Childcare options in Halswell

We are a bicultural centre, acknowledging that Maori are tangata whenua. We aim to work in partnership, welcoming the richness that all our different cultures bring.  We acknowledge that through working closely with all our families we will enable each child to reach their full potential.

We provide a stimulating environment within a caring Christian setting.  We incorporate a mathematical and literacy-rich curriculum into all aspects of our programme.  Music, art, science and transition to school activities are all integrated.  Our natural outdoor area provides an inspiring play space for children.

Our programme reflects our belief that children learn best through a combination of self-choice and structured activities.  We aim to provide a programme where children experience the wonder and joy of learning, within a context of positive relationships with teachers and other children.  This will include opportunities to develop life and learning skills such as courage, curiosity, trust, perseverance, confidence, independence, reflection and leadership.

Children are encouraged to have respect for all, including one’s self and for their environment.  Emphasis is placed on the development of Christian values such as honesty, self-control, kindness and co-operation.

The Lighthouse aims to empower each child with the belief that they are special, that they have gifts and abilities unique to them and all are equal in the eyes of Jesus Christ. 

BestStart Nottingham Avenue provides quality education and care for children aged 3 months to 6 years in the heart of Halswell.

Aroha - The Heart Of Our Learning Journey

Our homely centre is a long-established service within the community that offers care and education for children aged 3 months to 6 years. Our centre consists of three dedicated age-appropriate classrooms within two converted houses, each with their own adjoining, well-established gardens, trees and playgrounds, so children can connect with one another in different areas of the centre throughout the day.

Children at our centre bring their own lunch boxes, which helps them to develop the self-care lunch box skills they will need when they start school.  Nutritious morning and afternoon teas are provided each day, which meet the Healthy Heart guidelines.  The centre currently holds the Gold Pā-Harakeke Award.

What makes us special:

• Small classroom numbers and 3 age-appropriate classrooms
• Wonderful large outdoor playground areas with established gardens and trees
• Our children are encouraged to become active explorers of their environment, under close supervision and controlled risk conditions

We are excited to offer families access to Storypark e-portfolios. they are a great way to keep up to date with what your child is doing while at the centre. You can log in to the secure platform wherever you are in the world to see what's been happening in their day, check out photos of them and comment on their activities.

We would love to welcome you and your child into our centre. Drop in for a visit any time, we look forward to meeting you.

Who is BestStart?

BestStart is for families who want more from early-childhood education. Safe, nurturing and educationally focused, we’re committed to growing caring people with curious minds.

Together we teach, learn and nurture.

Our vision is to work in partnership with families, whanau and communities to enable children to achieve their learning potential.

Ko tō mātou tirohanga hei mahi ngātahi i te taha o ngā whānau me ngā hāpori, kia āwhinatia ngā tamariki, kia tū pito mata ai rāatou, hei rangatira mō āpōpō.

We are committed to being a progressive and responsive leader in early-childhood education. We do this by enhancing our services, investing in our people, developing our support structure and continuously improving the educational outcomes and experiences of our children, families and the communities we serve.

Some facts:

• We’re licensed to educate and care for 15,000 full-time children daily.
• 18,000 families use BestStart services annually.
• We have over 270 centres nationwide located from Whangarei to Invercargill.
• Each centre is managed by a Centre Manager who is supported by a local Area Manager. This gives our centre teams ongoing quality training and support.
• Te Whāriki, the world-wide acclaimed national early childhood education curriculum, is used in all centres.
• We have over 4500 permanent teachers nationally. Over 90% of our permanent teaching staff are either fully qualified with a diploma or bachelor of teaching (ECE) or higher, or are in training. These figures are very high by national standards within the ECE sector.
• We provide a two-year Advice and Guidance Programme for all recently certified teachers, providing further mentoring and training. This gives strong support for teachers from provisional registration to full teacher registration with the NZ Teachers Council.
• We regularly spend around $4 million on teacher training per annum.

We’re for children

At our heart is our commitment and passion for children. Central to this belief is our focus on the holistic development of children. We support children to explore the world around them, learning through relationships, creating a love of learning in an ever-changing world. Exploration, friendship and fun are part of the journey.

We’re for good

BestStart is a registered charity owned by the Wright Family Foundation. We support initiatives and programmes within BestStart and the wider early-childhood education sector (ECE) that support good outcomes for all children. We do this because we want to make a positive difference to the lives of all children.

Innovation leads us

At BestStart, innovation guides our thinking. We advocate positive change for learners through our research and practice. We’re proud to be thought leaders within ECE, openly challenging ourselves to think differently to provide the best for our children, families and staff.

