Kiddywinkles

We are excited to share that Kiddywinkles now has an official YouTube channel.

This will be the home of our videos, parenting tips, Ask Allen episodes, conversations with special guests, and a closer look at what makes Kiddywinkles different.

We would love for our families and wider community to follow along, subscribe, and share the channel with anyone who may find it helpful.

Visit and subscribe here:

https://www.youtube.com/

Another school leader recognising the value of Climb to Confidence™

In this second Climb to Confidence™ video, Allen speaks with Keryn Annan, Principal of Huapai District School, about the importance of preparing children for the step into school.

This is now the second local school principal to speak on camera about the value of what Climb to Confidence™ is designed to do.

Because school readiness is not just about letters, numbers or writing a name. It is about confidence, resilience, emotional readiness, following routines, working with others and feeling ready to take part in a classroom environment.

That is why Climb to Confidence™ was created.

At Kiddywinkles, we believe children deserve more than a checklist before school. They deserve the confidence to walk through the school gate feeling capable, settled and ready.

We are proud to have school leaders recognising the importance of this work, and even prouder that Climb to Confidence™ is available only at Kiddywinkles Early Learning Centres.

Watch the video to hear why this programme matters.

Don’t just take our word for it.

Hear directly from the Principal of Matua Ngaru Primary School, Stephen Grady, after viewing our very first Climb to Confidence™ presentation.

“Massively helpful. Anything that supports a successful transition into school is going to be really helpful.”

Stephen highlighted the importance of children arriving with those essential readiness skills such as confidence, independence, social development, and everyday basics that help them settle quickly and begin learning sooner.

When children are ready, families feel more confident, teachers can get into their learning programme faster, and the transition to school becomes smoother for everyone.

At Kiddywinkles, we believe the journey does not stop at five. Early learning should lead seamlessly into primary school and beyond.

Climb to Confidence™
Available now, only at Kiddywinkles.

Hi everyone, Allen here from Kiddywinkles.

Over the last two videos, we’ve talked about the reality many children are facing when they start school, and why being “smart” isn’t always the same as being ready.

In this final part, I want to show you what we actually do about it.

At Kiddywinkles, we are proud to introduce the Climb to Confidence™ programme.
This isn’t an add-on. It’s built into the way we teach, guide, and support children every single day.

Because confidence doesn’t just appear.
It’s built, step by step.

We focus on the things that matter most when a child walks into a classroom for the first time.

Can they manage their emotions when something doesn’t go their way?
Can they take turns, wait, and work alongside others?
Can they follow instructions, stay with a task, and try again when it feels hard?

These are the real indicators of school readiness.

Through Climb to Confidence™, children are given opportunities to practise these skills in a way that feels natural to them. Not through pressure, but through carefully guided experiences.

Learning to speak up in a group.
Working through small challenges without giving up.
Building independence in everyday routines.
Developing the ability to listen, respond, and be part of a shared environment.

This is what confidence looks like.

And over time, you start to see the difference.

Children who are not just prepared academically, but are ready to step into school with a sense of security in who they are, and how they fit into the world around them.

Because school readiness is not about rushing children forward.
It’s about preparing them properly.

And that’s what Climb to Confidence™ is here to do.

If this resonates with you, come and have a look.
Have a conversation with us.

Because these early years matter more than most people realise.

Why our programme Climb to Confidence matters - Are kids throughout NZ really ready for school… or are we missing something?

I had a powerful conversation with Child Psychologist and Parenting Expert, Sara Chatwin recently about the reality of many kids thoughout NZ starting school ill prepared.

More and more teachers are saying the same thing…
Kids are starting school without some of the most basic life skills.

We’re not talking about reading and writing.
We’re talking about things like knowing their own name, being able to manage emotions, getting along with other children and having the confidence to give things a go - that’s the real foundation.

Because school readiness isn’t just about academics…
it’s about how a child feels, connects, and copes in a new environment.

And a lot of that starts well before they ever walk through the school gates.

It’s a great reminder for all of us as parents — the little everyday moments at home matter more than we think.

Listen to our full podcast on https://youtu.be/G4Zj-kFMgmc

You’ve probably heard it before…
“Kids just aren’t as ready for school as they used to be.”

But what does that actually mean?

It’s not about knowing ABCs or counting to 10.
It’s about confidence.
It’s about being able to sit, listen, take turns, handle frustration… and keep trying.

These are the skills that shape how a child experiences their first years at school. And for many children today, they’re being missed.

At Kiddywinkles, we saw this early.
We listened to teachers. We listened to parents.
And we knew something had to change.

That’s why we created Climb to Confidence™.
A structured programme designed to build the social and emotional foundations every child needs before they even step into a classroom.

Because school readiness isn’t something you leave to chance.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your child is truly ready…
this is where the answer begins.