Childcare options in New Plymouth

Rising Stars Preschool Rising Stars Preschool is a privately owned centre located inside an Indoor Sports Stadium in Waiwhakaiho, New Plymouth. The centre is a pack-away centre and is licensed for 60 children over the age of two years old.  

Alongside the education and care provision, children participate in a sports programme. This programme is designed to expose children to a range of skills, as well as helping them develop an understanding of how to keep their bodies fit and healthy. All teachers are qualified, and the coaches are successful, local sports people.  

Exposing children to the sporting culture is evident within our daily routines. Children learn basic skills such as catching, kicking and throwing when involved in these sessions which are administered by experienced coaches. These coaches are dedicated to extending on the children’s current skills, whilst also offering them new ones.  

Rising Stars Preschool works in partnership with all families/whanau of the community to ensure that parent’s aspirations and concerns are respected and listened to. Families are encouraged to be involved in all areas of the programme where they are able to observe and acknowledge the learning that takes place during their child’s time at the centre. 

 Quality resources and equipment are provided enabling your child’s individual strengths to be recognised in our safe and attractive learning environment. Not to mention Rising Stars Preschool offers an impressive outdoor area and large sandpit.

We offer a free pick up and drop off service based on individual needs.

Check out our full website here: busybees.org.nz/newplymouth 

At Busy Bees New Plymouth we have three age appropriate classrooms. Each space has their own separate outdoor area providing endless opportunities to explore the natural environment. We believe ngā tamariki – our children, learn best through a play-based approach in which we foster opportunities for each child to:

• Establish and maintain relationships – Whakawhanaungatanga
• Develop a positive sense of self – Mana Motuhake
• Develop a wide range of communication skills – Mana Reo
• Strengthen their sense of curiosity – Pātaitai
• Develop problem solving skills – Whakaoti Rapanga

Please note - We cater for tamariki 3 years and over

Seedlings Philosophy / Kaupapa Pihinga

Seedlings Nature Kindergarten is a place of fun, exploration, wonder, learning and being together as people who care for and respect Papa-tu-a-nuku.

Seedlings Philosophy:

• We are akonga/learners who have the kaha/courage to have a go, take risks, reflect, accept and learn.
• You will feel & see...collaboration, tautoko/support, empowerment, resilience.
• We experience koa/joy through self-expression and self-regulation, and develop our identity within the ropu/group through aroha/love.
• You will feel & see...acceptance, emotional intelligence, humour, rangimarie/peace.
• We acknowledge and celebrate whanaungatanga/relationships, with each other and Papa-tu-a-nuku/Mother Earth, recognizing our uniquness.
• You will feel & see...oneness, being together, unhurried, spaciousness.

Our Day at Seedlings

KAI

Having some kai, whether a snack or lunch is usually a social time. We choose when we need to eat, and then deciding if we'll have a picnic or sit around the table on the verandah. Cooking is also a big part of the curriculum; inspiration comes from the garden, the pantry and our puku/stomachs!

PLAY

​At Seedlings we honour the natural urge to play and have an environment that satisfies these urges...from tumbling, spinning, running, throwing to enclosing, connecting, transforming and making huts! Play is the natural unfolding and expression of each individual, and at Seedlings this is respected and celebrated.

THE ORCHARD

​A few times a week we all walk over the hill to the orchard. We take the essentials with us, as well as our bags, and set up at base camp when we arrive. Tamariki are aware of their responsibilities in this environment and know where the Big Explorers are positioned if they need support.

NATURAL RHYTHMS

There is a natural rhythm to our day at Seedlings. Time and space is available for our needs to be fulfilled. Tamariki develop their self-awareness and know when they need kai, rest, to expend energy and to play.

PAPATUANUKU

​Being in nature enables us to recognise our connection to life and that we are life. To honour this we acknowledge all life in nature and celebrate soltices, equinoxes and other important dates to families.    

*Please note : This Centre is not currently taking enrolments*

The Little Centre

66 Buller Street is a repurposed house, and we have done everything to ensure it feels just like home for you and your pēpi. We think it is important for our tamariki to be able to sleep in peace, as well as explore until their heart’s content. The different rooms we have give us the ability to work in small groups if we like, and for our smallest friends to have a quiet safe spaces to explore uninterrupted, especially whilst they are still developing their gross motor skills.

When you walk in, you are likely to smell good things from the kitchen hub, the teachers are gentle and nurturing, they love the children with genuine warmth and caring. The Little Centre provides educational resources and learning opportunities woven throughout the care routines of the day. Our outdoor environment is our very own wilderness, providing us with endless opportunities for play and learning, no matter the weather! The natural environment invites all of papatūānuku’s creatures to join us during the day, so we are constantly surrounded by the sounds of nature- such a peaceful setting for tamariki.

