Children transitioning between spaces with confidence 

The Secret Garden Childcare is a rural early learning service on the outskirts of Feilding, licensed for fifty children, including fourteen under two years of age.

As part of internal reviews, kaiako at the centre have been inspired to evaluate and critique their internal transition processes using indigenous pedagogy linked to Te Whāriki.  

Their evaluation and critique set them on a path to a more holistic approach to transitions. They have placed identity at the centre and use the concept of “Ko wai au? Who am I?” as a guiding framework when children progress from one area of the centre to another. 

Focusing on identity meant thinking about not only who the children are now but also who they once were and who they will become. This shift in thinking inspired practical additions to the process for children visiting their new environment at the time of transition and beyond.

The additions included: 

• a pōwhiri to welcome each child into the new space, where whānau have the opportunity to share stories and information about their child with kaiako and children 
• a brief summary for kaiako in the new environment, written by kaiako in the room the child is leaving – handing over knowledge on routines and rhythms, settling and comfort requirements, strengths and interests, and “things I still need a little help with” 
• extending their “Ko wai au?” questionnaire (documentation held in children’s portfolios) to include things such as the “significance of my name”, “Mohiotanga – what I know or bring with me”, and “child and whānau aspirations” 
• updating the “Ko wai au?” documentation with whānau at every birthday milestone. 

Kaiako feel that having a kete of processes for internal transitions helps keep the information visible and relevant. For example, kaiako and children often pick up and extend on the stories shared by whānau at the pōwhiri. The regular updating of the “Ko wai au?” is a good reminder to draw on the information whānau provide in their curriculum design.

“Information is not just sitting in folders; it is living! We have many examples of kaiako adjusting their practice in light of what they have learned about a child. The overall impact we have noticed is increased confidence.”