Swimming lessons can help babies develop an emotional bond through interaction with other children in their class and positive encouragement from their parents. Early swimming also fosters a growing sense of self-esteem, confidence, independence and as a child’s ability to freely move through the water increases - so does their sense of wellbeing.

Starting swimming lessons as a baby comes with many benefits including improved physical, emotional, social and cognitive development. It also sets a positive foundation towards a lifetime of participation and enjoyment in a variety of water sports and time spent on, in and under the water. On the whole, children who start swimming lessons early are far more relaxed and happy in the water, and in a country as water-loving as New Zealand, this is vital.

A book is a baby’s first theatre and now US paediatricians are urging parents to read to children from their earliest days. Even the smallest babies are ready and eager to engage and tune into what is being read to them.

Process art is a hugely positive way to foster creativity in toddlers and preschoolers and comes with many benefits. Process art is all about the experience, rather than the final outcome, providing toddlers and preschoolers with the opportunity to be themselves, make their own decisions and to have the freedom to be creative in a way that suits their learning.