Wellington City Rudolf Steiner Kindergarten

This kindergarten operates based on the Rudolf Steiner philosophy of early childhood education and caters for children aged from 3 to 6 years. It operates in a converted turn-of-the-century house in Thorndon, central Wellington, and aims to provide a caring, homely environment for young children.
The curriclum aims to foster creativity and imagination, nurture children's senses, and protect the wonder of childhood. Rhythm, repetition and routine are considered very important in supporting children to feel safe and secure, so there is a flow and a pattern to the day, the week, and the year (in the form of seasonal festivals). Toys are made from natural materials and are mostly simple in form, allowing the children freedom to create and imagine many posibilities with these toys in their play.
Strong relationships are supported between teachers and children by maintaining high teacher:child ratios. The maximum class sizes are 18 for the older class and 8 children for the 3 year olds entrance level class.
Oral communication is seen as integral to children's learning, and storytelling, rhyme, poetry and song are a part of the daily curriclum. They support development of the child's imagination, picture thinking, and language skills.
Teachers endeavour to be worthy of imitation, as children in early childhood learn a great deal through imitation, so teachers are often engaged in meaningful tasks, such as gardening, food preparation, domestic, aristic, or creative activities.