Childcare options in Mount Victoria

Pikopiko Clyde Quay Kindergarten is in the inner-city suburb of Mount Victoria. We are on the grounds of Clyde Quay School, and share the playground with the school children, which helps the kindergarten children develop knowledge and connections with the school.   

Older siblings can visit, and whanau involvement is encouraged. These factors encourage a smooth transition to kindergarten and then to whatever school children go to when they turn five. Our position within a school allows our children to observe and learn all about the routines of the older children, so they confidently anticipate going to school.    

The diverse, multicultural kindergarten whanau is drawn from both the local and wider Wellington community and families have developed a supportive and friendly network.  

Teachers are passionate about providing an inclusive environment that recognises the bi-cultural heritage of our country. We also value the added enrichment gained by incorporating the various cultures and talents of our families into the programme.  

Pikopiko Kindergarten is proud to have a team of 100% qualified registered teachers. Three qualified teachers are present at each session of 30 children.  This enables us to provide a high-quality programme where children’s individual and group interests are supported and extended.  

The interests of children are central to our programme, and we plan ways to support children’s learning individually and in groups.  We provide a responsive and flexible programme which includes seasonal and cultural celebrations and local events. We welcome the input of our parents and their connections.   

Children choose their own activities for a large part of the day, but there are times when we gather as a group. Activities are age-appropriate and there is a focus on encouraging children to become independent thinkers, investigators and explorers who see themselves as competent and capable learners, while having fun.   

The teaching team believe that programmes have maximum learning possibilities when based on shared decision making (children, teachers, family, and community). There is a focus on children developing social skills, strategies, and empathy, and learning to value being part of a community.

We have just recently become a Millie's House centre, having previously been trading as Childhood Concepts.

With an inner-city location near Wellington’s much loved Basin Reserve, we have plenty going on around us. We love watching the hum of the terraces from our windows, especially Wellington’s number 1 double decker bus!

We are rich in ethnicity, perspectives, ideas and cultural celebration at our centre, and we love all that our central location has to offer. With Te Papa down the road, the city on our doorstep and Oriental Bay a stone’s throw away, there is learning and fun both within and beyond our centre.

Our rooms

Our two well- resourced children's rooms are lovingly called Pukeko and Kea. The Pukeko room provides a nurturing and homely environment for infants and toddlers while the Kea room offers a range of experiences designed to provide challenges and appeal to the interests of older children.

Kea and Pukeko rooms open out into our large central courtyard playground, where both groups play together. Our courtyard, coupled with our wonderful diversity gives us a fun and vibrant international feel.

Day

During the day your children will be involved in a variety of valuable learning experiences with an overarching philosophy of child-led learning through play. All experiences are based around extending and supporting children’s interests and celebrating their unique identity.

Our daily routine is much like a family routine. Children and adults flow in a rhythm like we do at home, with our younger babies and children having their sleeps and meals at times that suit them and as they happen in their own homes.

Children enjoy a warm and delicious cooked meal straight from our very own kitchen at lunchtime. Breakfast, morning tea and afternoon tea as well as snacks are all part of their day and enjoyed together.

As well as a rich centre-based curriculum, our children enjoy regular excursions to the local landmarks as well.

Come and visit us to really know. Join in and have some fun here. You’re welcome to stay and play to try out a session.