Childcare options in Whanganui East

Wanganui East Kindergarten has a large outdoor environment with native gardens and a rural outlook.    

We have a supportive community and an active committee.     

We provide a stimulating, safe learning environment where all children are included and encouraged to participate, explore and learn.  We encourage interests and experiences which link to home, the community and our centre.     

We celebrate family diversity by valuing and supporting different cultures in our centre.     

Family/whanau participation is valued as an important part of our centre.

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.

Haere mai and a very warm welcome to Eastside Playcentre

The proverbial village is not dead – it’s alive and well at your second home – PLAYCENTRE!

Playcentre is unlike any other early childhood education organisation. At Playcentre, parents attend and PLAY alongside their children whilst coming together with other parents to plan with the specific interests, personalities, ages and passions of that specific group of children.  

Each child is given the chance and freedom to explore, create, climb, read, sing, experiment, play music, wear costumes, paint, garden, bake and cook, build sandcastles, swing, slide, dance, spend time in nature and best of all – get messy!! The areas of play are inviting and encourage children’s participation. Children are able to freely choose how, where, with what and for how long they play.  This has been described as child-initiated play or self-directed play.

Eastside Playcentres unique features are a shared morning tea and loved traditions like our karakia, visits from Mr Whitlock an elder in our community, treasure bag at the end of session, birthday and graduation celebrations and a special portfolio scrapbooking your child’s Playcentre journey. 

The wonderful activities Eastside Playcentre offers changes every single day. Playcentre parents all bring different skills, interests, and cultural backgrounds to add to the rich learning environment. We go on exciting trips to extend learning, and also welcome guests to speak or teach us new skills at centre. We mark important occasions for example; Matariki, Christmas, Fathers and Mothers Day and we are very open to learning about new traditions.  We embark on fun fundraising ventures throughout the year as well which gives us the opportunity to connect with our wider community.

Playcentre welcomes families with children aged 0 – 6 years. Mixed age play allows children to engage with others older and younger than themselves creating a unique family to belong to. Tamariki learn how to communicate, share and negotiate with empathy for their peers.

Parents are the first educators of children, and Playcentre fosters and nurtures the involvement of whānau through this very special environment. Children can attend with a parent, grandparent, or caregiver and extended family are welcome to visit anytime.