A warm and nurturing home away from home where children are at the heart of what we do.

Our Philosophy is built on care, love and nurture which we believe are the key ingredients in supporting children to feel safe and confident to explore and learn with us.

The relationships that we build with both children and their wider family are the foundation for each child’s learning journey with us.  Our curriculum (Te Whaariki) will include aspirations which parents have for their little ones and we welcome parent input into our programme.

All children at Mamma Bear will be trusted and respected to be the initiators of their learning and will be guided with supportive teachers every step of the way, developing true confident learners who have a strong sense of self.  We believe in fostering children’s independence and we do this by allowing children time and opportunities to explore and solve problems themselves.

We will create a consistent and predictable environment for our children which will make them feel secure.  Our daily rituals will give children a sense of ownership over their day and will support them to feel safe and secure in our home away from home.

We are proud to be a community-based service, offering high-quality education and care at a low cost, in order to support our local community.`

Why Choose Us

Individualised learning programme

At Blue Duck, each child has an individual development plan created which is based on their specific needs, their interests and dispositions. They are also involved in group project work which is based on the age groups collective interests. The plans are updated every few months to meet the changing needs and level that your child is at.

Purpose-built, new centre

Our centre has beautiful indoor spaces and outdoor play areas that meet the developmental needs of the children. Three separate rooms focus on providing quality infant care, toddler transitioning and a preschool programme. Our Indoor and Outdoor space well exceeds the Ministry of Education’s requirement of space per child.

Flexible and affordable options for parents

Our fees are affordable and give you choice, we have a flexible holiday and sickness policy and we are open on school holidays and through to 6 pm, We also offer a true and transparent 20 Hours free for 3 and 4 years.

Exciting outdoor programme

Our programme is devised so it stimulates the children’s imagination and their sense of fun and adventure, while also developing emerging critical skills like navigating obstacles and problem-solving. We want them to be able to engage with their curiosity, make connections and learn.

Fabulous home cooked meals

Meals are prepared fresh each day by our wonderful cook. We follow a nutritious menu that includes all food types with each day introducing different tastes and textures for our youngsters. Each day our children are provided with lots of fresh fruit and a range of vegetarian and meat-based lunches. If your child has special eating needs, come and talk to us and we can create a menu to suit.

Kia Ora Koutou, Otatara Kindergarten is located on-site at the local primary school, which means we have a strong relationship and get involved in weekly kapa haka sessions with the new entrant class and Jump Jam in the community hall with the whole school. We have an excellent transition to school process as the majority of our tamariki go to Otatara School next door. 

As we are an Enviroschool kindergarten, we believe in promoting sustainable environmental practices. We value manaakitanga, which is the ways we care for people, places and things, in a nurturing, caring, friendly, environmentally aware manner.

We respect both parties of Ti Tiriti o Waitangi and we include te reo, waiata, and tikanga within our environment and practices. 

We also run a playgroup on Wednesday mornings, where children and whanau can come along and get to know us before they start kindergarten.

The Ranui Kindergarten philosophy is built on the Maori concepts of manaakitanga (care) and whanaungatanga (family relationships). We are passionate about creating a sense of community where everyone knows and supports each other. We strive to make everyone feel welcome as soon as they walk through the gate. 

Our large, safe outdoor area provides space for tamariki to play and explore. 

We have a strong focus on the health and wellbeing of tamariki and whanau. We have a Healthy Heart award and promote healthy kai in children’s lunch boxes. All tamariki brush their teeth after lunch. On Wednesday mornings we hold a circuit session so children can get active and moving. 

Whanau are an important part of our kindergarten community and are encouraged to take part in experiences with their tamariki. We host a playgroup/coffee group on Friday mornings where anyone in our community who has pre-schoolers or children currently enrolled can come along and spend time getting to know each other and the kindergarten. We have an open door policy for pre-entry visits where you can come as often as suits you and your child. 

On Fridays the ten eldest tamariki “go bush” with the Nature Discovery programme at Myross Road, which is a privilege they thoroughly enjoy. We are also working towards becoming an Enviroschool, demonstrating our commitment to sustainable practices and nurturing our land.

