Childcare options in Ngatea

Our Philosophy

We believe that tamariki are unique individuals and recognize each child has their own unique strengths, skills, and abilities to be fostered, encouraged, and provided for.

We value the importance of creating a safe environment for tamariki, as we believe that when tamariki feel safe and trust that their needs will be met, they are more comfortable to explore their environment. We also place importance on healthy boundaries that support tamariki in understanding respect for kaupapa and their environment.

We believe that great relationships (Whanaungatanga ) within the learning community are built on a foundation of trust, honest and open communication, respectful and positive interactions, consistency, and reliability.  Communication is  an essential ingredient in relationships (Whanaungatanga), and we believe it is our role as kaiako to encourage and support each other together on this journey in unity for the benefit of our tamariki, whᾱnau, and community.

We believe tamariki should have continuous opportunities to connect, interact with and experience nature and their outside world. It is through these experiences that tamariki are able to build a sense of responsibility and accountability for a sustainable future, while making sense of their wider world. We trust our tamariki to take on the role of kaiako when necessary, and using these encounters towards self-transformation.

Nau mai, haere mai and welcome to Ngatea Playcentre

Playcentre is unlike any other early childhood education organisation. At Playcentre, both children and their parents / caregivers attend.

At Playcentre children get the opportunity to learn and explore in a fun and safe environment.

The curiosity and creativity of our tamariki is nurtured in a way that allows them to learn about themselves and their world.

Your child will be given a chance to explore, create, climb, read, sing, experiment, play music, wear costumes, have their face painted (or do it themselves!), garden, do carpentry with real tools, bake and cook, build sandcastles, swing, slide, dance, spend time in nature and get messy.

The activities change every day. Playcentre parents all bring different skills, interests, and cultural backgrounds to add to the rich learning environment.

We welcome families with children aged 0 – 6 years. Mixed age play allows your children to engage with others older and younger than themselves. Pre-schoolers learn how to communicate, share and negotiate with empathy for their younger peers.

At Playcentre, families come together and lifelong friendships are formed.

We welcome you to visit any time during the year. You are entitled to three free visits so come and check out what we do – we would love to meet you and your family!

Central Kids Ngātea Kindergarten is located in Ngātea, in the heart of the Hauraki Plains.  It is a special place, thought of as a safe and caring home away from home for tamariki and whānau.

Tamariki are encouraged to play; following their interests in a loving and supportive environment that enables them to grow at their own pace socially, emotionally, physically and cognitively.  Our core teachers are fully qualified and supported by an amazing teaching team.  We offer a range of experience and expertise and are all strong advocates for tamariki and whānau.

Our large outdoor area allows us space for a huge sandpit, garden area and playground.  We also have covered outdoor areas for activities rain or shine.  We include a variety of animals within our environment such as chickens, fish and pet rats.  When the seasons allow you may find frogs, lambs and goats here also.

Our ngahere programme allows the opportunity for the eight eldest tamariki to spend one day a week at a local nature reserve where they are free to explore, climb, create and play safely.

Haere mai katoa, come along and join the fun.