A long-standing childcare centre in Rolleston, Selwyn, built around children, whānau and kaitiakitanga, the care of the environment. Each child has a primary caregiver, a special teacher who helps with settling and with individual care and learning. The programme is play-based, and children are encouraged to lead their own play and explore their interests.
The centre has a Set for School programme for its eldest children, which runs daily and focuses on literacy, numeracy and self-help skills for the move to primary school. Lessons also cover local history and the surrounding landscape, so children learn to be proud, active members of their community. Parents say the centre is proactive, kind and caring, and one says it supports a child who needs extra help. Another calls it a warm home away from home.
The centre is at 10 Beaumont Drive in Rolleston. Our pick in Rolleston for a child who needs a steady, individual start before school.