Rockdale Park Kindergarten awhi mokopuna and whānau to develop a true sense of belonging and partnership.

 Alongside whānau we aspire for ākonga/learners to develop a strong sense of mana and to become confident and competent communicators, explorers, problem solvers, decision makers, creators and kaitiaki. A sense of wonder, curiosity and creativity is fostered, discovering the extraordinary in the ordinary. 

We run an AWOL (Away Walking our Land) programme every Friday. A small group ventures out into the community, developing an ecological identity and a coming-to-know the people, places and things that make up our community. 

We participate in local cultural events such as Polyfest and value the contribution of whānau to enhance our performance and our art instillations. 

We are committed to ensuring we meet our responsibilities under Te Tiriti o Waitangi and draw inspiration from the 100 Languages of Reggio Emilia.

Te Kōhanga Reo

The kōhanga reo movement is a unique initiative based on total immersion in Māori language and values with the aim of passing on Māori culture to future generations.

Kōhanga reo emphasise the revitalisation of the culture through te reo Māori and are dependent on the active participation of the whole whānau. The kaupapa of kōhanga reo aims to strengthen whānau capabilities in cultural, social, economic, spiritual and political matters. Education, health and wellbeing are inherent within all aspects of the kaupapa. The prime focus is the whānau – its collective development, growth, accountability and wellbeing set within a Māori cultural context.

Kōhanga reo do not regard tamariki in isolation, but as important members of the whānau. The kōhanga reo philosophy is that tamariki will benefit when whānau successfully operate according to the kaupapa. Tamariki are an integral part of whānau development.

The following key goals are the foundation of te kōhanga reo kaupapa established in 1982:

• total immersion in te reo Māori me ōna tikanga in daily operations
• whānau decision-making, management and responsibility
• accountability
• health and wellbeing of mokopuna and whānau.

The key goals of te kōhanga reo assure that there will be:

• security in te reo Māori
• a supportive, caring environment for mokopuna
• whānau (collective) sharing of responsibilities, knowledge and expertise
• greater respect and appreciation of each other.

Our Vision: Allowing Kids to be Kids

Philosophy Statement:

At Paradise for Kids, we feel strongly about providing an environment where everyone is welcomed and encouraged to participate in their child’s learning journey.

We value and respect working in partnership with parents/whanau, to support their aspirations and desires for the child’s learning, development and wellbeing.

We strive to empower children to learn and grow holistically in a safe and nurturing environment where teachers encourage children to pursue their own interests in ways that are meaningful to them

Our programmes are planned for children individually and in groups, using Te Whariki, the early childhood curriculum.  Through our planning we encompass our heritage of Aotearoa/New Zealand and have a strong commitment to bi-cultural practice.

Learning through play

Unhurried time for exploration.

Open ended play opportunities. Sensory and messy play experiences daily.

We strive to empower tamariki to learn and grow holistically in a safe and nurturing environment where teachers encourage children to pursue their own interest in ways that are meaningful to them.

We provide an environment that promotes inquiry, exploration, and challenges/supports children to be meaningfully involved in their learning.

Child Led play

Supporting children's learning and development by encouraging their imagination through dramatic play and a variety of other experiences of interest to the tamariki.

We value each child as an individual learner with their own funds of knowledge and experiences, nurturing their self-esteem to develop a confident and competent learner equipped with effective communication skills and strong resilience.

Home like environment

We pride ourselves on having responsive reciprocal relationships with tamariki and their whanau.

We have a warm and welcoming environment, encouraging whanau to be involved in their child's learning journey.

Valuing and embracing diversity, establishing collaborative partnerships that support shared aspirations and expectation.

The SIT Childcare Centre is welcoming, friendly and safe.

The Centre operates under the umbrella of SIT but we are a community based. Our Centre is open to all children 0-6 years.

We aim to work in partnership with children, parents/whanau to build strong, trusting, open relationships that will allow the children to become independent, confident, active explorers, contributing to their own learning in an environment that is filled with challenging experiences, laughter and fun.

