The creation of Nest has been a labour of love.
We have fulfilled every aspiration as we’ve knitted together the early learning experience we wanted for our own children with the most recent research on children’s development.
While planning Nest we envisioned a space that relaxes you as you enter; where beautiful, natural and real play items are mindfully selected and invite children to play. We needed a space where children could get a big dose of nature; it had to be purpose-built and provide a nostalgic nod back to play from previous generations. We envisioned meandering trails, a stream, mud kitchen, sandpit and ‘tinker shed’ all dotted around the well-planted garden just welcoming children to play.
We knew we needed teachers who were in-tune with each child’s cues, filling their emotional tanks so that they are content to explore and play. A small roll and teacher ratios that surpass our legal requirements allows us to offer exceptional care and attention to detail; this was a ‘must have’.
We were determined to create a sustainable space which would encourage our tamariki to grow up to respect and protect our natural world.
We envisioned a centre where every teacher is celebrated and empowered to be their best selves. We know that it takes a big heart to guide our next generation and want our teachers to feel well supported so that this responsibility is never a burden.
Nest has become a space where children can really be themselves; discovering and strengthening their uniqueness. A space where children can get messy and wild, where the unpredictability of nature is available to surprise and delight.
Whether children are climbing trees, hunting for bugs, or pretending to fly to the moon, this is a space where heart-led learning is valued. We want every child to feel at ease and unhurried as they choose how, what and where they learn. We see our teachers’ role as one of providing skillful support and guidance through observation, allowing children the time and space to play freely.
Perhaps most importantly, we envisioned a space that we would be proud to enrol our children and extended whānau at. We are truly blessed to have been able to bring this vision into a reality, sharing our Nest with the community.
Opened in early 2020, we are a bespoke Early Learning Centre with just 8 spaces available for children aged under 2; and 24 spaces for children aged between 2 and 6 years old. Focusing on heart-led learning, Nest is led by a caring and compassionate teaching team with a strong belief in the values of respectful practice and peaceful caregiving.
Visit us and see for yourself what sets Nest apart from the rest.
Is Nest for us?
Is Nest for us?
At Nest have woven together our strongest beliefs and values to create a philosophy which best represents and underpins all that we do. Respect, peacefulness, service and courage anchor us in our practice. Alongside these values runs the understanding that unhurried responsive connections and play are vital for children’s development.
Nest
1 Matai Street,
Edgecumbe 3120
07 304 6161
hello@nestonmatai.co.nz