First Years Learning Centre

First Years Learning Centre First Years Learning Centre is a privately owned early childhood education service located in Tawhero, Whanganui.

We are passionate about providing a warm, welcoming, and nurturing environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive. First Years Learning Centre
Philosophy

First Years Learning Centre is a place where children can learn and grow along side committed educators in facilitating the foundations for lifelong learning. Educators are committed to providing and maintaining the aspirations of the Ea

rly Childhood curriculum. All educators strive to support children alongside their families in a partnership to,
“… grow up as competent and confident learners and communicators, healthy in mind, body, and sprit, secure in their sense of belonging and in the knowledge that they make a valued contribution to society.” (Te whāriki)
Staff are dedicated to ensuring that their teaching practices are child initiated, valuing the children’s individual cultures while committed to celebrating the dual heritage of Aotearoa. Staff acknowledges and respects that each child and their families are one of a kind. Teachers value the individual cultural dynamics that make up a family and respect that these are what makes each family unique. We provide a child initiated learning programme where learning occurs through every interaction that teachers have with the children. We believe that play is central to learning and is strengthened through conversations with teachers who have knowledge of how to extend their learning process. We value holistic development which reflects the holistic way that a child learns. We acknowledge the importance of the first few years of a life and believe that they are essential for setting the foundations for lifelong learning. We understand and value the importances of creating connections in the brain which develop through environment, interactions and experiences and that these need to be positive, constructive, and educational as these connections help shape children’s views, feelings, thoughts and attitudes for life. We value communication and working in partnership with parents. We value reciprocal and responsive relationships because we know that families and community are an integral part of a child's learning. As parents and whānau you are the child’s first teacher and we look forward to seeking guidance, sharing knowledge and working in partnership with you. We value our teacher’s commitment to building their knowledge, skills and attitudes in order to be the best possible educators they can be. At First Years, we believe that educators, children and their families should be empowered in order to reach their potential.

📝 Conversations That Matter❤️Oral Language: Every Conversation Builds a BrainEvery day in early childhood education, we ...
10/08/2026

📝 Conversations That Matter

❤️Oral Language: Every Conversation Builds a Brain

Every day in early childhood education, we make decisions that shape children's futures. Sometimes those conversations deserve more than a quick social media post - they deserve space to explore the research, challenge assumptions, and reflect on what really matters.

This opinion piece shares my thoughts on an important topic affecting young children, families, and education. It isn't about having all the answers; it's about encouraging meaningful conversations backed by research, experience, and a genuine passion for giving children the very best start in life.

I'd love to hear your thoughts....
What resonates with you?
What has been your experience?

⬇️ Read the article below and join the conversation.

📝 Conversations That Matter❤️Oral Language: Screens Can't Replace ConversationsEvery day in early childhood education, w...
05/08/2026

📝 Conversations That Matter

❤️Oral Language: Screens Can't Replace Conversations

Every day in early childhood education, we make decisions that shape children's futures. Sometimes those conversations deserve more than a quick social media post - they deserve space to explore the research, challenge assumptions, and reflect on what really matters.

This opinion piece shares my thoughts on an important topic affecting young children, families, and education. It isn't about having all the answers; it's about encouraging meaningful conversations backed by research, experience, and a genuine passion for giving children the very best start in life.

I'd love to hear your thoughts....
What resonates with you?
What has been your experience?

⬇️ Read the article below and join the conversation.

📝 Conversations That Matter❤️Oral Language: Why Singing Matters More Than You ThinkEvery day in early childhood educatio...
03/08/2026

📝 Conversations That Matter

❤️Oral Language: Why Singing Matters More Than You Think

Every day in early childhood education, we make decisions that shape children's futures. Sometimes those conversations deserve more than a quick social media post - they deserve space to explore the research, challenge assumptions, and reflect on what really matters.

This opinion piece shares my thoughts on an important topic affecting young children, families, and education. It isn't about having all the answers; it's about encouraging meaningful conversations backed by research, experience, and a genuine passion for giving children the very best start in life.

I'd love to hear your thoughts....
What resonates with you?
What has been your experience?

⬇️ Read the article below and join the conversation.

📝 Conversations That Matter❤️ Oral Language: The Vocabulary Gap Starts Earlier Than We Realise Every day in early childh...
29/07/2026

📝 Conversations That Matter

❤️ Oral Language: The Vocabulary Gap Starts Earlier Than We Realise

Every day in early childhood education, we make decisions that shape children's futures. Sometimes those conversations deserve more than a quick social media post - they deserve space to explore the research, challenge assumptions, and reflect on what really matters.

