A kindergarten at 5 Glen Terrace in Te Puke, Western Bay of Plenty, part of Inspired Kindergartens. It has served the Te Puke community for more than 50 years, and it calls itself a place for play, where children can be children and learn in their own ways. Its values are built around treasuring tamariki, whanaungatanga, aroha, manākitanga, rangatira and rangatiratanga. The kindergarten takes children from two to six years old, and its programme follows Te Whāriki. The website says the teachers are fully trained and registered, and that the outdoor spaces are designed for learning.
Children get 20 free hours of early childhood education a week from age three. Inspired Kindergartens has extended this to 30 free hours a week from age two at some kindergartens, so families should speak with the Te Puke team to confirm. Most sessions run for about six hours, with three- and four-hour sessions also offered, and there are some all-day options. The website encourages families to visit and meet the teachers before enrolling. Call 07 573 7266 to make contact.