At Bayfield, we welcome children regardless of gender, ethnicity, ability, socio-economic status or religion. We value and appreciate diversity. We promote a balance of child choice and teacher-initiated experiences. This will be achieved through supportive, nurturing teachers and a caring, child-centred environment.

Children will have the opportunity to be looked upon as individuals and have their strengths realised and developed. This will be achieved through peer tutoring and learning alongside others. Children will be encouraged to meet challenges without fear, and understand that the learning process can be fun. This will be achieved ensuring that we are developing a programme based on the interests of the children. We believe that successful learning occurs within meaningful relationships and a rich learning environment. Our programme is based on the strands and goals of the New Zealand Early Childhood Curriculum: "Te Whaariki", Well Being, Belonging, Communication, Contribution and Exploration and, as a team of teachers, we promote: free expression, an anti-bias curriculum, a stimulating environment, and provide a wide range of equipment and activities. We encourage exploration, participation, individuality, independence, self-confidence and a child's freedom of choice. We provide a positive, nurturing environment where children are supported to develop at their own pace and within their own interest areas.

Underpinning the culture of the centre and the values and beliefs of the teachers at Bayfield is the understanding and recognition of the virtues, both in the children and each other. Our teaching practice and child management methods strongly reflect these virtues, through which we aim to develop the children's character.

We value our partnership with parents, through an open and trusting relationship, and encourage parental input in every part of the programme. Family and Whanau are a valuable and important part of the child's learning and development. We believe that children have the right to freedom of choice and that they and their families should be strongly involved in decisions that directly affect them.

We would like the children of Bayfield Early Education Centre to leave our centre with positive attitudes towards learning, a thirst for knowledge, a strongly developed understanding of themselves and their place in the world.

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