Childcare options in Upper Riccarton

Check out more details on our website and click enquire now for one of our team members to touch base soon: busybees.org.nz/avonhead 

Our approach to early childhood education is guided by the Montessori philosophy, which cultivates independence and empowers children to take charge of their own learning and daily activities. Respect is a core value of our centre where we emphasise respect for the environment, teaching children to care for and appreciate the world around them, as well as fostering an atmosphere of mutual respect among children, where they learn to value and empathise with each other's unique perspectives and backgrounds. As you walk through our centre, you will feel a sense of calm and harmony, and hear cooperative conversations among the children who are engaged and purposeful, confident in their knowledge and understanding of their activities.

Stop in today and chat with our team! 

No booking is required.

Cornerstone Christian Early Centres provide quality education in an environment where Biblical truths are taught and lived.

We provide a warm, caring environment with structured morning and afternoon sessions.

Cornerstone Christian Early Learning Centre (CCELC) is owned by the Christian Schools’ Trust. The Centres are led by a Board of Management, which consists of representatives from the Christian Schools’ Trust, Middleton Grange School and the Head Teachers from each Centre.

Centre Philosophy

The Christian Schools’ Trust (CST) owns and operates a network of Cornerstone Christian Early Learning Centres. The CST mission is that the Centres assist families in the education of their children by providing an environment in which the Biblical Truths of Jesus Christ are taught and lived. A Statement of Belief for the Centres is appended.

THE LEARNER

We believe children are created in God’s image each uniquely designed with skills, gifts and talents with which to love and serve God. Children will gain an understanding of God’s world and their place in it and be given opportunities to develop their skills, gifts and talents, becoming competent and confident learners for God’s glory. Children will develop Christ-like character.

PARENTS, WHĀNAU AND COMMUNITY

The Centres acknowledge parents as primary educators of their children and will foster a strong relationship between home and Centre.

It is acknowledged that Māori are the tangata whenua in New Zealand so the Centres are committed to bi-cultural partnership.  In addition, the multi-cultural nature of New Zealand requires a genuine partnership with parents, whānau and community to reflect the knowledge, beliefs, cultural heritage, values, and life experiences that are particular to the many cultures represented and consistent with Biblical truth.  (e.g. whanaungatanga, aroha and manaakitanga)

Located in Upper Riccarton, Kidsfirst Kindergartens Lady May is situated in a vibrant and diverse neighborhood avenue, with Hansons Park and the local playground just across the road. The kindergarten offers a large, peaceful, and natural environment, along with a multicultural program that embraces community, Te Ao Māori, and bicultural practice. Lady May values playfulness, adventure, creativity, and exploration, making learning a joyful experience. The outdoor area boasts a spacious and leafy backyard with fruit trees and vegetable gardens, providing ample opportunities for curious learners and imaginative play. The playground features a variety of challenging climbing and physical play equipment, along with grass, barked areas, and specialized equipment to support children's physical development. It offers both active spaces for running, jumping, and exploring, as well as serene areas to connect with nature and foster an understanding of the natural world. Children at Lady May have the opportunity to choose and learn how to safely use real resources like saws, hammers, gardening equipment, and more, encouraging them to manage risks and make informed choices.