We are 95% qualified staff. Our Centre believes in quality education and care, so we have above the Ministry required staff/child ratio’s. Our teaching teams have been together for a number of years which means we have stability and huge amount of experience and knowledge.

Our Vision

Ka whakarato tātou i tētahi taiao haumaru me he taiao  poipoi me te wero hoki

i runga i ngā akoranga torotoro me te ngākau nui ki te whakakaha i ngā whakahoahoa

i te taha o ngā tamariki me ngā whanau hoki. Nā roto i ngā kōrero tuwhera, te whakaute,

me te whakawhirinaki. He mea nui kia matou ki te whakamana

ngā iwi rerekē katoa o te hāpori nei, ā, ki te whai i te ngākau nui ki te ako i roto i ngā tamariki katoa.

Kia Ora,

We provide a safe, nurturing and challenging environment based on

exploration and intentional teaching, where strong partnerships

with tamariki and whanau are created through open communication, respect, and trust.

We value our culturally diverse community and aim to foster a love of learning in all children.

Live, strive, succeed

Clarendon Kindergarten is situated south of Southland Hospital bordering on the old Clarendon School site. 

We pride ourselves on offering a warm, welcoming environment where cultural diversity is celebrated. Whanau are encouraged to come along and join in our sessions at any time. 

We have a large, exciting outdoor play area for tamariki to play in and explore.

Waikiwi Kindergarten offers a physically challenging environment to assist in children’s development with an amazing outdoor space that allows for busy tamariki to explore at their own pace. We support tamariki to develop their social competency skills through play, encouraging friendships based on manaakitanga and whanaungatanga. 

We are passionate about supporting our tamariki to become kaitiaki for the natural environment. We participate in the Enviroschools programme and every Monday morning we have some tamariki out at Taiao Tuhura/Discovering Nature programme. 

Community participation is at the heart of our learning, we love to get out and about and explore our local community and learn from the experts that are among us. We attend Polyfest, and this is always a highlight of our year. 

We have tamariki attending from both rural and urban settings and value the role that our whānau play in shaping our kindergarten. Whānau are encouraged to visit and participate in experiences at any time. 

We offer both full day or morning sessions, ensuring that there are options to suit families needs. To find out more information we warmly welcome you to make contact and come along to meet our team.

At Waverley Kindergarten we have a strong emphasis on social learning, including caring for and instilling empathy in each other. 

We strive to care for Papatuanuku (mother nature) and te ao Maori (the Maori world) in everything we do. We have reached Green/gold reflected in the Enviroschools programme, and through this programme we teach children that what we do makes a difference to the environment. 

We are also part of the Taiao Tuhura/Discovering Nature programme. As part of this we take our eldest ten children out to the Kindergartens South native bush section on Myross Road once a week to explore and learn in nature. 

Through outdoor play and planned physical activity we provide opportunities for children to be active and develop their motor skills. 

Our teachers use their interactions with children to challenge and extend higher level thinking strategies. Opportunities to develop literacy and numeracy skills are interwoven into all aspects of the programme, in meaningful contexts. 

We see our relationships with parents and whanau as integral in working together to provide the best learning outcomes for children.

At Elston Lea Kindergarten we have a strong focus on Hauora, including spiritual, physical, mental & family wellbeing. Tamariki grow fruit, vegetables & herbs in our veggie garden & tunnel house. 

We have a large park-like playground which encourages children’s imaginations, physical fitness & social skills. Being surrounded by plants and native birds helps our children learn about taiao (nature) and how to be kaitiaki or guardians of our natural environment. 

Our Taiao Tūhura / Discovering Nature programme sees our 10 oldest children go out each week to explore an area of native bush and learn more about caring for our environment. 

We value whanaungatanga and manaakitanga, caring for others and the community. Our kindergarten is a calm, relaxed place where children can learn & grow at their own pace. 

We have diverse families/whānau and are passionate about making everyone feel part of our place. 

Parents and whānau are most welcome to visit at any time and see what happens at our kindergarten.

