Heathcote Valley Preschool is a Montessori preschool at 108 Port Hills Road in Ferrymead, Christchurch. It is one of the purpose-built centres run by Stables Montessori Preschools, which also runs centres in Christchurch and Rangiora. The centre takes children from birth to six years old, and its rooms are set up for each child's age and stage. The programme weaves Te Whāriki with the Montessori method, and it includes a school readiness curriculum. The centre also serves families from Mount Pleasant, Hillsborough and Woolston as well as Ferrymead.
Fees depend on the number of days and hours a child attends, plus any extra activities, and they include meals. Families are asked to contact the centre manager for details. Children aged three and over are eligible for 20 hours of funded early childhood education each week, up to six hours a day, and any extra hours are paid by the family. The centre says it values input from parents and caregivers. Our pick in Ferrymead for a Montessori start to school.