The Toy Maker's Cottage Preschool

Opened in February 2017, The Toymaker’s Cottage in Grey Lynn is a city-fringe preschool inspired by the teachings of Maria Montessori and the Reggio Emilia approach to early education. Plus there’s some thinking that’s unique; a teaching philosophy that embraces nature, hand-made toys and storytelling. The cottage welcomes children aged 2 to 5 and has a maximum capacity of 31 children for full-day and part-day sessions.

There are three main learning and play environments at the Toymaker’s Cottage:

• Upstairs children are offered semi-structured learning experiences. They are gently taught how to pay attention, complete tasks and collaborate with each other. There is a special room for storytelling and mat-time.
• Downstairs is a less structured learning environment furnished with hand-made wooden, heirloom and nature-inspired toys. Loose-part play stimulates creativity and problem solving.
• Outside there’s a beautiful garden where children can play in the adventure playground.  Nature inspires all kinds of educational experiences here.

The Toy Maker’s Cottage is a vision brought to life by Aucklander Caron Michael, a pre-school education specialist with more than 25 years’ teaching experience.

“Our team share a belief that a beautiful and peaceful environment is crucial to successful early learning. They understand the importance of finding a balance between the freedom of self-expression and the need for structure.”

Caron Michael