Whanaungatanga and Manaakitanga are an integral part of Glengarry Kindergarten. Our vision is of Mahi Tahi where together we learn, we move forward collaboratively and can become more powerful together. 

Glengarry Kindergarten is a silver award Enviroschool. We place a sustainable lens over our learning and teaching and have an orchard, vegetable gardens, tunnel house, hens and leaf-cutter bees. 

We are involved in the Nature Discovery programme at Myross Bush where tamariki enjoy an unhurried time learning in nature. 

We also plan regular visits for small groups of tamariki within the community and aim to be an active part of our neighbourhood.

The kaiako/teachers see the learning of the tamariki/children as a collective effort between the kindergarten, the whānau and the community. We understand it takes a village to “raise” a child and truly value all the input our ngā whanau/families put into the kindergarten and their tamaiti/child’s learning. 

Our outdoor environment is large, spacious, and natural enabling opportunities of endless learning. A relaxed but fun and engaging place where tamariki are encouraged to take risks and challenge themselves building their resilience, co-construction and problem-solving learning. 

Our indoor environment is warm and inviting with plenty of space for tamariki to learn, imagine, wonder, and create. We have up to 30 tamariki in a large space with 3 fully qualified kaiako providing quality education. We are well resourced and take pride in purchasing high quality resources for tamariki to experience and learn, making life-long memories. We are part of the Taiao Tuhura/Discovering Nature programme which sees children exploring and learning in nature. 

Our Learning environment is fun, engaging and fosters respectful relationships through a sense of aroha. A place where culture and language are valued, and self-identity is enhanced for all. A diverse range of cultures within our kindergarten enriches the learning for everyone. We embrace diversity and the uniqueness that comes with it. We want our tamariki to leave kindergarten with a very strong positive view of themselves as learners and a person. Someone who shows kindness and compassion to others and has a good understanding of their own and others social and emotional well-being.

Kawa is the routine, rituals & protocols that makes Kew Kindergarten Kew. It is our Bucket Filling - kind things we say, kind things we do. It is Mana reo/communication – expressing ourselves using all our senses as well as the arts & active movement. It is enviro-school kaupapa - looking after ourselves, each other & our kindergarten. 

Kew Kawa is about learning & having fun together. It is laughing, being helpful if someone is hurt & keeping our kindy ataahua. It is about being kind & welcoming, ensuring that everyone has a great time at Kew & can be the best they can be. Kew Kawa is about social & emotional competencies, we want everyone to see, hear & feel kindness with the highest learning potential. That’s the Kew Kawa.

Wee Nippers provides a safe and healthy environment for children to grow and learn emotionally, cognitively and physically. Our comprehensive, balanced, flexible programme reflects the children’s interests in ways that are developmentally appropriate. Our Centres are new and purpose built inside and out.

Every child is different and we respect their individual needs while working to create a Wee Nippers community. We aim to foster high self-esteem and respect for others while recognising every child’s strengths.

We provide children with a warm, supportive relationship with adults and recognise the importance of building nurturing relationships amongst staff, children and their family/whānau.

First and foremost, our professional educators are positive role models for Wee Nippers children. Ongoing professional support and development is provided to staff to ensure the continuation of high standards of care and education for your children.

Te Kōhanga Reo

The kōhanga reo movement is a unique initiative based on total immersion in Māori language and values with the aim of passing on Māori culture to future generations.

Kōhanga reo emphasise the revitalisation of the culture through te reo Māori and are dependent on the active participation of the whole whānau. The kaupapa of kōhanga reo aims to strengthen whānau capabilities in cultural, social, economic, spiritual and political matters. Education, health and wellbeing are inherent within all aspects of the kaupapa. The prime focus is the whānau – its collective development, growth, accountability and wellbeing set within a Māori cultural context.

Kōhanga reo do not regard tamariki in isolation, but as important members of the whānau. The kōhanga reo philosophy is that tamariki will benefit when whānau successfully operate according to the kaupapa. Tamariki are an integral part of whānau development.

