St Johns Progressive Childcare is a community-based, not-for-profit childcare centre on Kamo Road in Kensington, Whangarei, with a Pohutukawa Room for under-twos (09 437 1262) and a Tui Room for over-twos (09 437 2746). It is parent governed and describes itself as inclusive, with the focus kept on children rather than profit.
A good early childhood centre gives children a settled, welcoming routine and teachers who build the programme around each child's interests — in New Zealand that usually means working from Te Whāriki, the national early childhood curriculum. Visiting during a session is the surest test: how teachers settle new children, how the under-two space is kept apart from older ones, and how relaxed the tamariki seem. Family involvement is another good sign, and community-owned centres tend to welcome parents into decisions.
For Kensington families wanting a centre where the focus stays on the children, it is a handy find on Kamo Road.