We’re responsive

Our centres reflect their children, staff and communities. We celebrate individuality, uniqueness and diversity, encouraging a spirit of empathy, understanding and collaboration. Through our responsive relationships and our curriculum, we support learners to choose their own path.

Our people matter

At BestStart people come first. When we grow and develop our people, everyone benefits. We strive for whakamana/empowerment, nurturing a culture of excellence with engaged, talented professionals. Their commitment, skill and passion light our way.

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

BestStart Halswell Junction is a brand new early learning centre, now open in Halswell, close to Longhurst and Prebbleton. The centre provides quality education and care for children aged between 3 months to 5 years old.

Our indoor spaces are built to support the learning and development of every age group – Infants, Toddlers and Preschoolers. Each room is equipped with high quality, focused resources designed to spark curious minds.

We have an expansive outdoor where children can challenge themselves on the playground equipment while building their independence and self-confidence.

Healthy, nutritious meals and snacks are provided throughout the day.

We offer BestStart’s Be School Ready initiative for our preschool children, which is incorporated into everyday practice, assisting with the next step in their learning journey. The initiative encourages children to use their developing self-help skills and provides a range of opportunities to extend their independence.

Your child’s learning journey and milestones will be captured and shared through one-on-one communication and our online learning portfolios on Storypark. This is a great way to keep up to date with what your child is doing while at the centre. You can log in to see what’s been happening in their day, check out photos of them and comment on their activities find out more

We offer:

• 20 hours free for 3-5 year olds and WINZ subsidies available* if required
• Great teacher to child ratios
• Gift for all new enrolments*

Contact us today to find out more!

We were recognised this year by Reader's Digest readers, who awarded us the Gold Quality Service award.

Who is BestStart?

BestStart is for families who want more from early-childhood education. Safe, nurturing and educationally focused, we’re committed to growing caring people with curious minds.

Together we teach, learn and nurture.

Our vision is to work in partnership with families, whanau and communities to enable children to achieve their learning potential.

Ko tō mātou tirohanga hei mahi ngātahi i te taha o ngā whānau me ngā hāpori, kia āwhinatia ngā tamariki, kia tū pito mata ai rāatou, hei rangatira mō āpōpō.

We are committed to being a progressive and responsive leader in early-childhood education. We do this by enhancing our services, investing in our people, developing our support structure and continuously improving the educational outcomes and experiences of our children, families and the communities we serve.

Some facts:

• We’re licensed to educate and care for 15,000 full-time children daily.
• 18,000 families use BestStart services annually.
• We have over 270 centres nationwide located from Whangarei to Invercargill.
• Each centre is managed by a Centre Manager who is supported by a local Area Manager. This gives our centre teams ongoing quality training and support.
• Te Whāriki, the world-wide acclaimed national early childhood education curriculum, is used in all centres.
• We have over 4500 permanent teachers nationally. Over 90% of our permanent teaching staff are either fully qualified with a diploma or bachelor of teaching (ECE) or higher, or are in training. These figures are very high by national standards within the ECE sector.
• We provide a two-year Advice and Guidance Programme for all recently certified teachers, providing further mentoring and training. This gives strong support for teachers from provisional registration to full teacher registration with the NZ Teachers Council.
• We regularly spend around $4 million on teacher training per annum.

We’re for children

At our heart is our commitment and passion for children. Central to this belief is our focus on the holistic development of children. We support children to explore the world around them, learning through relationships, creating a love of learning in an ever-changing world. Exploration, friendship and fun are part of the journey.

We’re for good

BestStart is a registered charity owned by the Wright Family Foundation. We support initiatives and programmes within BestStart and the wider early-childhood education sector (ECE) that support good outcomes for all children. We do this because we want to make a positive difference to the lives of all children.

Innovation leads us

At BestStart, innovation guides our thinking. We advocate positive change for learners through our research and practice. We’re proud to be thought leaders within ECE, openly challenging ourselves to think differently to provide the best for our children, families and staff.

We’re responsive

Our centres reflect their children, staff and communities. We celebrate individuality, uniqueness and diversity, encouraging a spirit of empathy, understanding and collaboration. Through our responsive relationships and our curriculum, we support learners to choose their own path.

Our people matter

At BestStart people come first. When we grow and develop our people, everyone benefits. We strive for whakamana/empowerment, nurturing a culture of excellence with engaged, talented professionals. Their commitment, skill and passion light our way.

BestStart Aidanfield is a specially designed early learning centre in a safe and quiet street in Halswell. We have a cosy and nurturing environment with lots of space for the children to learn and play.

We know that your child will learn best through working, talking and playing together with others, building relationships with people, places and things within the centre and the wider community. Your child will see themself as a capable and competent learner who can make their own decisions through the provision of open learning opportunities.

