Northcote Early Learning Centre

Northcote is a beautifully designed, purpose-built Early Learning Centre with a stunning woodland backdrop, located in close proximity to Northcote Primary School. We believe in nurturing relationships to support children’s successful start to life in learning to learn, and pride ourselves on providing high-quality care and education, that reflects professional standards in partnership with our community. Our energetic and creative teaching team see children as active participants in their own learning, who investigate and explore as we guide their choices of play. We encourage children’s learning through natural invitations to explore, fun and engaging learning opportunities, and provoking environments. We would like to extend an invitation to all prospective parents and whanau to join us for a tour of our wonderful centre.

Our values

Pride

We take great pride in our high-quality care, facilities and the positive outcomes we generate for children

Growth

We strive for excellence in all facets of our business. In particular, supporting ongoing learning and continuous improvement of our teaching practice.

Kindness

We endeavour to act in ways that promote teamwork, integrity and thoughtfulness.

Play

We create environments where all of us are given the freedom to play.

Collaboration

We form partnerships with each other, our children and their families in respectful and honest ways.

Our team

The Educators believe that children learn and develop in an early childhood environment where they are happy and secure. We believe that the quality of the physical environment is essential to the well-being of the children and staff and that coupled with a quality educational programme, the parents will be confident that the choices they have made for their child’s education and care are the right ones. We also believe that quality Early Childhood experiences promote the development of the child and will increase the opportunity for success throughout the child’s life.

Our philosophy

We endeavour to provide children with a rich curriculum that fosters their identity as successful learners. The learning environment provides opportunities for children to learn through play within an enjoyable and fun atmosphere. Risk-taking and exploration are actively encouraged.

Professional and trusting relationships are nurtured between teacher’s children and their families. Teachers are attuned to children’s cues and respond appropriately. We strive to work in partnership with whānau to ensure parent’s aspirations for their child’s ongoing learning are met. Respect for self, others and the environment is modelled at all times. Inquiry-based learning is encouraged where children can explore and develop the skills and knowledge to be critical thinkers. Teachers recognise a child’s interest and use this as a catalyst for supporting children to develop learning dispositions along with new skills and knowledge.

Social competence is a key focus within the curriculum and promoting independence and self-help skills forms the foundation for preparing children to become life-long learners. Children are supported to take responsibility for their own learning and are encouraged to share it with those around them.

We value inclusiveness and understanding and accepting all differing cultures and beliefs. Commitment to the bi-cultural partnership inherent in Aotearoa New Zealand is evident in all aspects of our practice.

Outdoor learning environments

Our well-designed and generous playgrounds and outdoor spaces stimulate the diversity of children’s play experience and contribute to their healthy development. All of our outdoor environments incorporate trees, shrubs, vines, flowers, grasses, edible fruits and vegetables, connecting our tamariki with nature.

Food

Our carefully designed menu is a real point of difference for Eden Early Learning Centre. Unprocessed, natural, healthy ingredients, and mostly gluten-free; NZ grown and locally sourced. Whole nutrient-rich foods are used; including meat, vegetables, fruit, polenta, chia, quinoa, buckwheat etc. We have reduced processed foods and instead focused on whole foods to optimise nutrition.