What Makes Your Place Childcare in Silverdale Special

At Your Place Childcare, we integrate the principles of The Virtues Project to foster kindness, respect, and a deep understanding of child development, complementing our play-based approach to early learning.

The Importance of Play-Based Learning in Early Childhood

In today’s fast-paced world, many children lack the time and space for meaningful play, with structured learning and rigid schedules often taking its place. At Your Place Childcare, we believe that play is the foundation of early childhood development.

Unlike traditional childcare centres that focus solely on structured learning, we emphasise the power of play-based learning to nurture creativity, build essential life skills, and inspire a love for exploration and discovery.

At Your Place Childcare, we understand that every child deserves an environment where they can grow, play, and discover at their own pace. Here’s why families choose us:

  • Nature-Based Learning

We provide children with the opportunity to learn and explore in the great outdoors, nurturing a love for nature and an adventurous spirit. From gardening to outdoor exploration, our programmes encourage children to connect with their environment.

Two little girls exploring the preschool garden at an early learning centre, engaging in outdoor learning and hands-on discovery.
Young child enjoying gardening and planting flowers.
  • Imagination Through Everyday Objects

Forget plastic toys! We encourage creativity and imagination by using everyday objects for play and learning. This approach inspires children to think outside the box and see endless possibilities in their surroundings.

Three children coloring with real flowers, engaging in a creative activity at Your Place Childcare.
Two toddlers at an early learning centre engaging in play-based exploration with stones, highlighting the use of natural resources for creative learning.
  • No Plastic Toys, Just Real Play

Our play environment is free from plastic toys and screens. Instead, we focus on real-world experiences that stimulate curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

Child playing on monkey bars at an early learning centre, promoting play-based outdoor activity and physical development.
Child watering plants with a real water hose at an early learning centre, using real objects as toys to encourage hands-on learning.
  • Fostering Creativity & Critical Thinking

Every activity at Your Place Childcare encourages critical thinking and creativity while fostering virtues like patience and perseverance, guided by the principles of The Virtues Project. Through hands-on learning, children develop essential problem-solving skills that prepare them for a lifetime of learning.

Infant crawling to reach an object at an early learning centre, promoting motor skills and developmental growth.
Little girl painting at an early learning centre, promoting creativity and fine motor skills development.
  • Hands-On Learning in a Natural Environment

Our natural approach to education immerses children in experiences that allow them to discover, question, and learn by doing. Whether it’s building with sticks or cooking pretend meals, our activities are rooted in real-world play.

Child observing the light at an early learning centre, exploring sensory development and curiosity.
Children at Your Place Childcare making bracelets with beads, practicing counting numbers in our early learning centre.
  • Building Lifelong Skills Through Simple Play

From hammering nails in carpentry to pouring tea at a play kitchen, our hands-on activities nurture problem-solving, creativity, and resilience. These simple yet meaningful moments help tamariki develop essential skills for thriving in life and learning.

Young girl engaging in carpentry at an early learning centre, fostering hands-on learning and problem-solving skills.
Little boy pouring tea into a teacup at an early learning centre, demonstrating the teaching of life skills through hands-on activities.
  • Celebrating Culture and Community

At Your Place Childcare, we celebrate culture and community, guided by The Virtues Project, which helps children embrace values like kindness, respect, and connection. Our centre honours the diverse cultures of our families while cherishing the rich heritage of Aotearoa New Zealand.

We host regular cultural gatherings where families share traditional foods, stories, and customs. These events create a vibrant space for children and families to connect and learn from each other’s unique backgrounds.

Cultural event at an early learning centre with families sharing diverse cuisines, embracing different cultures and traditions.
Delicious dish from a cultural event at an early learning centre, showcasing the diversity of cuisines shared by families.

Learning Through Māori Traditions

From singing Māori songs to reciting numbers in te reo Māori, we incorporate local culture into our daily learning. Watch the video below to see how our tamariki (children) learn and thrive through cultural connection.

Connected to the Wider Community

Our relationships go beyond the centre walls. We are proud to be a trusted part of the Silverdale community, including building meaningful connections with the ageing population. These relationships teach children the value of compassion, respect, and intergenerational connection.

By nurturing these bonds, we ensure children grow with a deep appreciation for the world around them, creating a foundation for lifelong empathy and understanding.

At Your Place Childcare, we are committed to providing a nurturing environment where children thrive, develop a love for learning, and build meaningful connections. 

Ready to begin your child's journey with us?

Book a tour today and see firsthand how we can support your child’s growth and development.

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