Mahitahi – Collaboration E hara taku toa i te toa takitahi, he toa takitini
My strength is not as an individual, but as a collective 

The foundation to Second Home philosophy is born from relationships; equal partnership between children, care givers, whānau, our wider community and the environments we move through.  These respectful and responsive relationships reflect our ever-evolving culture, with kindness and mana atua at the core of our being.  We continue to be influenced and guided by the philosophies and values of Te Ao Māori, Dr Emmi Pikler and The Reggio Emilia Principles and Practices.

These three philosophies are largely visible in our physical space and inform our learning.  The small group size enables a family-like environment to grow.  It is reflected in how we relate in this space and the language we use; our rooms are the bedroom, dining room, living room and garden.  The teachers are called ‘Aunties. It is our home. We recognize that each child is on a unique journey, and they are the living link between the past, the present and the future.  The Aunties support and guide the children empowering them as active learners on this journey.

The values of kindness, respect, trust, collaboration, joy, and wonder shape our culture and are visible in our daily practices and rituals that we all participate in.  We have bundles of open-ended play resources to provoke wonder and curiosity.  Children are valued as free and equal human beings who are at all times allowed to tune into their bodies and into their play.  Children are supported by Aunties who are actively listening and responding to children’s needs in order for children to develop and explore in their own time and at their readiness. Parent and whānau participation is fundamental for enriching the daily life of Second Home, embracing partnership with both local and wider communities. We are grateful for the opportunity to use te reo Māori in our practice alongside the diversity of additional languages and cultural experiences that families share in our space.

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