow with confidence.
With patient kaiako, a gentle Montessori environment and plenty of time outdoors, our youngest children are supported to grow with confidence.