Childcare options in Te Puke

Welcome to Te Puke Kindergarten.

Our Kindergarten has a long established standing within the community of Te Puke.

We provide positive, memorable, learning experiences that lay foundations for your child’s lifelong learning journey.  Our vision is to provide a rich educational environment that reflects the diverse community within Te Puke. 

It is a place where your child is encouraged to be a confident, independent and motivated learner.  Our philosophy promotes positive relationships, active learning, planning and assessment, and education for sustainability.  Five core values underpin everything we do at Te Puke Kindergarten; for the good of children, aroha, welcoming, mana and being the best we can be.

Your child’s potential is recognised, valued and fostered by highly qualified teachers; specialising in early childhood education and registered under the Education Council of Aotearoa New Zealand.  We engage in ongoing professional learning, to keep abreast of current theory and practises so we can best support your child’s learning. We have achieved a Bronze Enviroschools Reflection.

We value and celebrate each family’s unique culture and background. We encourage collaborative engagement and together with you, encourage your child to build a set of valued learning characteristics; enabling them to be the very best they can be and to believe in themselves.

What makes our kindergarten special?

• Positive interactions with teachers in a friendly, fun atmosphere.
• A secure, well resourced, planned and organised learning environment.
• Your child’s interests, strengths and skills being nurtured and stimulated.
• Your child feeling the grass under their feet and exploring in a natural environment.
• Genuine collaborative engagement with families and our wider community.
• Teaching your child ways of safe guarding the future wellbeing of our community through sustainable practices.

At Learning Adventures Te Puke we provide a nurturing, supportive and respectful environment where young children thrive. Our dynamic and responsive teachers love what they do and will help your little one tap into their own unique potential. Spacious and engaging, our natural eco-friendly environment invites exploration and adventure. Children follow their interests and drive their own learning, building the physical, social and emotional skills they need to navigate life’s challenges.

Set your child up to become a successful, competent and capable learner.

Why choose us?

There are a host of reasons why families choose Learning Adventures Te Puke.  Here are just a few of them:

• Extended hours great for busy parents (7.30am to 5.30pm)
• Dedicated team of teachers
• Healthy cooked meals provided
• Large natural outdoor play spaces
• 90% natural sustainable resources
• Multicultural environment
• Strong family focus
• Family celebrations for special occasions and cultural festivals
• Two separate rooms cater for each age and stage
• Excellent transition to school programme
• Interesting excursions including visits to the local library, retirement village and to special events
• Strong community focus
• Currently working towards our Healthy Heart award

Our Rooms

Learning Adventures Te Puke has two separate rooms, enabling us to deliver safe, nurturing and age appropriate learning experiences for all our children.

Puriri Room

This is home away from home for our children aged from birth to 3, filled with lots of inspiring heuristic and interactive resources that spark the imagination and cultivate creative thinking.

Pohutukawa Room

Specially created for our busy 3 to 5 years olds, this room has everything little minds and bodies need to grow and learn

Welcome to Happy Times

Happy Times is a small community based Childcare center in Te Puke.

Every child is valued as an individual and cared for.

The Centre offers care and education for children aged 0-6 years.

We are committed to maintaining a stimulating program and to creating an open caring atmosphere that supports both children and their families. We respect individual needs and differences and aim to provide high self-esteem and healthy relationships between children families and staff.

Happy Times Childcare and Preschool offers a balanced mix of structured learning and free play experiences. Children are given opportunities to experience a supportive and challenging environment in an age appropriate manner.

Our philosophy

We believe that all children are unique. We respect their unique individuality and aim to provide them with stimulating opportunities for their own ideas to flourish, to enhance their self-esteem and self-confidence.

We believe that all children have the right to learn and practice their home languages and cultural values. Therefore, we strive for collaborative relationships with parents, where contribution and participation is encouraged to support continuity in values, beliefs, customs and traditions.

