Funhouse Learning Centre

“Your childs home away from home - He kainga manaaki i te nohinohi”

Funhouse first opened its doors in April 2000. Sustained growth led us expanding to the house next door in April 2008. Today, we wish we could expand again as we are bursting at the seams with happy families!

Our philosophy

Our founder, Judy Burgess, had a vision for Funhouse to be “your child’s home away from home”. This phrase has become our truth. At Funhouse, whanaungatanga / relationships are at the heart of everything we do – you join our whanau when you join our centre

We believe in the research that states that the early years lay the foundation for who a child grows up to be. And so, we empower children to thrive through an environment that is positive, nurturing, responsive and values each child for who they are.

At Funhouse we value kotahitanga / unity and partnership with whanau. Mahi tahi / working together, communicating and sharing insights helps us to provide optimal care and education for your child.

We respect New Zealand’s bicultural heritage and are committed to incorporating and portraying positively both cultural parties of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

The unique identity of each child in Funhouse whanau adds a beautiful diversity of different experiences and perspectives to our centre. Being a safe place where our differences can be shared and celebrated builds a disposition of aroha / care and understanding for future generations.

Te Whāriki, New Zealand’s world-famous early childhood education curriculum document, guides teaching and learning in our centre. It states that each child learns ‘a tona wa’ – uniquely, in their own time, and in their own way. We agree and therefore focus on getting to know each child individually.

Our curriculum planning and assessment is individual and focuses on each child’s evolving interests, strengths and needs. Our kaiako are passionate, creative and knowledgeable about how to strengthen and extend each child’s learning across all the domains of development. Play is valued as the ultimate vehicle through which tamariki learn.

Funhouse is proud to be an Enviroschool. We are committed to being a sustainable centre and to teaching a strong sense of connection to Papatūānuku.

Funhouse is a top tier Healthy Heart Award achiever. Our onsite cook prepares fresh, healthy meals daily; and we teach children about their nutritional and physical health. Our aspiration is for children to be healthy in body and mind.

We consider it a privilege to be chosen to partner with you in your child’s learning journey. Our goal is for each tamaiti to leave our centre well-equipped for their next stage in life - with a love of learning, secure in their identity, and confident to participate and contribute in society.