Omanu Preschool is a new, independently owned full-day early childhood centre at 20 Tui Street in central Mount Maunganui, Tauranga. It is opening soon, so check that it is taking children before you plan a visit. The centre sits right next to Omanu Primary School and takes children aged two to five.
Its philosophy is built on Te Whāriki and the local Te Tai Whanake ki Tauranga Moana curriculum, and draws on Mauao, the mountain, through the values of mana, kaitiaki, maia and manakitanga. Each child has a primary care teacher, and the programme includes loose parts play. The government funds up to 20 hours a week of early childhood education for children aged three and over, up to six hours a day. Our pick in Mount Maunganui for a new preschool next to the primary school.