The sleep room is a peaceful sanctuary, where the tamariki can sleep, have bottles, read and relax, at any point during the day. We follow their cues, and work closely with whānau to ensure we are creating links between home and Kinderen to ensure they feel safe and secure at all times. We believe in an unhurried, ritual based approach, nurturing their needs at all times.

Each child is cared for according to their own routine and whānau wishes and the teachers follow each child’s individual needs closely – children under 2 years old have a ‘notebook’ for parents and teachers to write in and keep each other up-to-date with all the little and big things that happen each day. At the Little Centre, all meals, bottles and nappies are provided as well as an excellent ‘above ministry standards’ ratio of 1 Teacher to every 3 children under two years old. The two year old ratio is slightly higher at 1 Teacher to every 4 children as they are working hard to become more independent. The Little Centre has a license for 21 tamariki, so we get to keep our group size small.

Our Kinderen Little Centre is different to other centres in so many ways—we truly are like an extension of your home e.g. If your child is slow to move in the mornings and would really rather have a cuddle than get dressed, bring them in their pjs and we will give them some breakfast and gently help them start their day, getting dressed, brushing hair and cleaning our teeth are all important parts of learning self-care skills that our teachers are ready and willing to help with. Having such a high teacher ratio enables us to spend those special times with children, making opportunities for building relationships and learning together. This also allows you to have a stress-free start to your day, meeting your child’s needs at home, then knowing they are so well cared for at Kinderen.

At Kinderen we believe completely that a child’s relationships and interactions with others shape cognitive, physical and emotional learning – and the first years of a child’s life are the MOST important for this foundational learning!

At Kinderen, we are all about children – our name even means ‘children’ in Dutch.

• We love nature! At Kinderen we know that children not only love being outside but they also learn from nature.
• We keep things simple. We don’t see the need for big plastic toys when we know our rope swings, gardens and sandpits are going to stimulate your child so much more.
• We believe that quality care and education is best provided in a small group setting.
• We’ve got great people! Our teachers are all professional trained early childhood educators and our team is a tight-knit one.
• We are New Plymouth’s oldest family-run childcare centre.
• We understand that parents are busy. That’s why at Kinderen we provide delicious and nutritious meals, nappies and anything else your child needs.
• We have extended opening hours designed to cater for busy professionals.
• We use an online and secure learning portfolio, so you can see your child’s progress and photos and share it all with family anywhere in the world.
• At Kinderen, we think of ourselves as a family, and our centres as a stepping stone between your child’s home and a school environment.

Our children are supported to become confident, competent self-directed learners through play based around their interests. Our children gain knowledge through play, participation and positive guidance.

Our Children’s curiosity and creativity is nurtured through the fun range of experiences provided … no two days at Playcentre are the sam

Our children develop nurturing and social skills which have lifelong benefits. Siblings attend together, allowing older children to mentor younger children and practise empathy and caring.

Our parental relationships developed through Playcentre provide support from parents and help them develop new parenting and life skills.

Our parents are actively involved in providing our children’s learning programmes. The high adult to child ratio allows a good balance for group and individual support during each session.

There is no other organisation for early childhood education and family development quite like it in the world. Thousands of kiwi children, and their parents too, have grown up with Playcentre. 

Kinderen’s Preschool is a home away from home, there are lots of people to play with and learn from and lots of interesting, fun and exciting resources to use. The teachers are gentle and nurturing with a love of fun and learning, they enjoy stimulating children’s curiosity and researching new ideas together. Teaching focuses very strongly on caring for ourselves, each other and our environment, creating happy, empathetic young people who are confident and competent socially, physically and cognitively.

We believe that quality care and education is best provided in a small group setting. Our Preschool has a maximum of 28 children at any one time, so you can be assured that your child will receive the care and guidance they need to enjoy their preschool years and be ready to start primary school when they leave.

We believe in giving lots of one-on-one attention, so we keep our teacher to child ratios higher that ministry standards. Our teachers are all professionally trained early childhood educators and our team is a tight-knit one.

We are New Plymouth’s oldest family-run childcare centre. We believe our focus for creating a warm, family environment is the secret to our ongoing success. We know parents have a lot of choices and we’re thrilled that we have remained first choice for such a long time.