The great outdoors - Our outdoor area is very large, allowing us to provide a range of experiences including obstacle courses which help develop gross motor skills, balancing and hand-eye coordination. We are also very fortunate to have a very large sandpit that the children enjoy all types of activates in - baking, making tracks for the trucks, making sandcastles and their favourite activity - water play! We are lucky to have a park and reserve next door that we can take our tamariki too.

Healthy food - At BestStart Aidanfield we provide yummy and healthy morning and afternoon teas as well as fantastic cooked lunches provided by our onsite cook who has been working with management to provide a healthy and nutritious menu for all the centres within the company.

Relationships with Whanau (Whanaungatanga) – We as Kaiako understand that parents and whanau are the most important people in their  life. We respect parents as first teachers and work with you to guide your child through their learning journey. Therefore, we take pride in communication and consultation with our Whanau, collaborating to ensure we are providing a home-like, secure, loving and developmentally appropriate environment and curriculum. As a centre we ensure that we take time to celebrate each and every milestone that our tamariki achieve.

Inclusion – As Kaiako we believe in Cultural Appreciation. As a team we celebrate such events as Chinese New Year, Matariki and Language Weeks within our centre. We also take part in nationwide events such as raising money for Plunket and the Cancer Society.

Who is BestStart?

BestStart is for families who want more from early-childhood education. Safe, nurturing and educationally focused, we’re committed to growing caring people with curious minds.

Together we teach, learn and nurture.

Our vision is to work in partnership with families, whanau and communities to enable children to achieve their learning potential.

Ko tō mātou tirohanga hei mahi ngātahi i te taha o ngā whānau me ngā hāpori, kia āwhinatia ngā tamariki, kia tū pito mata ai rāatou, hei rangatira mō āpōpō.

We are committed to being a progressive and responsive leader in early-childhood education. We do this by enhancing our services, investing in our people, developing our support structure and continuously improving the educational outcomes and experiences of our children, families and the communities we serve.

Some facts:

• We’re licensed to educate and care for 15,000 full-time children daily.
• 18,000 families use BestStart services annually.
• We have over 270 centres nationwide located from Whangarei to Invercargill.
• Each centre is managed by a Centre Manager who is supported by a local Area Manager. This gives our centre teams ongoing quality training and support.
• Te Whāriki, the world-wide acclaimed national early childhood education curriculum, is used in all centres.
• We have over 4500 permanent teachers nationally. Over 90% of our permanent teaching staff are either fully qualified with a diploma or bachelor of teaching (ECE) or higher, or are in training. These figures are very high by national standards within the ECE sector.
• We provide a two-year Advice and Guidance Programme for all recently certified teachers, providing further mentoring and training. This gives strong support for teachers from provisional registration to full teacher registration with the NZ Teachers Council.
• We regularly spend around $4 million on teacher training per annum.

We’re for children

At our heart is our commitment and passion for children. Central to this belief is our focus on the holistic development of children. We support children to explore the world around them, learning through relationships, creating a love of learning in an ever-changing world. Exploration, friendship and fun are part of the journey.

We’re for good

BestStart is a registered charity owned by the Wright Family Foundation. We support initiatives and programmes within BestStart and the wider early-childhood education sector (ECE) that support good outcomes for all children. We do this because we want to make a positive difference to the lives of all children.

Innovation leads us

At BestStart, innovation guides our thinking. We advocate positive change for learners through our research and practice. We’re proud to be thought leaders within ECE, openly challenging ourselves to think differently to provide the best for our children, families and staff.

We’re responsive

Our centres reflect their children, staff and communities. We celebrate individuality, uniqueness and diversity, encouraging a spirit of empathy, understanding and collaboration. Through our responsive relationships and our curriculum, we support learners to choose their own path.

Our people matter

At BestStart people come first. When we grow and develop our people, everyone benefits. We strive for whakamana/empowerment, nurturing a culture of excellence with engaged, talented professionals. Their commitment, skill and passion light our way.

The Stables Montessori Preschool is a beautiful purpose-built preschool situated in the Halswell commons subdivision. Established in 2019 and named The Stables because it is built on the grounds of one of the finest harness racing stables in New Zealand, Spreydon Lodge. The stables for Spreydon Lodge were in the exact place that The Stables Montessori is now situated, hence the name we chose for the preschool.

The Stables Montessori is a privately owned & operated centre. We operate under the provisions of the Ministry of Education Regulations 2008 and we aim to provide high quality Montessori teaching, while building relationships with our children and families in a safe and nurturing environment.

