Lollipops New Plymouth

28/09/2026

Lynmouth Park has quickly become a fave hikoi destination, for tamariki AND kaiako!

24/09/2026

As the weather warms up, heading to the pools becomes an appealing way to spend time with our tamariki. The Aquatic Centre is making some changes to their supervision rules - check them out, so you don't get caught out 😊

Updated child supervision requirements are coming to the Aquatic Centre from 12 October 2026. The changes are designed to strengthen water safety, clarify caregiver responsibilities and make it easier to understand what's expected when you visit.

24/09/2026

The sun was out i tenei rā, so our tuakana took the opportunity to head out on a hikoi to the park!

Regular excursions to our local playground provide tamariki with valuable opportunities to explore, learn, and connect with their community. These experiences support the aspirations of Te Whāriki by fostering children's sense of Belonging | Mana Whenua, Exploration | Mana Aotūroa, and Contribution | Mana Tangata.

At the playground, tamariki develop physical skills such as balance, coordination, strength, and confidence as they challenge themselves on the variety of equipment. They also learn important social skills through cooperative play, turn-taking, negotiation, risk assessment, and problem-solving alongside their peers.

Visiting our local park helps tamariki become familiar with their wider community and encourages them to see themselves as active and capable participants within it. These real-world experiences support Te Whāriki's vision of children as competent and confident learners and communicators, while providing rich opportunities for exploration, curiosity, and meaningful learning beyond the centre environment.

We are all looking forward to our next spontaneous adventure!

22/09/2026

Kia ora e te whānau

In light of the current korero in the media regarding the use of screens and digital devices in Early Childhood Education, we believe it is important to clarify our approach to technology within our learning environment.

Technology in our centre is used intentionally and purposefully to support learning outcomes, rather than replace them. Digital devices are primarily used by kaiako to:
- Capture and document tamariki learning experiences through photographs, videos, and learning stories.
- Share tamariki learning journeys and daily experiences with whānau.
- Support music, movement, and group experiences that enhance engagement and participation.
- Facilitate occasional, educator-guided research when tamariki are pursuing a particular interest, question, or inquiry.

***Importantly, tamariki do not have free access to screens, tablets, or digital devices. Devices are not available for independent entertainment, passive viewing, or unrestricted use at any time.***

Our focus remains on providing abundant opportunities for tamariki to engage in physical activity, creative expression, social interaction, problem-solving, exploration of our learning environment, and open-ended play. Te Whāriki recognises that children develop confidence, curiosity, working theories, and critical thinking through active participation in meaningful experiences and spontaneous play.

When used thoughtfully, technology can serve as a valuable tool for making learning visible, strengthening partnerships with whānau, and supporting tamariki inquiries. However, it remains a supplementary resource within our programme. Our practice reflects a balanced approach where relationships, play, exploration, and real-world experiences remain at the heart of children's learning and development, consistent with the intent of Te Whāriki.

Ngā mihi nui
Kristen

20/09/2026

17/09/2026

Ngā korero a ngā kaiako - things teachers say... in te reo Māori.

14/09/2026

It's te wiki o te reo Māori! One of the ways we encourage the use of reo every day is through waiata - our tamariki love a good kanikani! Here's a link to one of our favourite playlists i tēnei wā tonu:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0a6He6vLVZ6UnvulrkX7Qo?si=bbgfZhWuTrSxSz8ALpDOKg

Whakarongo atu ki a ia - give it a listen!

10/09/2026

Here at Lollipops New Plymouth, kai is provided as part of our great value service - breakfast for our early risers, morning and afternoon tea, a late snack to get us through 'til dinner, and (of course) lunches! Our cook Shereece is an absolute gem - check out what was for lunch this week!

09/09/2026

Here's an idea for a date night this weekend whānau! Plus you can tautoko some awesome tamariki 😊

07/09/2026

We're getting wiggy!
"In Aotearoa, more than three families a week are told the heartbreaking news that their child has cancer. Child Cancer Foundation is committed to supporting them every step of the way.
Child Cancer Foundation connects each newly diagnosed family with a dedicated Family Support Coordinator, who provides them with one-to-one support in the specific areas they need it most. They don’t receive any funding from the government, so these families rely on the generosity of people like you to get the support they need.
That’s why every donation to our Wig Wednesday fundraiser makes a difference – no matter how big or small!"
Join the fun, and raise some funds with us!