Parents are busy, we understand that. That’s why at Kinderen we make it easy by providing delicious and nutritious meals, we also support transition to school learning for children at meal times by putting aside one day a week for our older children to participate in packing their own lunch box and eating together as they would at school. Our extended opening hours are designed to cater for busy professionals. We use an online and secure learning portfolio, so you can see your child’s progress and share it with family anywhere in the world.

At Kinderen we know that children not only love being outside but they also learn from nature. Kinderen children are taken for regular trips to local farms and forest reserves so they can explore freely in a safe and secure group.At Kinderen, we are all about children – our name even means ‘children’ in Dutch.

• We love nature! At Kinderen we know that children not only love being outside but they also learn from nature.
• We keep things simple. We don’t see the need for big plastic toys when we know our rope swings, gardens and sandpits are going to stimulate your child so much more.
• We believe that quality care and education is best provided in a small group setting.
• We’ve got great people! Our teachers are all professional trained early childhood educators and our team is a tight-knit one.
• We are New Plymouth’s oldest family-run childcare centre.
• We understand that parents are busy. That’s why at Kinderen we provide delicious and nutritious meals, nappies and anything else your child needs.
• We have extended opening hours designed to cater for busy professionals.
• We use an online and secure learning portfolio, so you can see your child’s progress and photos and share it all with family anywhere in the world.
• At Kinderen, we think of ourselves as a family, and our centres as a stepping stone between your child’s home and a school environment.Kinderen

Philosophy – Kaupapa o Kinderen

Respect is important to us at Kinderen.  We are respectful with each other and of all living things within our environment.

We work hard to develop meaningful and trusting relationships with the children in our care and their whānau.  These relationships form the foundation of future learning and development and allow for the child and their whānau to feel safe and welcome within our Centre.

We acknowledge New Zealand’s bicultural heritage and multicultural society. We give our children opportunities to learn about their own and other cultures. We have an in-depth knowledge of Te Whāriki and include all the strands, principles and virtues in our daily curriculum.

We create an environment where personal worth is valued and encouraged, by being aware of  family’s needs and culture, and by providing a loving environment that allows children the opportunity to make choices and determine their own actions.

We provide a curriculum where children can learn through active exploration of their environment.  Children will be given the opportunity and be encouraged to develop knowledge, skills and dispositions. We assess and plan our programme, valuing children’s and their whānau’s contributions.

Piccolo Preschool is centrally located in New Plymouth.  Our full-time early childhood centre provides space and flow for small groups of children aged 2 – 5 years.  Together with our qualified and experienced teaching team, this ensures Piccolo Preschool is a confident choice for early childhood care and learning.

Vision

We know children are born with remarkable potential and are competent, active explorers capable of leading their own learning journeys, as well as inspiring others.

We are influenced by the Reggio Emilia approach within our programme, and acknowledge Te Tiriti o Waitangi as the founding document of Aotearoa New Zealand.  We are committed to embracing our bi-cultural heritage.

Philosophy

Our warm and welcoming family-like environment promotes safe, secure, respectful and reciprocal relationships. We believe that partnerships and relationships, form through regular communication with family and whānau. The programme is enriched through the sharing of ideas, knowledge, skills, culture and experiences, as well as continually focussing on children’s learning through assessment.

Acknowledgement of the Treaty of Waitangi and respect of our bi-cultural heritage is evident through our focus on building strong, reciprocal relationships with all families where children, parents and whānau are heard (taha hinengaro); where our children, parents and whānau feel safe (taha whānau); where our environment supports the development of physical growth (taha tinana); and where our practices empower children, parents and whānau to weave their own beliefs and values to promote a sense of wellbeing within themselves and community (taha wairua).

We value collaboration as vital to the success of our programme and see ourselves as learners with children through projects inspired by their curiosity. Teachers intentionally prepare spaces for learning that builds on children’s strengths and interests to grow potential. We believe that children can independently communicate their knowledge and understanding through the use of symbolic languages (e.g. painting, sculpting, drama) in everyday life.

The neutral learning landscape provides a canvas that encourages exploration, discovery, and challenge as tools for navigation through our natural and physical worlds. The physical learning environment, both indoors and outdoors, is viewed as the “third teacher” and promotes positive and engaging relationships between children and others, supporting children to problem solve and take risks. Sustainable practices and organic gardening practices play a pivotal role in learning about and caring for our natural world.

Listening to children and engaging in conversations that provide children with time to think is critical for our teaching. Careful observation informs our decisions and inquiry, supported by regular training and professional learning about quality practice.

Nau Mai – Haere Mai! 

New Plymouth Montessori School provides unique opportunities in early childhood and primary education for families that are focused on providing the very best experiences for their children.  