At The Stables Montessori we offer care and education for children aged birth to six years. We have specially designed rooms that meet each child's specific age and stage of development.

OUR VISION:

To inspire children through providing a rich curriculum that is underpinned by a strong sense of belonging; supporting them in beginning to realise their potential and preparing them for later learning and life.

OUR PHILOSOPHY:

POIPOIA TE KAKANO KIA PUAWAI - NURTURE THE SEED AND IT WILL BLOSSOM.

WE BELIEVE THAT THE FIRST SIX YEARS OF A CHILD'S LIFE ARE FUNDAMENTAL TO THEIR FUTURE DEVELOPMENT. THE EXPERIENCES THAT TAKE PLACE AT THE STABLES MONTESSORI WILL LAY SOLID FOUNDATIONS AND PREPARE CHILDREN FOR LIFELONG LEARNING.

CHILDREN'S INDIVIDUAL UNIQUENESS IS CELEBRATED MEANING CHILDREN ARE RESPECTED, HAPPY AND DEVELOP A STRONG SENSE OF BELONGING.

FRIENDLY, MOTIVATED AND PASSIONATE TEACHERS PROVIDE A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO TEACHING AND LEARNING BY WEAVING TE WHARIKI AND THE MONTESSORI METHOD CREATING A SPECIALLY PREPARED ENVIRONMENT WHERE CHILDREN HAVE THE FREEDOM TO MAKE CHOICES, DIRECT THEIR OWN LEARNING AND MAKE NEW DISCOVERIES.

FAMILY AND COMMUNITY ARE INTEGRAL TO OUR PROGRAMME, WE WELCOME INPUT FROM PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS AND VALUE THE CONTRIBUTION THEY MAKE.

ALL THESE ASPECTS COMBINED, ALONGSIDE OUR THOUGHTFULLY PLANNED SCHOOL READINESS CURRICULUM ENSURES CHILDREN ARE SET UP WITH THE SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE TO SUCCEED IN THE NEXT STEP OF THEIR JOURNEY.

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Centre Philosophy

We believe that Jesus Christ is Lord of all.

Cornerstone Christian Early Learning Centre provides quality education in an environment where biblical truths are taught and lived.

We believe children are created in God’s image.

Therefore we:

• value children as unique individuals
• equip children to grow as competent and confident learners
• help children develop personal virtues e.g. patience, kindness, love, respect
• enable children to develop their gifts and talents for service in God’s world
• encourage children to think and act in a Biblical, faithful way.

Our curriculum is firmly based on God’s Word and incorporates the principles of Te Whaariki.

That:

• includes specifically planned experiences, activities and interactions that arise spontaneously
• reflects the diversity of cultures and people that God has created
• offers an age-appropriate programme that caters for individual and group learning
• Biblical truths permeate all learning experiences.

We are dedicated to creating a stimulating, loving environment, which is open and caring towards children and their families.

We acknowledge parents as prime educators of their children and we foster a strong relationship between home and Centre.

Our teachers are:

• qualified educators who are faithful to the Christian character of the Centre
• committed to ongoing professional development

Seedlings Early Learning Centre provides a high quality standard of care and education to the children entrusted to us. We achieve this through on-going support and partnership with our parents, whanau and the wider community, along with the dedication and commitment from our team of educators.  

The team at Seedlings Early Learning Centre provide and deliver a unique programme through the provision of a high quality purposeful learning environment where children will have every opportunity to reach their potential. It is our commitment to continually improve and enhance what we do through effective management, leadership and teaching.

Halswell Learning Tree is a family owned and operated early childhood centre. Located in Halswell, Christchurch, we aim to provide the highest level of quality early childhood education and care. Halswell Learning Tree caters for children from 0 to 6 years of age in a nurturing and stimulating learning environment. 

Our vision is to create a 'home away from home' environment where children are at the centre of everything we do. Our safe and loving environment encourages children to explore and discover the world around them. We value the importance the role of play has on children's learning and development. 

We want to be recognised by our community as providing trusting, affordable, and high quality care and education for our children. Our environment will foster and support the individual potential and well-being of each child. We aim to provide experiences to encourage children to develop and understanding of kaitiakitanga as we support them to value, respect, and care for the environment.    

We will provide an environment that is calm, inviting, respectful, inclusive, safe, and promotes learning and development. Our dedicated and passionate teaching team role model loving relationships, work collaboratively with children and their whanau, build on children's interests, and support children to be confident and competent learners.

Seedlings Early Learning Centre provides a high quality standard of care and education to the children entrusted to us. We achieve this through on-going support and partnership with our parents, whanau and the wider community, along with the dedication and commitment from our team of educators.  