The following key goals are the foundation of te kōhanga reo kaupapa established in 1982:

• total immersion in te reo Māori me ōna tikanga in daily operations
• whānau decision-making, management and responsibility
• accountability
• health and wellbeing of mokopuna and whānau.

The key goals of te kōhanga reo assure that there will be:

• security in te reo Māori
• a supportive, caring environment for mokopuna
• whānau (collective) sharing of responsibilities, knowledge and expertise
• greater respect and appreciation of each other.

Te Kōhanga Reo

The kōhanga reo movement is a unique initiative based on total immersion in Māori language and values with the aim of passing on Māori culture to future generations.

Kōhanga reo emphasise the revitalisation of the culture through te reo Māori and are dependent on the active participation of the whole whānau. The kaupapa of kōhanga reo aims to strengthen whānau capabilities in cultural, social, economic, spiritual and political matters. Education, health and wellbeing are inherent within all aspects of the kaupapa. The prime focus is the whānau – its collective development, growth, accountability and wellbeing set within a Māori cultural context.

Kōhanga reo do not regard tamariki in isolation, but as important members of the whānau. The kōhanga reo philosophy is that tamariki will benefit when whānau successfully operate according to the kaupapa. Tamariki are an integral part of whānau development.

The following key goals are the foundation of te kōhanga reo kaupapa established in 1982:

• total immersion in te reo Māori me ōna tikanga in daily operations
• whānau decision-making, management and responsibility
• accountability
• health and wellbeing of mokopuna and whānau.

The key goals of te kōhanga reo assure that there will be:

• security in te reo Māori
• a supportive, caring environment for mokopuna
• whānau (collective) sharing of responsibilities, knowledge and expertise
• greater respect and appreciation of each other.

Te Kōhanga Reo

The kōhanga reo movement is a unique initiative based on total immersion in Māori language and values with the aim of passing on Māori culture to future generations.

Kōhanga reo emphasise the revitalisation of the culture through te reo Māori and are dependent on the active participation of the whole whānau. The kaupapa of kōhanga reo aims to strengthen whānau capabilities in cultural, social, economic, spiritual and political matters. Education, health and wellbeing are inherent within all aspects of the kaupapa. The prime focus is the whānau – its collective development, growth, accountability and wellbeing set within a Māori cultural context.

Kōhanga reo do not regard tamariki in isolation, but as important members of the whānau. The kōhanga reo philosophy is that tamariki will benefit when whānau successfully operate according to the kaupapa. Tamariki are an integral part of whānau development.

The following key goals are the foundation of te kōhanga reo kaupapa established in 1982:

• total immersion in te reo Māori me ōna tikanga in daily operations
• whānau decision-making, management and responsibility
• accountability
• health and wellbeing of mokopuna and whānau.

The key goals of te kōhanga reo assure that there will be:

• security in te reo Māori
• a supportive, caring environment for mokopuna
• whānau (collective) sharing of responsibilities, knowledge and expertise
• greater respect and appreciation of each other.

Te Kōhanga Reo

The kōhanga reo movement is a unique initiative based on total immersion in Māori language and values with the aim of passing on Māori culture to future generations.

Kōhanga reo emphasise the revitalisation of the culture through te reo Māori and are dependent on the active participation of the whole whānau. The kaupapa of kōhanga reo aims to strengthen whānau capabilities in cultural, social, economic, spiritual and political matters. Education, health and wellbeing are inherent within all aspects of the kaupapa. The prime focus is the whānau – its collective development, growth, accountability and wellbeing set within a Māori cultural context.

Kōhanga reo do not regard tamariki in isolation, but as important members of the whānau. The kōhanga reo philosophy is that tamariki will benefit when whānau successfully operate according to the kaupapa. Tamariki are an integral part of whānau development.

The following key goals are the foundation of te kōhanga reo kaupapa established in 1982:

• total immersion in te reo Māori me ōna tikanga in daily operations
• whānau decision-making, management and responsibility
• accountability
• health and wellbeing of mokopuna and whānau.

The key goals of te kōhanga reo assure that there will be:

• security in te reo Māori
• a supportive, caring environment for mokopuna
• whānau (collective) sharing of responsibilities, knowledge and expertise
• greater respect and appreciation of each other.

