Pauanui Pre-School is a community owned, not for profit early childhood centre based in beautiful Pauanui on the Coromandel Peninsula. We are licensed for 25 children including up to 8 children under the age of 2.
We are Pauanui's only Early Childhood facility and cater to the needs of the Pauanui, Hikuai and Tairua areas.
We work within the framework of Te Whāriki which is our national early childhood curriculum. By following an emergent interest based programme we provide unlimited opportunities for children to build more complex knowledge around things that interest them. Teachers encourage tamariki to work both co-operatively and independently, to problem solve, practise social skills, question, and hypothesise.
As part of our philosophy we strive to provide a homelike environment that is rich in open ended equipment and materials, which empower thinking, open up possibility, inspire creativity and provoke thought. Within this rich learning environment children's interests are fully supported and extended with numeracy and literacy incorporated within the course of the day.
Our Philosophy
Empowerment/Whakamana – Through our curriculum children are empowered as interactive learners with control over their own learning. Our curriculum is largely based around children’s own interests and they are supported and encouraged through a journey of discovery. We aim to offer a rich and positive learning environment, which stimulates children’s learning, within which children can freely and safely explore.
Holistic Development/Kotahitanga – Our curriculum encompass’ all dimensions of children’s learning and development, considering the child as a whole, fostering respect for themselves and each other, and our beautiful environment.
Relationships/Ngā Hononga – We foster warm, positive, responsive and reciprocal relationships with the children, valuing and scaffolding their learning and encouraging children to do the same with each other.
Family and Community/Whānau Tangata – We recognise that the centre is an important meeting place for parents/caregivers and extended family and friends. Their involvement is valued and encouraged. Our centre is very much part of the Pauanui and Hikuai community and believe strongly in the importance of fostering these relationships.