The team at Seedlings Early Learning Centre provide and deliver a unique programme through the provision of a high quality purposeful learning environment where children will have every opportunity to reach their potential. It is our commitment to continually improve and enhance what we do through effective management, leadership and teaching.

Halswell NEST Early Learning Centre is located in an older style house which has been designed to offer warm, comfortable, home-like setting with a large well established garden. The centre is located in Halswell Road. 

Halswell NEST Early Learning Centre is owned and operated by the licensees Sarah Forward and Katrina Thomas with the support of the NESTS NZ group. Halswell NEST was set up with family values in mind. The Directors Sarah and Katrina have had input in every aspect from the initial design, to setting the progamme and purchasing resources. 

This has meant the centre has been set up to meet the philosophy:  Nurturing children is vital if they are to grow to be healthy, happy individuals. 

Halswell NEST is a small centre with one licence which means babies, toddlers and young children are able to interact with each other which is particularly important for families with more than one child at the centre and for children without siblings.  

Environmental factors are of utmost importance at Halswell NEST. There is a large play area with fun climbing equipment, a sandpit and a small native bush area. Being alongside Muir Park allows for regular excursions.

 Our indoor environment has been decorated to be homelike and restful for children while offering a variety of spaces and equipment to play. We have a separate enclosed sleep area for the babies.  

Sustainable schools are about looking after our future by ensuring economic, social and environmental dimensions are in balance. The sustainability factor is considered with everything we do from recycling to sourcing equipment. We believe children learn by example and by modelling good practices they will be inspired to think about how to use our resources.  

Teaching by well qualified practitioners is based on the Early childhood curriculum; Te Whariki. Children are assigned a primary caregiver for the entire time they attend Hillmorton NEST. This teacher will liaise with parents to ensure integration between home and the centre. They also have a major input into the centre’s E-News and the child’s E-Portfolio.

We have created a very special spacious and natural preschool for our youngest learners, ages 0-6. Our custom-built centre opened in July 2020, and features natural materials, finishes, toys and resources wherever possible. We have a large garden at the front of our centre for our tamariki to learn about nature and get lots of fresh, clean air. We also have access to the grounds of our big sister, Seven Oaks School for further exploration and stimulation of the senses.

Communication is at the heart of our preschool, because we understand that for your child to be relaxed, you need to feel relaxed too. Our experienced and friendly team will call you to let you know how things are going, not just if there’s a problem. We’ll get to know you as well as your child, so we can work together to help them develop into the amazing, confident and loving person they were born to be.

Laying the foundations for success…

These are just some of the things that make our centre special

Outdoor learning whenever possible

We believe in fresh air

As long as they’re dressed for the conditions, we encourage children to be outside as much as possible, learning through their senses and enjoying natural physical movement. We have a lovely big garden with a sensory area and where we grow lots of fruit and vegetables. We can also enjoy the grounds of our big sister, Seven Oaks School, where there are wildlife ponds and plenty of space to run and play. 

Specialist classes

Our spacious and natural preschool has linked up with local specialist providers to run a selection of afternoon activities on-site, making it easy for your little one to follow their passion without additional driving and admin for you!

• Ballet
• Ball skills
• Music
• Yoga

Located in the heart of the Halswell community, Kidsfirst Kindergartens Wales St is a welcoming and inclusive environment for children aged two and above. The kindergarten serves as a meeting place for generations of local families, providing an enriching experience. Inside, the kindergarten exudes a calm and homely atmosphere, offering a range of carefully selected resources to stimulate curiosity and exploration. Respect for the environment is fostered, encouraging children to appreciate and be mindful of the world around them. The spacious backyard offers ample opportunities for physical development and exploration, with movable equipment, gardens, and tranquil areas for reflection. The presence of large trees provides shelter in various weather conditions, ensuring a comfortable outdoor experience for the children.

Nau mai, haere mai and welcome to Halswell 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!

Located in the heart of Halswell Domain, behind the Te Hapua Halswell Library, Kidsfirst Kindergartens Halswell offers a convenient and accessible location with ample off-street parking. Established in 1994 with the support of local families, the purpose-built kindergarten is surrounded by tall trees and open green spaces that provide a natural and stimulating environment for learning. Both the indoor and outdoor learning spaces are spacious, allowing children to explore and interact with nature. The kindergarten embraces a dynamic approach, regularly changing and adapting equipment and resources to cater to the individual needs of each child. Inside, various areas are designed to encourage exploration, problem-solving, and collaborative learning between children and teachers. Kidsfirst Halswell fosters a curious mindset in children, encouraging them to ask questions about the world around them and develop a sense of their own place within it.