Te Kōhanga Reo

The kōhanga reo movement is a unique initiative based on total immersion in Māori language and values with the aim of passing on Māori culture to future generations.

Kōhanga reo emphasise the revitalisation of the culture through te reo Māori and are dependent on the active participation of the whole whānau. The kaupapa of kōhanga reo aims to strengthen whānau capabilities in cultural, social, economic, spiritual and political matters. Education, health and wellbeing are inherent within all aspects of the kaupapa. The prime focus is the whānau – its collective development, growth, accountability and wellbeing set within a Māori cultural context.

Kōhanga reo do not regard tamariki in isolation, but as important members of the whānau. The kōhanga reo philosophy is that tamariki will benefit when whānau successfully operate according to the kaupapa. Tamariki are an integral part of whānau development.

The following key goals are the foundation of te kōhanga reo kaupapa established in 1982:

• total immersion in te reo Māori me ōna tikanga in daily operations
• whānau decision-making, management and responsibility
• accountability
• health and wellbeing of mokopuna and whānau.

The key goals of te kōhanga reo assure that there will be:

• security in te reo Māori
• a supportive, caring environment for mokopuna
• whānau (collective) sharing of responsibilities, knowledge and expertise
• greater respect and appreciation of each other.

ALOFA LAVA, KIA ORANA, BULA VINAKA, MALO E LELEI, FAKAALOFA LAHI ATU, MAURI, KIA ORA.
WELCOME TO KEW PACIFIC ISLAND LEARNING CENTRE.

Kew Pacific Island Early Learning Centre provides a holistic approach to the education and care of our tamariki in a warm and nurturing environment that reflects the unique diversity of the children, families and local community.

OUR PHILOSOPHY

At Kew Pacific Island Early Learning Centre, we provide a learning environment that is rich in Pasifika language, culture, and identity.  Cultural values such as love, spirituality, respect and tautua (Service) are strongly reflected throughout our curriculum. We acknowledge and implement Pasifika ways of knowing, being and doing.

Establishing positive relationships with whanau and the wider community is at the heart of our Philosophy.  We believe working together in partnership with whanau, builds the mana of the child and respects their own funds of knowledge.  Kaiako work collaboratively to generate a sense of belonging and well-being for children and whanau alike.

We honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi through our commitment in our practices, so that all children are given the opportunity to develop knowledge and understanding of the cultural heritages of Aotearoa.  Kaiako integrate Kaupapa Maori concepts and te reo Maori through our curriculum.

The curriculum provides a combination of ‘child lead’ and ‘teacher lead’ learning experiences, where our tamariki learn through play and exploration.  Kaiako honour children’s curiosity and creativity, physical challenges, active thinking and risk taking are promoted within a safe environment.  Music, movement, Pasifika and Maori myths and legends are a vital part of our curriculum and how we embrace and teach Pasifika language and Te reo Maori.

Kaiako pedagogical knowledge around cultural leadership drives our teaching practice.  The New Zealand Early childhood curriculum ‘Te Whariki 2017’, Tapasa 2018 (Cultual competencies framework for teachers of Pacific learners), Tataiako (Cultural competencies for teachers of Maori learners), and the Four baskets of cultural leadership are valued, and what we believe to be the foundations of our curriculum.

Because we value children as active learners, Te Whariki 2017 and its guidelines help us to provide a holistic and responsive curriculum context that helps children express and develop their feelings, interests, and knowledge; encouraging and empowering them to contribute to their own learning.

We have a commitment to ongoing improvement through the use of internal evaluation.  This is supported by ongoing professional development for our teaching team which helps foster the knowledge and skills to create ongoing positive outcomes for children.

It is essential for our Tamariki to develop a strong foundation and positive dispositions.  We endeavour to prepare our tamariki for successful learning through their educational journey and life becoming successful, engaged, and contributing members of the community.

E whira ana nga taura here whanaungatanga o te tamati ki tona whanau, hapu, iwi, me hapori.