We believe that children are holistic beings, therefore our practice has a strong focus on nurturing and empowering children’s physical, cognitive, social and emotional well-being. We acknowledge learning as a holistic process, in which we aim to build skills, knowledge, and understandings through a play-base programme, interwoven within the wider context of family, home and community

We believe in the power of the natural environment to teach and inspire. We aim to weave nature into the lives of children to foster imagination, curiosity and inquiry. We aim to create a natural learning environment both indoors and outdoors, that is developmentally appropriate and enables tamariki to develop a sense of belonging and autonomy.

We believe in promoting a peaceful and secure environment for children. We strive to create an environment where children can learn and enjoy, as often as possible, authentic, real life and meaningful experiences.

Infants & Toddlers

• Loving, calm nurturing environment that is physically and emotionally secure

• High staff/infant ratios

• Partnership between parents and staff

• Individual routines for feeding and sleeping are catered for

Preschool (2 – 5 years)

• Flexible approach encouraging children to explore the environment through music, stories, art and tactile experiences while catering for each individual’s needs

• Fun, challenging broad based educational programme, incorporating free play and structured play based around the child’s interest

• Children at this age are encouraged to participate in group art, language, drama, music and movement, cognitive development, stories, puzzles and games

• We provide activities where children are in smaller groups enabling them to build up solid relationships with an adult and other children of their own age

Thinking about Home Based childcare with Home Grown Kids?

All of our Educators are carefully selected and screened including Police Vetting, identity checks, an interview that assess their attitudes and values toward children and an overall assessment of risk.

Enquire today and we’ll be in touch with you soon to provide the perfect option for your family.

Choosing the Best Educator for Your Child

We stand strong alongside our Educators. We care about them and we’re committed to the work they do, supporting and communicating with them every step of the way. We understand that engaged, fulfilled Educators make for happy families and even happier tamariki who thrive in these small group settings.

Small Group Setting

Our Home Based childcare groups are capped at a maximum of four children under the age of six, including Educators’ own children. This means we can offer each child the individual attention they need to flourish.

The best fit for your whānau values

Our Educators offer a range of different programmes based around their beliefs, values, culture, background and philosophies. Over 90% of our Educators hold a recognised ECE qualification. Some of our Educators are mothers and grandmothers with fantastic life skills, experience and knowledge. We’ll listen to your needs and then offer, where possible, a range of Educators. You will get to choose an Educator that you and your whānau connect with and trust.

Exceeding educational standards

An education programme that reflects New Zealand ECE curriculum - Te Whāriki. We are a Ministry of Education approved and licensed Early Childhood Education provider. Regularly reviewed by the

Education Review Office to ensure all our Home Based environments not only meet, but exceed the Ministry of Education’s Licensing Criteria for Home-based Services (2008).

Subsidies available

We’re an approved Work and Income provider and can support you to access a childcare subsidy if you are eligible.

20 hours ECE scheme

The Government subsidises all children aged 3-5 years (or 6 if not enrolled in school) who attend an ECE facility, making access more affordable for all.

Leaders in development practices for each child

All our Educators are supported and guided by our Visiting Teachers who are Qualified certificated ECE teachers with many years’ experience and expertise in early childhood education. Our Visiting Teachers regularly attend professional development to keep up-to-date with current research and theory for best practice for Education and care for under fives.

Our philosophy, vision and mission

• Our Vision– The why – The reason we exist:

To provide a family friendly wrap around support service that enables all tamariki/whanau to learn, grow and thrive in a home-based setting. Investing in cultivating kindness, strong and professional relationships, in all our people to continue growing as lifelong learners

• Mission Statement – The How -How are we going to achieve the Vision?

We will achieve our Vision through ensuring that every team member is emotionally invested in the well-being of our people including tamariki, whanau, Educators, communities and our Edubase family. We value successes and that these are not ours alone, the greatest success comes from the strengths of many. Our passion, knowledge and commitment will be the catalyst that enables everyone to learn, thrive and achieve.

