Four Montessori classrooms for children aged 0 to 6 sit on Langdons Road in Papanui. The centre takes children two to five days a week, in short or long days, with up to 86 children a day. Children learn through self-directed work and group activities, including music and movement, art and craft, and languages. Children under three have two separate environments of their own, where they meet Montessori materials and work at their own pace. The classrooms are full of natural light, and the materials are made from natural things, with everyday objects such as oranges for juicing and watering cans for the garden.
Families say the environment is clean, safe and welcoming, and that the teachers are caring and attentive to each child. One parent says their daughter had strong support and care from the staff from day one, and that the meals are good and the children help prepare them. Another family's son went there for almost two years before starting primary school, and found the staff friendly and caring and the facilities lovely and well kept. Among eight childcare listings within a kilometre, Harewood Rd Montessori by Busy Bees is the nearest at 0.3 km. The Montessori approach lets children who want quiet work sit alongside those who want busier play. Our pick in Papanui for a Montessori start.