FROM THE Editor Kia ora koutou, Deepest sympathies to all those affected by our recent weather events. It's been heartbreaking, but also heartwarming as we witness communities working together with a collective spirit and within the principle of kotahitanga. Nāu te rourou, nāku te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi. With your food basket and my food basket the people will thrive. This year the ECC Conference, Striving for Excellence, is being held in the capital at the new Tākina Convention and Exhibition Centre from 21 -22 July 2023 and has a focus on achieving success in early learning through building value and resilience. Last year’s conference had raving reviews and the ECC head office is working hard to achieve this success once again. To find out what's on offer read from page 23. Phil and Tiffany Smith, from Smith Architects, ask the questions, Does your centre support your well-being? Is it even a healthy space? on page 14. The authors offer sage advice in how you can ensure your building’s physical indoor space supports the health and well-being of all and includes some questions in how you can create a beautiful human space. Tiffany is running an interactive workshop at this year’s ECC Conference on supporting participants to support those within it and what can be done to make a difference to your own health and those you care for. From 1 February 2023, the control of where a new ECE service can establish lies with the Minister of Education. Kindello Cofounder, Logan Whitelaw offers a practical and informative article, ECE Network Planning – are you ready? to support your understanding in this area and how it may affect you in the future. Well worth a read and can be found from page 18. Over the last few years Swings & Roundabouts has had the opportunity to champion Pasifika leadership through the research by Maria Cooper, Louise Gorst, with Pasifika Early Learning (AoKids). This has been a real privilege to share their learnings. The research and principals explained in the article is of use in both Pasific ECE and nonPasific supporting not just Pasific children and kaiako but all. The more that can deepen our understanding of Pasifika indigenous knowledge the better! Head to page 28 for the study’s latest findings. Over the last few years sustainability and the benefits of gardening with young tamariki has become more apparent. Just this summer alone has been an example of how weather can affect the food chain and increase the price of many of our local produce. Anita Croft shares the benefits of involving young tamariki in gardening, from fostering connection to nature, to where their food comes from, to supporting social and emotional well-being, plus much more. Go to page 32 to read more. Phil Sales article, What business are you actually in? on page 36 offers some ideas on how you can pinpoint what you are really offering to your community of learners and how this offering can set you apart from others – in essence why would a whānau choose your centre rather than the one down the road! Thank you to all our autumn contributors. Ngā mihi Trudi Sutcliffe Editor Your insurance sorted 0800 765 429 crombielockwood.co.nz /childproof Protecting over 1500 childcare centres with specialised business insurance. March 2023 { 7 }
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=