• Philosophy Statement

Edubase is a Home Based Early Childhood Education service that is committed to providing nurturing learning environments where tamariki thrive as individuals through an authentic play-based, natural learning education and care programme, in a home setting.

To enrich the learning of each tamariki we form strong community connections, developing links within the home and the learning environments of our Kaiako. Tamariki learn respect for people, places and things, shaping Aotearoa and developing an appreciation of New Zealand’s dual heritage. We continually strive to develop knowledge and an understanding of the cultural heritages of both partners to Te Tiriti o Waitangi – supporting a holistic approach to learning which is guided by our NZ Early Childhood Curriculum, Te Whāriki.

Educators and Nannies offer comfortable, small group sizes, fostering respectful and reciprocal relationships, promoting tikanga Māori within their practice.

As an Organisation, we pride ourselves on cultivating strong, professional relationships, strengthening capability in all our people to continue growing as lifelong learners.

Edubase celebrates the diversity and uniqueness of each tamaiti, whanau and Kaiako and the gifts they bring. They are taonga, a treasure or gift. All things cultural are affirmed and celebrated, aiming to support children in gaining a positive awareness of their own and other cultures.

Tiaki nga tamariki – take care of the children

JeMMa’s Home-based Education and Childcare was founded on the belief that early childhood education plays a major role in a child’s ability to develop skills and learn throughout life. 

As a kindergarten teacher, Jenny Tyrrell could see that children who had a focus of learning whilst in a home environment appeared better equipped to learn in the future. As well as this, children who were well socialised with other children of different ages appeared to cope better than others. 

It was those two key observations which cemented her belief; that a child, learning with other children, in a homebased environment rather than an institutional environment, was the best way to go. And that’s how JeMMa’s started. The name is derived from a combination of the two directors names, Jenny and Martin. 

At JeMMa’s we believe that home-based education and care is the next best alternative to learning at home with Mum or Dad 

Children who learn in a comfortable home-based environment seem to develop strong problem solving, social and learning skills. Because they are in a comfortable, uncrowded environment children they get the chance to develop and learn at steady pace with all the help they need. 

JeMMa’s children receive lots of one-on-one time with their educator, as well as interaction with other children in different age groups. These are two core components in the development of happy, energetic, sharing, respectful, thoughtful, problem solving and fun loving kids. 

Our Philosophy 

JeMMa’s is a quality privately owned family focused Homebased Education and Childcare Service that is committed to ensuring that all children, parents, whānau and kaiako are welcomed and encouraged to play an active role in promoting positive outcomes for our learners. We are guided and inspired by Te Whāriki our early childhood curriculum which encourages us to appreciate that children come into the world eager to learn and we see this as a privilege where we can work in partnership with children, parents and whānau to empower our learners through responsive engaging environments and experiences where they can reach their highest potential and develop an enthusiasm for ongoing learning. 

Building and sustaining quality learning focused relationships with everyone is the essence to who are and what believe is valuable for outcomes for children and their ongoing wellbeing and development. Our nurturing relationships will be underpinned through our Christian values and connection with people within our service and our wider communities.  Our environments will embrace cultural diversity of Aotearoa and our commitment to Te Tiriti O Waitangi will be authentic. 

We view all children as unique learners where they will have endless opportunities to learn through play and develop a range of knowledge, skills, and learning dispositions. This will spark children’s independence, urge to lead their own learning, social skills, curiosity, creativity, discovery, ability to express themselves and things that are important to them. Our kaiako will dedicate quality time with our children where they will nurture those in the moment opportunities and offer the guidance, support, and encouragement that our learners need to blossom and thrive. 

Te Kōhanga Reo

The kōhanga reo movement is a unique initiative based on total immersion in Māori language and values with the aim of passing on Māori culture to future generations.

Kōhanga reo emphasise the revitalisation of the culture through te reo Māori and are dependent on the active participation of the whole whānau. The kaupapa of kōhanga reo aims to strengthen whānau capabilities in cultural, social, economic, spiritual and political matters. Education, health and wellbeing are inherent within all aspects of the kaupapa. The prime focus is the whānau – its collective development, growth, accountability and wellbeing set within a Māori cultural context.

