Childcare options in Merrilands

We currently enroll thirty children in each session with ratios of 1 teacher to 10 children. We employ four teachers and one administrative staff (KA)

All of our teachers are qualified and registered early childhood teachers.

While at kindergarten your children will learn to socialise and interact with others; problem solve and be creative; make independent choices; and develop the foundation skills necessary for the formal learning environment of school, and for later life.

Our environment offers:

• Extensive outdoor areas
• Room to run and have fun
• Positive links between Kindergarten and home
• Stimulating challenging programme
• Well equipped resources

Ko te mokopuna he taonga tino whakahirahira, ahakoa ona tau, Tona whakapapa, Tona ira tangata me ona pumanawatanga. – the child is the greatest treasure, regardless of age, iwi, gender and ability.

We provide an exceptional preschool programme that caters specifically for the needs of 2 – 5 year olds and we pride ourselves on our under 2 programme that nurtures and educates our infants and toddlers.

At Jumpstart we treat people, animals, our belongings and our environment with respect. This is modelled throughout the centre and influences the way we learn, teach, communicate and interact.

We promote a family environment that encourages communication and interaction between children, parents, whanau, educators and management. We believe this is key to developing strong, reciprocal relationships.

Planning and evaluating children’s learning and development on a regular basis supports us in providing learning opportunities that are challenging and inspiring, ensuring children become confident learners that are proud of their achievements.

The regular development and review of policies, procedures and strategic plans ensure that our centres maintain exceptional administrative and educational standards and practices and well developed and maintained land, buildings, fixtures and fittings.

We strongly believe in the importance of play for children’s social, emotional and physical development – and we also believe that children need rules and routine. Our daily programme is designed in such a way that children experience both routine and sustained periods of uninterrupted play.

We recognise and value the importance of physical activity, social interactions, imaginative and explorative play and believe that these can be enhanced through thoughtful planning, a well-designed environment, effective teaching strategies and a variety of resources and learning opportunities.

We are committed to meeting children’s individual needs, supporting their development, and recognising and nurturing their strengths and interests in a safe, fun and educational way.

We believe that children who have developed the attitudes, learning strategies, working theories and dispositions that are critical to learning are confident, competent learners and will find school a positive experience. We pride ourselves on ensuring all students are well prepared for their introduction into the school environment.

We recognise the benefits and importance of continuous learning. We provide teachers with a strong support and guidance programme and undergo regular professional development. Emphasis is placed on self-reflection and review.