ERO Reports Highlight Need For Early Learning Regulation Overhaul

A child's preparedness for primary school begins long before they step into a classroom. Each year, their knowledge, social skills, oral communication, literacy, and numeracy develop, ensuring they are well-equipped to accelerate their learning.

Children in Aotearoa New Zealand grow up surrounded by animals. Whether through songs, books, toys, or real-life experiences, animals capture children’s curiosity and provide meaningful opportunities for learning. In fact, 71% of households with young children (aged 0-8) have at least one companion animal according to a recent study from Companion Animals New Zealand (2024).

Musical play is about so much more than simply singing a lullaby and banging on a drum. Sound exploration starts in the womb and is threaded through everyday ECE experiences. Teachers can help to support this learning in a number of ways, irrespective of personal ability.