Magicland Childcare is an early learning centre on Oteha Valley Road in Albany, on Auckland's North Shore. It takes children from 6 months to 5 years old. Its teachers are ECE-qualified, and the centre says it follows Te Whāriki, the New Zealand early childhood curriculum, and uses te reo Māori in daily routines.
The centre's approach draws on Reggio Emilia, the Italian philosophy in which children are seen as capable learners. That shows in the in-depth projects that small groups of children take on with their teachers, often with whānau taking part. The centre also puts care into its rooms, with a calm, ordered layout and a focus on materials, so the room itself acts as a teacher.
Children also have a kids gym, and all members can join the physical programmes to build strength and fitness. The centre serves morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea every day.
The centre describes itself as family oriented and homely, with a focus on children's cultural identity and their ability to make decisions and solve problems.
Our pick in Albany for a family who want a Reggio-inspired early learning centre with a kids gym on the same site.