About Us
SEEN Learning Collective is a registered charity, on a mission to ensure all children have access to a learning environment where they feel seen, valued and safe.
We want every child to be understood as an individual and celebrated for their uniqueness. We believe that when children feel connected to their teachers and calm in their learning environment they can develop the confidence to share their ideas, explore and take risks in their learning.
Meet the Teacher
Kia ora! I'm Emma, founder of SEEN Learning Collective. I live in Rotorua with my son, Ollie, and have spent more than ten years working alongside children as a nanny, teacher aide, primary school teacher, private tutor and health school teacher.
Teaching has always been where my heart is. I grew up in a family of teachers and, even as a child, loved creating little classrooms of my own. I have always been drawn to the artists, the tinkerers, the dreamers, the quieter children and those who experience the world a little differently. Throughout my teaching journey I became increasingly aware that many children were being overlooked or losing their spark in mainstream education.
In 2023, I created SEEN Learning Collective to be that place. Drawing on my experience in play-based learning, STEM education, mixed-age teaching and relationship-based practice, SEEN is a learning community with heart, where wellbeing comes first. A place where children can slow down, discover their strengths and feel safe, valued and seen.
Our Guiding Principles
Share
Children develop deep connections by sharing their thoughts with others. Children benefit from that feeling of being "part of something". With small class sizes, every person is seen, and their contributions are valued. The Maori concept of wānanga is honored - as we create a learning culture that encourages the dynamic building and sharing of knowledge.
Explore
SEEN is a place focused on creativity. With our fluid structure, children have time to try things out, to explore, to be curious. This exploration helps develop confidence, perseverance and a positive attitude towards "failure". Exploration provides opportunities for children to learn about themselves, discovering new areas of interest or ways of doing things.
Empower
We are dedicated to empowering children, fostering their confidence, and inspiring a lifelong love for learning. Children are honored as the leaders of their learning, and as the decision makers - choosing what they might like to create and how they are going to create it.
At SEEN we strive to create moments of challenge, that are appropriate to the individual - where they can push themselves a little and come out the other side feeling empowered, with that feeling of "I did that!"
Nurture
Children feeling safe, secure and connected is our highest priority. With small class sizes, each child is able to be supported. We provide gentle encouragement and are adaptable to the individual's needs and interests.