This opinion piece shares my thoughts on an important topic affecting young children, families, and education. It isn't about having all the answers; it's about encouraging meaningful conversations backed by research, experience, and a genuine passion for giving children the very best start in life.

I'd love to hear your thoughts....
What resonates with you?
What has been your experience?

⬇️ Read the article below and join the conversation.

📝 Conversations That Matter🌿Oral Language: Before Children Can Read, They Need ConversationEvery day in early childhood ...
27/07/2026

📝 Conversations That Matter

🌿Oral Language: Before Children Can Read, They Need Conversation

Every day in early childhood education, we make decisions that shape children's futures. Sometimes those conversations deserve more than a quick social media post - they deserve space to explore the research, challenge assumptions, and reflect on what really matters.

This opinion piece shares my thoughts on an important topic affecting young children, families, and education. It isn't about having all the answers; it's about encouraging meaningful conversations backed by research, experience, and a genuine passion for giving children the very best start in life.

I'd love to hear your thoughts....
What resonates with you?
What has been your experience?

⬇️ Read the article below and join the conversation.

💚 Learning Priority Six – KaitiakitangaEnvironmental Awareness • Sustainability • Caring for Our WorldAt First Years Lea...
25/07/2026

💚 Learning Priority Six – Kaitiakitanga
Environmental Awareness • Sustainability • Caring for Our World

At First Years Learning Centre, we believe children are natural explorers, and with exploration comes a growing appreciation for the world around them.

One of our six Learning Priorities is Kaitiakitanga - supporting children to develop a love for nature, an understanding of sustainability, and a sense of responsibility for caring for our environment.

Children build a connection with the natural world through everyday experiences. Whether they're watering the gardens, feeding our chickens, exploring insects, planting vegetables, composting food scraps or simply noticing the changing seasons, they are learning that every action can make a positive difference.

Kaitiakitanga teaches children that they are not separate from nature - they are part of it. By caring for the environment, they also learn to care for themselves, each other and their wider community.

You might see children:
🌿 Caring for our gardens and harvesting vegetables
🌿 Feeding and caring for our centre animals
🌿 Exploring insects, plants and the natural environment
🌿 Recycling, composting and reducing waste
🌿 Reusing resources in creative ways
🌿 Asking questions about nature and how things grow
🌿 Learning how their everyday choices can help care for our planet

These everyday experiences help children develop curiosity, responsibility, empathy and a lifelong appreciation for the world around them.

At First Years, Kaitiakitanga is woven throughout our curriculum because we believe today's children are tomorrow's guardians of our environment. By fostering a connection with nature from an early age, we empower children to become thoughtful, responsible citizens who understand that even small actions can create meaningful change.

💚 He tamaiti, he taonga – Every child is a treasure.

💚 Learning Priority Five – WhānaungatangaRelationships & ContributionAt First Years Learning Centre, we believe children...
24/07/2026

💚 Learning Priority Five – Whānaungatanga
Relationships & Contribution

At First Years Learning Centre, we believe children learn best through meaningful relationships.

One of our six Learning Priorities is Whānaungatanga - building strong relationships, developing a sense of belonging, and empowering children to contribute positively to their learning community.

From the very beginning, children learn through their connections with others. Warm, trusting relationships help children feel safe, valued and confident to explore their world. As these relationships grow, so too does children's ability to communicate, collaborate, solve problems and care for those around them.

Whānaungatanga is about more than friendship. It is about creating a community where everyone feels they belong, every voice is valued, and every child knows they have something meaningful to contribute.

You might see children:
🌿 Working together to solve problems
🌿 Including others in their play
🌿 Helping and encouraging their friends
🌿 Sharing ideas and listening to others
🌿 Taking responsibility within our learning environment
🌿 Celebrating each other's achievements
🌿 Caring for their learning community and showing kindness

These everyday moments help children develop empathy, confidence, teamwork and leadership - skills that support success throughout life.

At First Years, Whānaungatanga is woven into our curriculum through respectful relationships, genuine partnerships with whānau, collaborative learning experiences and creating a culture where everyone feels welcomed, connected and valued.

💚 He tamaiti, he taonga – Every child is a treasure.

💚 Learning Priority Four – AuahatangaCreativity in Thinking, Decision Making & the ArtsAt First Years Learning Centre, w...
23/07/2026

💚 Learning Priority Four – Auahatanga
Creativity in Thinking, Decision Making & the Arts

At First Years Learning Centre, we believe every child is born creative.