Kōhanga reo do not regard tamariki in isolation, but as important members of the whānau. The kōhanga reo philosophy is that tamariki will benefit when whānau successfully operate according to the kaupapa. Tamariki are an integral part of whānau development.

The following key goals are the foundation of te kōhanga reo kaupapa established in 1982:

• total immersion in te reo Māori me ōna tikanga in daily operations
• whānau decision-making, management and responsibility
• accountability
• health and wellbeing of mokopuna and whānau.

The key goals of te kōhanga reo assure that there will be:

• security in te reo Māori
• a supportive, caring environment for mokopuna
• whānau (collective) sharing of responsibilities, knowledge and expertise
• greater respect and appreciation of each other.

Te Kōhanga Reo

The kōhanga reo movement is a unique initiative based on total immersion in Māori language and values with the aim of passing on Māori culture to future generations.

Kōhanga reo emphasise the revitalisation of the culture through te reo Māori and are dependent on the active participation of the whole whānau. The kaupapa of kōhanga reo aims to strengthen whānau capabilities in cultural, social, economic, spiritual and political matters. Education, health and wellbeing are inherent within all aspects of the kaupapa. The prime focus is the whānau – its collective development, growth, accountability and wellbeing set within a Māori cultural context.

Kōhanga reo do not regard tamariki in isolation, but as important members of the whānau. The kōhanga reo philosophy is that tamariki will benefit when whānau successfully operate according to the kaupapa. Tamariki are an integral part of whānau development.

The following key goals are the foundation of te kōhanga reo kaupapa established in 1982:

• total immersion in te reo Māori me ōna tikanga in daily operations
• whānau decision-making, management and responsibility
• accountability
• health and wellbeing of mokopuna and whānau.

The key goals of te kōhanga reo assure that there will be:

• security in te reo Māori
• a supportive, caring environment for mokopuna
• whānau (collective) sharing of responsibilities, knowledge and expertise
• greater respect and appreciation of each other.

Te Kōhanga Reo

The kōhanga reo movement is a unique initiative based on total immersion in Māori language and values with the aim of passing on Māori culture to future generations.

Kōhanga reo emphasise the revitalisation of the culture through te reo Māori and are dependent on the active participation of the whole whānau. The kaupapa of kōhanga reo aims to strengthen whānau capabilities in cultural, social, economic, spiritual and political matters. Education, health and wellbeing are inherent within all aspects of the kaupapa. The prime focus is the whānau – its collective development, growth, accountability and wellbeing set within a Māori cultural context.

Kōhanga reo do not regard tamariki in isolation, but as important members of the whānau. The kōhanga reo philosophy is that tamariki will benefit when whānau successfully operate according to the kaupapa. Tamariki are an integral part of whānau development.

The following key goals are the foundation of te kōhanga reo kaupapa established in 1982:

• total immersion in te reo Māori me ōna tikanga in daily operations
• whānau decision-making, management and responsibility
• accountability
• health and wellbeing of mokopuna and whānau.

The key goals of te kōhanga reo assure that there will be:

• security in te reo Māori
• a supportive, caring environment for mokopuna
• whānau (collective) sharing of responsibilities, knowledge and expertise
• greater respect and appreciation of each other.

Ngā Poutoko Ā Mua is a privately owned, all-day education and care service, located in Te Puke, on the grounds of Marukukere Marae. It is licensed for 30 children, including up to eight under two years of age.

Te Kōhanga Reo

The kōhanga reo movement is a unique initiative based on total immersion in Māori language and values with the aim of passing on Māori culture to future generations.

Kōhanga reo emphasise the revitalisation of the culture through te reo Māori and are dependent on the active participation of the whole whānau. The kaupapa of kōhanga reo aims to strengthen whānau capabilities in cultural, social, economic, spiritual and political matters. Education, health and wellbeing are inherent within all aspects of the kaupapa. The prime focus is the whānau – its collective development, growth, accountability and wellbeing set within a Māori cultural context.

