Our Values

We believe that LEARNING should be a partnership and a sharing of experience that comes from being an active learner. At The Totem Pole we respect where people are in their own learning and promote their self confidence to move forward.

We believe that your EXPERIENCE here will inspire you to realise your own ability. You will be valued, encouraged to try out new things and to bring a positive vibe to everything that you do.




We believe that you will leave The Totem Pole having reflected on your learning FEELING inspired and re-energised to bring a renewed enthusiasm to your work.

We believe that sometimes the smallest CHANGES you will make back in your settings will make the biggest difference for the children and families you are supporting.

Our core values come from studying the High/Scope philosophy:

‘In the High/Scope Approach to early childhood education, adults and children share control. We recognise that the power to learn resides in the child, hence the focus on active learning practices. When we accept that learning comes from within, we achieve a critical balance in educating young children. The adults' role is to support and guide young children through the active learning adventures and experiences.’

David P. Weikart. 1995