We are proud of our Montessori heritage and pleased to announce that we are the oldest continuously running Montessori school in New Zealand.  

Our priority continues to be providing the best education possible for our tamariki (children) through a traditional Montessori education. In continuing with a holistic education, we also embrace the philosophy of the virtues curriculum. 

The Casa is situated in Dorset Avenue in the heart of New Plymouth. This purpose built facility is set in 1.5 hectares of open play areas and native trees. The Casa offers a three year programme where three to six year olds engage in a wide range of activities to satisfy their changing needs.  

This includes:  

• Practical Life: pouring, polishing, washing. 
• Sensorial: colour, size, and shape. 

As well as mathematics, language (reading and writing), geography, art, music, science, outdoor education, and Te Reo.

Our Philosophy

• Each person – adult, child, teacher is honoured as an important part of Brooklands Kindergarten.
• Each person is truly valued and respected as a human being.
• We strive to support each other to ensure that children enjoy a life where they can learn and grow, are contented, happy and can form relationships.
• We acknowledge that each family has their own unique values and culture.
• We embrace difference and diversity.
• The concept of Whanaungatanga is an integral part of what we do.

Significant achievements

• The Kura/Kindergarten won the Cultural Award of Te Runanga a Rangitane o Wairau, a national award of the New Zealand Kindergarten Inc.
• The Kura/Kindergarten is recognised by Kindergarten Taranaki for listening to the needs of the whanau/family in the community.

Devon Kindergarten is situated on the seaward side of Devon Intermediate School in an attractive outdoor setting surrounded by well-established trees that provide plenty of shade.

• Provide a stimulating child centred inclusive environment where diversity is valued.
• Caring and responsive teachers develop meaningful interactions and relationships with children and their family/whanau.
• Children are encouraged to freely explore, have fun, make discoveries, and extend their interests, strengths and abilities. They develop social skills to work along side others.

At Devon Kindergarten:

• Children experience excursions and live performances
• We plan visits and visitors
• We recognise the cultural diversity within our community
• We provide a wide range of resources – inside and outside, including computer
• We work supportively with families and our community in planning and decision making
• Teachers engage in sensitive interventions, supporting children and respecting their feelings

Children are at the heart of our philosophy with our program being driven by children’s passions, strengths and interests.

We celebrate and support families in their parenting role and provide an environment that is inclusive of all.

The uniqueness of each child is valued and promoted empowering children to see themselves as independent, confident learners.

We model and nurture children to become socially competent, developing positive and respectful relationships.

Children actively explore our safe, exciting and challenging playground. They take risks, have fun and engage in wonderful dramatic and imaginative play with their friends.

Environment:

Children learn best in an environment where they feel safe, secure and valued. We provide an environment that supports their sense of belonging and well-being, while embracing individual strengths, aspirations, needs and interests. Te Whāriki is interwoven through all curriculum engagements where teachers are seen as co-researchers and learners.

All individuals are respected, valued and seen as leaders. Teachers aspire to provide quality learning engagements where children can explore and create. The kindergarten embraces the support of the Association and guidance given by management. Professional practice is paramount.

Teachers are passionate, innovative and enthusiastic and create an environment which upholds the bi-cultural heritage of New Zealand/Aotearoa, and the Principles of Te Tiriti O Waitangi. We also treasure the diversity of other cultures within our community and celebrate these. Respectful, collegial and collaborative relationships between all individuals support the child’s positive self-image and shapes their experiences as life-long learners.

The learning environment with its Reggio Emelia influences, combined with the children’s natural curiosity and interests will inspire and shape our curriculum. Teachers, children, and parents/whānau value and respect Papatūānuku –our land. We embrace Papatūānuku through our weekly bushwalks and care for our environment.

We nurture children’s learning by;

• Teachers document children’s learning in portfolio’s. These are written with passion and flare and awe present these professionally, to a high standard.
• Written documentation is meaningful and we utilise learning stories as a tool to enable parents/whanau to see their child’s progress.
• Planning documentation is visible and reflects and embraces the emergent curriculum
• Teachers ensure the session is respectful, calm and bus

Would you like your child to be stimulated, have fun and learn at the same time?

Would you like your child encouraged to explore and understand their world around them?

Would you like to meet other parents and caregivers who value their children’s early learning experiences?

At Westown Kindergarten we offer all these opportunities …and more!

• We believe in focusing on YOUR child and building upon THEIR interests and passions.
• We provide a supportive, accepting and caring environment in which the children feel secure.
• We guide children to respect other beliefs, values and attitudes.