Many parents wonder whether a learning-through-play daycare can truly prepare their child to be ready for school. It’s a great question, as tamariki need to reach key developmental milestones before starting their education journey. At Treetops Botany and Pukekohe daycare, we nurture the skills, confidence, and independence needed to ensure a smooth and successful transition to primary school.
Preparing Your Child To Be Ready For School at All Our Daycare Centres
From the age of four, our Kaiako (teachers) work closely with tamariki to introduce school routines, encourage independence, and build confidence.
While our curriculum is based on Te Whāriki, New Zealand’s Early Childhood Curriculum, the school curriculum follows the New Zealand Curriculum, which is structured around eight key principles and five key competencies. Our Pathway to School Program aligns with both frameworks, ensuring tamariki develop the essential skills for a successful transition.
Our Pathway-to-School Program
Daily Structure
- Welcoming and greeting everyone
- Roll call
- Planning for the day
- Revisiting classroom rules
Our Pathway-To-School Focus
We incorporate the six principles of Te Whāriki into our pathway-to-school activities:
- Mana Atua (Wellbeing) – Managing Self
- Encouraging self-care habits such as dressing, washing hands, and organising belongings
- Teaching resilience and emotional regulation
- Mana Whenua (Belonging) – Participating & Contributing
- Developing friendships and social confidence
- Understanding shared responsibilities and group participation
- Mana Tangata (Contribution) – Relating to Others
- Practicing turn-taking, sharing, and cooperative play
- Building empathy and problem-solving skills
- Mana Reo (Communication) – Using Language, Symbols, and Texts
- Expanding vocabulary and communication skills through storytelling and discussions
- Recognising letters, numbers, and symbols
- Mana Aotūroa (Exploration) – Thinking
- Encouraging curiosity and problem-solving
- Introducing early maths and science concepts through play
- Whakamana (Empowerment) – Building Skills
- Fostering independence and confidence in daily tasks
- Encouraging decision-making and creativity
Plunket's Before School Check
Plunket is New Zealand’s largest support service for the health and wellbeing of tamariki under five and their whānau. When your child turns four, you are encouraged to book them in for a Before School Check at your local clinic. This free check helps ensure your child is on track developmentally before they start school.
Find your nearest Plunket:
What Does the Before School Check Involve?
The Before School Check is a fun, comprehensive assessment that evaluates your tamariki’s:
- Language and communication skills
- Physical growth and development
- Behaviour, social skills, and emotional wellbeing
- Oral health
The check consists of three main parts:
- Vision and hearing check – Often conducted at your tamariki’s daycare.
- Nurse assessment – A scheduled appointment to assess growth, development, and general health.
- Strengths and difficulties questionnaire – Completed by the early childhood centre your tamariki attends, evaluating their social and emotional development. Parents can request this questionnaire beforehand from Plunket.
Why Choose One Of Our Treetops Daycare Centres In Auckland?
At Treetops daycare, we are committed to providing a nurturing environment where tamariki thrive. Our dedicated Kaiako support each child’s learning journey, ensuring they develop the necessary skills and confidence for a seamless transition into primary school.
If you’re looking for a daycare in Botany, Pukekohe, or surrounding areas like East Tamaki, Flat Bush, Ormiston, Paerata Rise, Karaka, or Bombay, visit us today and discover how we can support your child’s learning and development.