One of our six Learning Priorities is Auahatanga - nurturing children's creativity through imagination, curiosity, problem-solving, decision-making and opportunities for self-expression.

Creativity isn't just about painting pictures or making crafts. It is about wondering, exploring, asking questions, thinking differently and discovering new ways to solve problems.

Children use creativity every day as they build with blocks, invent stories, explore nature, negotiate with friends, experiment with materials and express themselves through music, movement, dramatic play and art.

By providing open-ended experiences, children learn there isn't always one "right" answer. They develop confidence to take risks, share ideas and think creatively in ways that will benefit them throughout their lives.

You might see children:
🌿 Asking questions and wondering "What if...?"
🌿 Building, designing and creating with open-ended materials
🌿 Expressing ideas through art, music, dance and storytelling
🌿 Solving problems in different ways
🌿 Making choices and sharing their thinking
🌿 Using their imagination during play
🌿 Trying new ideas and learning from mistakes

These everyday experiences help children become curious, innovative and adaptable thinkers who are confident to explore the world around them.

At First Years, Auahatanga is woven throughout our curriculum because we know that creativity is at the heart of learning. It empowers children to think critically, communicate their ideas, embrace challenges and discover their unique strengths.

💚 He tamaiti, he taonga – Every child is a treasure.

💚 Learning Priority Three – Te TuakiriCultural Identity • Inclusion • ResponsivenessAt First Years Learning Centre, we b...
22/07/2026

💚 Learning Priority Three – Te Tuakiri
Cultural Identity • Inclusion • Responsiveness

At First Years Learning Centre, we believe every child deserves to feel seen, valued and celebrated for who they are.

One of our six Learning Priorities is Te Tuakiri - supporting each child's cultural identity, sense of belonging, and recognising the unique strengths, experiences and perspectives they bring to our learning community.

Children develop confidence when they know they belong. When their culture, language, family and identity are respected, they begin to build a strong sense of self and develop the confidence to explore, learn and contribute.

We believe every child has the right to be included, to have their voice heard, and to learn in an environment where diversity is celebrated and differences are embraced.

You might see children:
🌿 Sharing stories about their family and culture
🌿 Hearing and using te reo Māori in everyday conversations
🌿 Celebrating different languages, traditions and cultures
🌿 Including others in their play
🌿 Expressing their ideas with confidence
🌿 Learning about fairness, kindness and respect
🌿 Feeling proud of who they are and where they come from

These everyday experiences help children develop confidence, empathy and a strong sense of belonging - qualities that support them throughout their lives.

At First Years, Te Tuakiri is woven into our curriculum through authentic relationships, culturally responsive teaching, partnerships with whānau, and creating environments where every child knows they matter.

💚 He tamaiti, he taonga – Every child is a treasure.

💚 Learning Priority Two – ManawanuiResilience • EmpowermentAt First Years Learning Centre, we believe every child is cap...
21/07/2026

💚 Learning Priority Two – Manawanui
Resilience • Empowerment

At First Years Learning Centre, we believe every child is capable of amazing things.

One of our six Learning Priorities is Manawanui - supporting children to develop resilience, perseverance, confidence and the belief that they can overcome challenges.

Resilience isn't something children are simply born with. It grows through everyday experiences - trying something new, making mistakes, solving problems, managing big emotions and discovering that they can keep going, even when things feel difficult.

Rather than doing things for children, we intentionally support them to do things with us. By providing encouragement, guidance and opportunities to think for themselves, children begin to see themselves as capable, confident learners.

You might see children:
🌿 Trying again after something doesn't go to plan
🌿 Solving problems independently or with friends
🌿 Taking safe risks in their play and learning
🌿 Making choices and expressing their ideas
🌿 Managing disappointment and celebrating success
🌿 Asking for help when they need it
🌿 Showing pride in their achievements

These everyday moments build much more than confidence - they help children develop perseverance, adaptability and the courage to face new challenges throughout life.

At First Years, Manawanui is woven throughout our curriculum because we know that children who believe in themselves become learners who are willing to explore, take risks and embrace new opportunities.

💚 He tamaiti, he taonga – Every child is a treasure.

Address

38 And 44A Smithfield Road
Whanganui
4501

Opening Hours

Monday 7:30am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 7:30am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 7:30am - 5:30pm
Thursday 7:30am - 5:30pm
Friday 7:30am - 5:30pm

Telephone

06 9275402

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