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Age ain’t nothing but a number: Rethinking groupings in ECE

Te Rito Maioha ECNZ
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Raewyn Penman

Raewyn has wide experience in teaching, managing, professional development and lecturing in early childhood education and teacher education, as well as management roles in the disability and sports sectors. This wide experience has informed a deep understanding of both the early childhood sector and diversity. She has been an Education Leader with Te Rito Maioha since 2019. Raewyn is passionate about challenging tauira to stretch themselves, their critical thinking, their reflective practice and how this can positively impact the learning outcomes for tamariki. She believes in learning alongside tauira and providing support and guidance for each person’s needs. Raewyn is continually inspired by the staff and students she works with, their passion, resilience, humour and persistence.

Te Rito Maioha ECNZ
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Victoria Kees

Victoria is a course leader and lecturer at the Ōtautahi takiwā of Te Rito Maioha ECNZ. She  has more than 20 years of experience in Early Childhood Education and has held various positions such as teacher, head teacher, and centre manager. Victoria’s teaching interests are centred around the importance of ako and fostering the skills and knowledge of students and the wider learning community. Victoria prioritises incorporating diverse perspectives and identities into the learning process and creating a safe and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and encouraged to share their knowledge and thinking.

Te Rito Maioha ECNZ
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Sherideen Lange

Sherideen has worked in the education sector for over 20 years; first as an infant and toddler teacher in an early childhood setting, then in the tertiary sector in a variety of academic roles. In these roles, she has had the opportunity to work collaboratively with Kaiako to provide quality environments for infants and toddlers as well as supporting tauira with their learning journey. Sherideen values challenging tauira to be the best they can be, in order to positively impact learning outcomes for young children. She believes that actively fostering safe, trusting, inclusive learning environments will allow all tamariki and tauira to feel valued and empower them to thrive.

Te Rito Maioha ECNZ
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Rachel Winslow

Rachel’s role at Te Rito Maioha is the Programme Leader/Kaiārahi Hotaka for the Level 5 programmes, including our three New Zealand Diploma in Early Childhood Education qualifications specialising in Aperfield Montessori, Pasifika and Home-Based Care. Rachel’s teaching philosophy is centred around care, respect, and relationships. In her online classroom, she lets her students share their experiences, critically reflect on practice, and show authenticity and vulnerability with their peers in the online learning space to challenge their thinking and practice. Rachel enjoys working with students as it gives her a chance to reflect on her teaching as well. Rachel’s teaching philosophy is centred around care, respect, and relationships. In her online classroom, she lets her students share their experiences, critically reflect on practice, and show authenticity and vulnerability with their peers in the online learning space to challenge their thinking and practice. 

Age-groupings Mixed-age same-age pedagogy

Abstract

Age groupings in early learning settings influence children’s interactions and experiences. Recent shifts have seen same-age groupings become more common. In this article we investigate the relationship between early learning theories, pedagogical approaches, and grouping practices. While literature is dominated by research into mixed-age settings, overall it revealed that there are benefits to both types of groupings. The key factors appear to be aligning the grouping structure with the setting’s philosophy, cultural values and community context. We were left wondering what information was informing the grouping decisions in Aotearoa New Zealand early learning settings and have posed some questions for reflection.

Peer Reviewed Articles
Submitted: 01-10-2025
Published: 12-02-2026