Involving the family and community in the learning and growth of the child.

The teaching team and Queens Park Early Childhood Education believe that belonging and well being is fostered within an inclusive, holistic environment.

Our teachers know that when our children are happy and settled their play will bring about learning that enhances their understanding of themselves and the world around them. Through reciprocal and responsive practices, we endeavour to achieve that.

We aim to foster a culture of respect: respect for ourselves, each other, for our environment, for the bicultural heritage of Aotearoa and the multicultural nature of our centre community. Building relationships, consulting with families/whanau and taking advantage of resources within our community will enable us to develop and maintain a strong learning community. We aim to foster confidence: to raise children who are motivated and excited about growing, learning and doing things to help themselves and others to become independent.

Children are empowered to guide their own learning experiences. This encourages engagement and involvement. Access to outdoor spaces with the freedom to explore and develop through our senses is an integral part of our practice.

Lees Street Kindergarten is situated in the residential suburb of Gladstone. We are lucky to have an outside environment that is full of mature trees and exciting resources that challenge children’s imaginations and physical skills. 

We recognise the vital role that active movement plays in children’s development and implement a weekly perceptual motor programme (PMP) giving children the opportunity to partake in a variety of physical activities that are vital for developing the brain. We also place importance on verbal communications and interactions. 

We have a strong focus on the natural environment and sustainability, and take part in the Enviroschools programme. Children plan, plant, nuture, harvest and cook fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as learning about composting and recycling. 

Our Taiao Tuhura/Discovering Nature programme sees children exploring and learning at Kindergartens South’s native bush property in Myross Bush one morning a week. 

We are also beginning to implement a music component to our programme, which sees local musicians visiting and teaching us about a variety of different instruments. 

Parents and whanau are invited to take part in our learning activities. Our kindergarten is also a great place for parents to meet and network, and we offer family nights and social evenings for parents to meet up.

Lindisfarne Kindergarten is in a long-established residential area which is centrally located to the city. Our kindergarten consists of a rich, diverse multi-cultural blend of tamariki and whānau. 

We strive to encompass and reflect the importance and care of each other through respect and kindness. Valuing our environment and learning ways in which we can all collectively care for Papatūānuku (Mother Earth). As an Enviroschool we respect the kaupapa that goes with this, learning for sustainability, empowering our tamariki, and encouraging sustainable communities. 

We have a large spacious outside play area/environment providing ample space to explore, be involved and engage with nature. Our indoor area offers many different spaces of play including a project room which is themed to represent our latest project of interest or focus learning. We also attend Taiao Tuhura (bush programme), which enables our tamariki to have fun in and be with nature, building resilience, extending on physical capacities, in unhurried play, building relationships and just having fun. 

We have a PMP (Perceptual Movement Programme) which supports and encourages nga tamariki to build confidence and strength in their own physical capabilities; this takes place weekly. 

We provide a range of opportunities for families and the wider community to be involved in including Polyfest and themed family nights (with themes such as PJs, fish and chips, multi-cultural dinner, mid-winter outings).

At Newfield Kindergarten we treasure our children and the families they belong to. We call ourselves a kindergarten family and focus on creating a warm and nurturing environment, with love and care shown in our teaching. 

We focus on building a close relationship with each child so that we can find the right paths to excite them about their learning. We specialise in social and emotional competence learning. 

Our large, exciting native outdoor playground presents lots of challenges for children in their play. We focus on play that leads children to be challenged, creative, innovative, socially skilled and happy individuals. 

As an Enviroschools and Healthy Heart kindergarten, we promote sustainable living practices and environmental education.

What makes us special?

We are a small mixed age centre ranging from babies up to 5 year olds. We have created an environment that is like a family away from home that has close bonds with the surrounding community. We make regular visits to the local rest home and are often found exploring local places. We have separate areas for under twos and over twos but are able to mix together when appropriate. We have a well resourced outdoor area and our indoor area is changed regularly to suit the current learning and interests of the children. Due to being a small centre we develop close relationships with families and the teachers endeavour to develop children’s social and life skills.

