Connection. Nature. Play.
Seedlings Nature Kindergarten opened in February 2015, since then our roots have grown deeper and stronger.
There are now multiple branches of Seedlings that all stem from the same strong philosophical root.
The vision always leads the way… “Authentic community learning fostering a deep sense of awe, wonder and love for nature the earth and life”
Seedlings Babies and Seedlings Toddlers parent courses sprouted in 2017 and was created by Pennie Brownlee (Dance With Me In The Heart).
From repeated whānau requests Seedlings Nature School opened February 2021.
Our environment is intentionally homely, cozy, wild and welcoming. The building is named Te Manawa, a place that has been likened to feeling like nana’s place by many. Over the years many have sat on the lounge sofa and had heart anniversaries of sitting in similar places from their past.
Testimonials
Whānau - Mum
“Open, honest, clear and authentic communication has been consistently compassionate and easy Seedlings Team’s passion is contagious as they move purposefully with vibrancy and grace to hold space for each child with their unique needs and personality, promoting a sense of belonging in them all-through the heart. Seedlings has been a soft place to land no matter what goes on in life I know that O will be safe, nurtured, honoured, seen and uplifted when at Seedlings, which allows me to breathe easy as a mother and parent. I was surprised by the change of pace, although as time went on I see how all that energy is building and expanding her understanding of her role as a human. An unshakeable zest and zeal for life has been born and continues to be nurtured through seeing herself as a learner and doer. Notably the solidification of all this has profoundly blossomed over the year between being 5 and 6 and has set in stone her ability as she thrives… I see it, I hear it, I feel it. I’m so grateful for the guidance and knowledge around giving O this year to stake her claim on her earlier learning experiences. This world needs innovative creative thinkers and O certainly has a mark to make on the world. I take my hat off to the Seedlings Team for their passion for quality in early childhood education. The team continues to consistently advocate for child-led, heart-centered, nature immersed education.
Whānau - Nana
“We have really enjoyed connecting to the wider Seedlings family in intimate seasonal gatherings, it is so exciting and heart-warming I didn’t know kindergarten’s like this existed. Everyone will tell you I don’t cry or show my emotions, but at Seedlings I can be myself, everyone can be themselves”.
Whānau - Dad
“H continues to be a very self-confident, understanding young person, with an ability to share his feelings, ability to empathize with others; thank you for your guidance with H and for me as a Dad. You were special for me on figuring out what I was as a parent. And how to be a parent. It was the words of wisdom but also what you did through example”.
“Play is the highest form of intelligence.”
– Albert Einstein