Our Difference

Unique forest philosophy
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Our Forest Philosophy

Nature adventures daily in all weather, we are all about dressing for the weather.
We will provide a loving, nurturing and stimulating environment which will enable children to feel a sense of belonging, whilst they engage in meaningful play opportunities.

Our centre is designed for play; we welcome “muddy play” and provide a natural environment for our tamariki to explore. We embrace Tangaroa, Papatunuku, Ranginui, Tawhirimatea and Tāne god of the forest.

M.U.D represents the core meaning behind our philosophy “make unique discoveries”. Our tamariki can make unique discoveries in our very own back yard, amongst nature.

We embrace the beautiful philosophical influences of Reggio Emillia and Montessori. Our overall learning objective is to let children lead us into a world of discovery. We encourage children to follow their own interests and take ownership of their learning.

This freedom of choice promotes self-esteem and encourages children to become capable, confident and independent learners. We encourage a love for learning and education.

In our view this means fun, laughter and love. We let your children lead the way and respond by extending on from each individual interest.

Relationships are our key to success! We base everything we do in the centre on respect; respect for ourselves, respect for others and respect for the environment.

Your children are on a journey so let’s make it fun while they learn!!!!

Tuakana-teina

Tuakana-teina is important in traditional Mäori whänau and society as it defines roles and responsibilities within the whänau. This includes relationships between parents and their tamariki, between the parents themselves and those within the wider whänau and community.

Our Facebook Community

Facebook Groups

All our parents and whänua are invited to join our closed Facebook Families group.

We have one group in Red Beach and another in Warkworth.

Storypark

Upon enrolment you will be invited to join our online families page on Facebook and Storypark.
Storypark is where you can find learning stories, photos and planning documentation . You will receive an invitation from Muddy Toes to your email when your child begins. We will be available to support you along the way if you have any questions.

And more...

  • Natural child led learning environment
  • Passionate teachers who love what they do
  • We focus on sustainability and teach children to respect and care for their environment
  • Strong family values; it feels like a home away from home
  • We build self-esteem and confidence in our tamariki
  • We are on walks every day no matter what mother nature throws at us.
  • We respect ‘Tāne’ god of the forest
  • We practice Te Reo and embrace multicultural practice
  • Muddy Toes ELC will provide you with afternoon tea, nappies, sunscreen, wipes and a wet weather suit if needed.

And more...

  • Natural child led learning environment
  • Passionate teachers who love what they do
  • We focus on sustainability and teach children to respect and care for their environment
  • Strong family values; it feels like a home away from home
  • We build self-esteem and confidence in our tamariki
  • We are on walks every day no matter what mother nature throws at us.
  • We respect ‘Tāne’ god of the forest
  • We practice Te Reo and embrace multicultural practice
  • Muddy Toes ELC will provide you with afternoon tea, nappies, sunscreen, wipes and a wet weather suit if needed.

Book a tour

We are here to give your child the best possible early education and care. Book a tour at one of our centres today.

Our activities

Skills That Children Will Learn
  • Nature walks
  • Nature art
  • Pretend play in the forest
  • Building huts
  • Planting
  • Collecting natural treasures
  • Water play and lots of muddy play!
  • Splashing in puddles
  • Rolling down grassy hills
  • Bike riding
  • Sandpit play
  • Yoga
  • Clay and messy nature play
  • Carpentry building using recycled resources
  • Cleaning up the environment
  • Climbing trees
  • Building and making pretend fires
  • Shell threading
  • Music and movement
  • Reading books
  • Playball (Red Beach and Stanmore Bay)

Age Groups

We are a mixed license centre

Red Beach

0-6 years
In Red Beach we have 5 babies and 11 over two’s. Our licence is for 0-6 years – total 16 children.

Warkworth

2-6 years
In Warkworth we have a licence for 2-6 years – total 35 children.
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