Goodstart Early Learning Norfolk Village

Play is the order of the day of Goodstart Early Learning and the programs at the centre are grounded in a play-based approach. The educators embed teaching and learning into play experiences, helping the children to make sense of the world around them. This is how the children learn about how things work and develop important foundational relationships and skills. 

The primarily child-directed, play-based curriculum ensures that the children are engaged in their learning. They are encouraged to take the lead, developing their negotiation, risk taking, problem solving and social skills. The educators observe the children and help to challenge them by extending their learning and interests.

The educators recognise that every child is unique and that they bring their own needs, interests and strengths with them each day. The program is designed to be flexible to cater to these differing needs, ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive at Goodstart.

Kim Baynham

Hi there! My name is Kim and I am the Centre Director at Goodstart Norfolk Village.

As Centre Director, I would like to welcome you to Goodstart Early Learning Centre Norfolk Village and introduce myself - Kim

I have over 22 years teaching and management experience in a variety of early childhood centres both in New Zealand and the Gold Coast.  I have had the opportunity in both countries to support and lead a range of centres.

As a mature student, I graduated from the Auckland College of Education in 2001 with a Bachelor of Education (Teaching) in Early Childhood Education.  Before I started my study, I was for many years as a personal assistant for a management consultant who specialised in training senior management in areas such as customer service, communication, leadership and teamwork.  I highly value the importance of relationships and one of my strengths that contributes to the development of relationships is my communication skills.

Excellent, open, and respectful communication is the foundation for relationship building and I thrive on developing excellent relationships with everyone I interact with (colleagues, children, families and community groups) through honest, open and empathetic communication.

I am passionate about the NZ Early Childhood Curriculum (Te Whāriki), as they see a child as “competent and confident learners and communicators, healthy in mind, body and spirit, secure in their sense of belonging and in the knowledge that they made a valued contribution to society”.  This is, of course, in line with The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia (EYLF) whose goal is for all “young Australians (to) become confident and creative learners, successful lifelong learners and active and informed members of the community”.  I strongly believe the image of the child is extremely important as it impacts on how we interact with children and the environment we provide for them.

I look forward to meeting and welcoming everyone into our beautiful centre.