Active Explorers Upper Hutt

Ideally located in the heart of the CBD, Active Explorers Upper Hutt is a happy hub of fun and learning. Blessed with large open spaces both inside and out, and staffed by a team of dedicated, passionate teachers, we are the ideal home away from home for local under 5s.

Our rich, inclusive learning environment will bring out the best in your little one, inspiring their curiosity and encouraging their sense of adventure and independence.

Give your child the ideal start. Enrol now at Active Explorers Upper Hutt.

Why choose us?

There are a host of reasons why families choose Active Explorers Upper Hutt. Here are just a few of them:

• Conveniently located in the heart of the CBD
• Large and attractive indoor and outdoor play spaces
• Free sessions for over 3s
• Two session options to suit community needs: Full day 7.30 am - 5.30 pm and a short day 8.45 am – 3.15 pm, these are available for all children
• We are only closed stat days – no shut down over the holiday period
• Morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and late snack provided (if parents are rushing out the door, they can bring a healthy breakfast - no nuts)
• We supply sunblock
• Regular excursions to the library, local park and surrounding areas
• Playball is offered in our preschool rooms as an extracurricular activity.

Our Rooms

Active Explorers Upper Hutt has four separate rooms, enabling us to deliver safe, nurturing and age appropriate learning experiences for all our children.  

There is a crossover of ages in all of our rooms as the children transition between the rooms when they are ready - some move earlier, some move later. The Kaiako work in collaboration with parents and really follow the child’s lead when transitioning to the next room. We have four spacious play spaces and they are linked by two large outdoor play areas. Our children enjoy year round indoor/outdoor play. Our environments are set up with both individual children and groups of children in mind. This ensures the individual learning needs of all children are catered for.

Kaiwhakahoahoa Room

Catering for our children from birth to 2,  the environment in the Kaiwhakahoahoa Room is natural and cosy. There is time and space for children to move at their own pace. We follow the individual routine of each child and our teaching practices are influenced by the RIE philosophy. Our children are loved and nurtured as they make discoveries on their own learning journey.

Kaitoro Room

This warm and welcoming space is for our children aged from around 13 months up to 3 years. In the Kaitoro Room, children are encouraged to learn through play. Teachers nurture and guide children as they make discoveries about their own boundaries and the boundaries of others. Children spend time building social relationships and discovering their own sense of independence and self.  Children are encouraged to explore their imagination through the use of natural resources and loose parts.

Tamariki Kaha Room

Tamariki Kaha is home to our children from around 2.5 to 4 years of age. Here our Kaiako nurture tamariki through a focus on fostering independence, self-help and social skills. Tamariki learn through play and are given time and space to work on problem solving, building friendships, and exploring their own interests, while making links between the centre and home. We celebrate the many diverse cultures, and our children enjoy learning new waiata and simple Maori phrases throughout their routines and play. Children are given the opportunity to go on excursions, exploring our local community and wider environment.

Kaiarahi Room

Designed for our 3.5 to 5 year olds, the Kaiarahi Room environment is rich in literacy and numeracy. Children are encouraged to work collaboratively in groups and also independently, making discoveries about the world around them.  Kaiako support children in enhancing independence skills, as they become role models and leaders alongside their peers. Children develop a sense of confidence and autonomy while exploring concepts of school readiness through play, role modelling, leadership, relationships, and responsibility. Children enjoy regular excursions, enhancing their enjoyment of the wider community.

The Tamariki Kaha and Kaiarahi rooms run school holiday programmes with lots of fun activities so our children don’t feel left out of the fun older siblings are often having in their holidays.