As a teacher, I believe:
· Responsive, reciprocal, trusting and nurturing relationships need to be made with children, teachers and whānau. Secure attachments are key to children feeling safe which allows them to feel confident to explore, learn and grow.
· A peaceful, respectful and unhurried environment needs to be established where children are emotionally safe and feel loved. The environment needs to be rich in opportunities through all areas of the curriculum. Following the interests of children through natural curiosity and imagination to allow them to learn and discover about the world around them.
· Infants should be able to move freely and allowed the time and space to reach milestones when they are ready.
· Treasure the unique identity of each child and celebrate what each individual child brings to the centre.
· Learning alongside the children and listening carefully to their ideas and supporting their working theories.
· Incorporating Te Reo Māori is vital for children’s learning, to honour the Treaty of Waitangi and as it is a main aspect of New Zealand’s history and culture.
Working as part of the Infant room at Busy Bees has been a period of large growth and learning in my teaching journey. We follow a RIE inspired environment and primary caregiving philosophy.
My duties include ensuring the environment is safe, nurturing and inviting for all tamariki. Assuring all children's needs a met in a respectful and caring way. Developing trusting, responsive and nurturing relationships with tamariki and their whānau . Writing child notes and learning stories based on children's interests, strengths and family aspirations. Creatting plans for infants based on the learning outcomes in Te Whāriki and centres priorities for learning.
While working at Stamford Hill Primary School, I was Head Teacher of 24 children with a Teacher Assistant. The children were 3-4 year olds.
I created a safe learning environment which promoted learning and growth based on the Early Years Foundation Stage, the British Early Years curriculum.
I passionately taught children with limited English through creative methods, fostering language acquisition, cultural understanding, and a sense of unity in our diverse classroom.
I conducted parent-teacher interviews on a regular basis.
At Newton Farm Nursery I had my own Reception class (4-5 year olds) with a teacher assistant.
Newton Farm Nursery allowed me to learn more about the UK curriculum, gaining a better understanding of how the curriculum looked in practice. I conducted both brief and extensive observations, referencing the Early Years Foundation Stage guidelines for assessment and documentation. I actively engaged in ongoing professional development opportunities and attended weekly staff meetings.
I did day to day supply teaching across various schools in London. I was teaching Nursery and Reception. (3-5 year olds)
This job was a significant period of personal and professional growth in my teaching journey. I gained my full teacher registration here. I was teaching and learning alongside 0-2 year olds. I was responsible for creating a safe home away from home for the younger tamariki of the centre. I created strong and nurturing relationships with all the tamariki and loved watching them learn and discover the world around hem. I crafted learning stories and individual plans for children, aiming to enhance their learning in tailored and suitable way. I attended and actively participated in staff meetings and professional development to further my learning.
Bridget Barber
Room leader in the infant room at Busy Bees
021 208 5997
Chrissie Cole
Former centre manager at Puddleducks (now Busy Bees)
chrissieandaj@xtra.co.nz
027 645 2170
Susan Ogden
Head Teacher of Little Monkeys Learning Centre
ogdenfive@xtra.co.nz
027 467 9570