Kōhanga reo do not regard tamariki in isolation, but as important members of the whānau. The kōhanga reo philosophy is that tamariki will benefit when whānau successfully operate according to the kaupapa. Tamariki are an integral part of whānau development.

The following key goals are the foundation of te kōhanga reo kaupapa established in 1982:

• total immersion in te reo Māori me ōna tikanga in daily operations
• whānau decision-making, management and responsibility
• accountability
• health and wellbeing of mokopuna and whānau.

The key goals of te kōhanga reo assure that there will be:

• security in te reo Māori
• a supportive, caring environment for mokopuna
• whānau (collective) sharing of responsibilities, knowledge and expertise
• greater respect and appreciation of each other.

Welcome to 4woods

At 4woods Early Learning Centre, we understand that your child and family are the centre of your universe. We like you to treat our home like it is your home. This creates a fun, happy relaxed learning environment for yourself and your child. .

Why choose us?

We believe in providing an environment for all children, where they feel safe and nurtured with a true sense of belonging. We are family/whānau orientated and incorporate bi-cultural practices that reflect the bi-cultural heritage of Aotearoa.

Our holistic learning programme extends children’s individual interests and strengths while linking to New Zealand’s National Early Childhood Curriculum Te Whāriki.

We offer stimulating opportunities for children to become involved in such activities as caring for animals, plants and gardens which has strong learning links to the living world. Frequent community visits and outings extend children’s knowledge of their wider world.

Giggles Te Puke Early Learning Centre is our whanau centre, and has a space available for your baby, infant, toddler or preschooler, aged from birth to six years.

Giggles Te Puke Early Learning Centre, has the largest outdoor early childhood play environment in Te Puke, where your child has space to explore, investigate, imagine and create.

“Playfulness is learning and growing together, and our learning spaces are full of opportunities to inspire, be creative, to wonder, and try.”

As your baby, infant, toddler or pre-schooler grows, they will have many experiences to develop their literacy, numeracy, setting the foundation for school and their journey of becoming a global citizen.

Growing and developing life-long skills, to support your child through their social-life, their schooling-life and onto adulthood.  

As a whanau centre, children learn and play together. Quiet spaces are important for babies, infants and toddlers, to rest their minds and bodies throughout the day.

As your pre-schooler approaches their fifth or sixth birthdays, their transition to school is at their own pace, always being considerate of your child’s well-being and readiness for school. 

Its best to contact the school of your choice, to find out more information on their enrolment process, at least six months before your child’s fifth or sixth birthday.

Nau mai, haere mai and welcome to Te Puke 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!

Our Teaching Philosophy

WE BELIEVE THAT RELATIONSHIP IS THE HEART OF LEARNING.

When children feel relaxed, loved and celebrated they become creative, playful and curious about the world. Our teacher’s develop a caring relationship with your child, helping them to learn, grow and thrive!

WE BELIEVE IN LEARNING THROUGH PLAY.

We believe that play is the most meaningful way young children learn. When children play they are exploring, experimenting, thinking, solving problems, forming relationships, being creative, using their imagination, learning by trial and error, planning and predicting and acting out situations that have meaning for them.

WE BELIEVE IN FOLLOWING YOUR CHILD’S FASCINATIONS.

Part of honouring each child as a gift to be discovered means encouraging the particular interests and fascinations each child has. Our teachers facilitate a flexible and responsive curriculum, incorporating child-initiated approaches by noticing and building on the inherent talents and interests of each child.

WE BELIEVE CHILDREN LEARN THROUGH POSITIVE INTERACTIONS WITH TEACHERS.

Our teachers facilitate purposeful play through learning conversations and record significant learning-in-play events in learning stories. Through the Te Whāriki framework we document, support, and extend children’s individual and group interests and strengths. Our learning programme encourages your child to develop independence and a sense of self-identity as a learner.