Our Philosophy

Development

All staff will continually critically reflect on their practice and centre practice to provide the best education, care and environment possible. They will strive to improve practice by developing knowledge, skills, and ideas and keep these current by attending professional development courses and by keeping updated with new developments and information.

Education

Waikiwi Preschool and Childcare will provide a wide variety of experiences and opportunities that will be inclusive, fun and allow exploration as staff fosters the learning and development of each individual. Staff will notice, recognise, respond and reflect on each individual child’s learning and development and implement appropriate teaching strategies and techniques to support all children on their unique journeys.

Environment

Waikiwi Preschool and Childcare will provide a warm, welcoming environment that is bi-cultural and multi-cultural, where all are valued, included and respected. We will strive to provide an environment that is positive, stimulating, consistent and nurturing, where all feel safe, secure and comfortable.

We are a family focused centre who welcomes children from birth to age 6. We are passionate about learning alongside our children. Our centre provides a warm caring environment where children form positive relationships with other children and adults and gain a strong sense of belonging. We follow Te Whariki, the Early Childhood Curriculum, providing learning opportunities for our tamariki based on their interests.

Our centre values child led play allowing children to be creative, to experiment, to socialize and become independent, confident learners while being supported by their whānau. We operate as a parent co-operative which means we work together to run our centre and provide quality sessions for our children.

What we have on offer:
We have an amazing outdoor space with playground, sandpit, gardens, playhouse, a carpentry shed and safety matted garage which is great extra play space in winter.

We provide many different areas of play such as messy play, paint, collage, playdough carpentry, blocks, puzzles, books, music, role play/dress ups and water play.

We have at least 2 excursions a term based on the children’s interests and other spontaneous excursions.

We offer free Adult Education through the Southland Playcentre Association.

We offer free First Aid Training

We have a high Adult to child ratio of 1:4

We have low termly fees and offer 20 free hours free for children over 3. We are also registered with WINZ for those families who qualify.

We are a city Playcentre run by a group of committed and enthusiastic parents, who enjoy the opportunity to be involved in their children’s learning.

Come along and join us for a play!!

We value the importance of outdoor education and so once a fortnight we hold an excursion session where our tamariki get a chance to explore the natural world around them. They have opportunities to ask questions, problem solve and experiment. Gain leadership skills, communication skills and independence.

Richmond Playcentre – Who we are? What we are? We provide an Early Childhood Education option in Invercargill. Our Playcentre celebrates the multi-skilled, amazing job that parents do, whilst offering support, friendship, information, resources, learning opportunities, and the chance to be part of your child’s education.

We use Te Whaariki, the Early Childhood Curriculum, which is used throughout the Early Childhood Sector. We offer parent education workshops through the Southland Playcentre Association Adult Education Programme and encourage our families to take part, as we are a parent co-operative and run our session through Team Supervision. Being a parent co-operative we work together to run the centre and provide quality sessions for our children.

We enjoy an increasing roll of children aged from birth to school age and an adult ratio of 1:5 to ensure a quality, friendly and a safe environment for our children and their families.

Roslyn Bush Playcentre is a unique centre located 15km’s North East of Invercargill in a spacious rural setting.

• Our centre employs a qualified Early Childhood Educator, who delivers a quality programme supported by a parent collective.
• Our centre welcomes children from birth to 6 years, and their families and whaanau, to begin their learning journey supported by dedicated trained adults.
• The Centre offers a comprehensive learning experience for rural families in their own community and an opportunity for families from Invercargill wishing to take advantage of our wonderful setting.
• At Roslyn Bush Playcentre our curriculum is based on the National Early Childhood curriculum ‘Te Whaariki’.

Your child will have the opportunity to:

• explore the natural environment through hands on experiences with gardening, animals, water and sand;
• be active through music and movement, running, biking, and ball skills;
• get creative with paint, collage, playdough, and baking;
• problem solve with blocks, carpentry, construction and team work;
• be social with other children through turn taking, group games, and imaginative play.

“Parents are working together to provide an environment where children’s learning is valued and supported.”