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Ministry of Education New Zealand
Important

Effective 20 April 2026, the numbering of the curriculum criteria has changed. There have been no changes to the curriculum criteria wording or associated guidance.

Criterion C103#

Adults providing education and care engage in meaningful, positive interactions to enhance children’s learning and nurture reciprocal relationships.

Curriculum criteria documentation required

 

Guidance#

To meet this criterion in a way that is consistent with Te Whāriki, relationships should be recognised as a source of learning, empowerment, and identity for all. Kaiako and service leaders have a responsibility to engage in responsive and respectful relationships with children, parents and whānau, hapū, iwi, and each other.

Interaction provides a rich social world for children to make sense of and understand. Kaiako interactions should provide encouragement, warmth, acceptance, and challenges to help children extend their ideas and understanding of the world.

When mokopuna experience stable and consistent relationships with kaiako it enhances their learning, diverse strengths, and wellbeing. The service provider should consider how the organisation of staffing fosters opportunities for meaningful, positive, and consistent relationships between children and kaiako.

All interactions should create a sense of whanaungatanga in the service.

Kaiako have an important role and responsibility in fostering, role modelling and supporting the peer-to-peer interactions of mokopuna.

Kaiako should draw on knowledge gained from the child and their parents and whānau as they build authentic and reciprocal relationships that support positive transitions for children in, through and from the service.