A relaxed atmosphere where children and teachers enjoy working and playing together.
We have a motivated and passionate staff of 12, who are committed to providing the best care & learning environment for your child.
Director, Diploma of Teaching ECE
Director, Diploma of Teaching ECE
Bachelor of teaching
Teacher
Teacher in training
Teacher, Bachelor of Teaching ECE
Teacher, Bachelor of Teaching ECE
Teacher, Bachelor of Teaching ECE
Head Teacher , Bachelor of Teaching ECE
Housekeeper
Teacher, Bachelor of Teaching ECE
Teacher
We will make nature and the natural world an everyday part of our centre programme and environment.
We will be an active part of the community through outings, walks around the neighbourhood and to the ‘forest’ as well as having visitors to the centre. We will encourage the children to learn about, respect and take care of the environment.
The daily programme and curriculum at Tiddlywinks Preschool will support children’s cultural and spiritual beliefs, encourage further understanding and respect for other cultures in New Zealand. It will also be linked to the principles, strands and goals of Te Whāriki, the Early Childhood Curriculum Document. All policies and practices in the centre will reflect the dual cultural heritage of the partners of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
At Tiddlywinks Preschool children are encouraged to explore and develop a sense of wonder through natural resources and experiences. We have a small, homely setting where we make the most of the outside spaces with natural materials such as logs, drift wood, shells, grass, sand, mud, stones and water. The children are encouraged to use their imagination and develop their problem solving and negotiation skills through play.We believe that getting our children back to the basics and reconnecting with nature will help them in all areas of their development that will continue well past early childhood.
By having low teacher/child ratios we are able to take the children out into the community often.
We visit our forest down by the river walking track as much as we can. Here the children explore the forest, finding insects and plants as well as making huts and role playing. Rain or shine the children love exploring the forest and we have wet weather gear for them to use on rainy days.
We also walk to the local playground regularly with the children, sometimes with small groups and sometimes with the whole centre.
The children love exploring our neighbourhood with many spontaneous and planned walks.
The local garden centre is walking distance from Tiddlywinks and the children enjoy taking a trip there to get more plants for our garden and also seeing all the animals they have in their farmyard.
At Tiddlywinks we believe in the importance of having animals as part of our centre. Caring for animals teaches children respect, responsibility, empathy, compassion and helps cognitive and communication skills. We have our own special centre pets as well as animals that visit the centre.
Our centre focus is taken from the children interests. These can last anywhere from one month to one year depending on how long the children are interested in the subject. The teachers will extend the children’s learning in these topics by providing age appropriate resources, activities, outings and visitors.
We believe in children being allowed to set their own pace and make their own choices therefore all activities including “pre” school skills such as writing, reading and self- care skills are offered to all children regardless of age and ability. We have a good relationship with all the local schools and before the children begin we take a small group to visit the school they will be attending. We keep in touch with the new entrance teachers so we know what skills are needed when starting school.
Our daughter has spent the last year at Tiddlywinks transitioning from the under twos to over twos. Our son will be joining her in full time care this year. We feel very comfortable leaving our kids with the wonderful staff members and have loved seeing our daughter become more confident with other children. Tiddlywinks is a great place for children to learn while having fun.Kim Strawford
Our twin sons (almost 3years) have attended Tiddlywinks since they were 6 months old. The teachers care for the children as their own and try to keep similar routines to those at home. It is obvious how much all the children love attending Tiddlywinks and their relationships with the staff is lovely to see. They really do go the extra mile and have been known to check in through the day just to let mum know her precious babies are happy and well. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Tiddlywinks Preschool.Mel Love
After recently moving here, we decided to go and look at a few different preschools in the area. Once we walked into Tiddlywinks we knew it was the one for us. Their environment and staff have been a perfect fit for our two year old. A mixture of structure with the freedom of letting kids be kids. I think it’s important to find the right balance and believe have found it. Our son is thriving and has learnt so much in the short time he has been there. Thanks for making Tiddlywinks a safe, warm and happy place for our son to learn grow and play.Rochelle Cassidy
Tiddlywinks is a fabulous preschool. Both our children have attended and loved it. Its small, the staff are super qualified and friendly and when you drop your child off it feels like you are leaving them with family. We just LOVE TIDDLYWINKS!Lauren & Dave Tate
The team at Tiddlywinks have created an environment that both of my children love learning in! The teachers create very caring bonds with the children and are great at providing fun and beneficial learning opportunities. They were very helpful in finding solutions for both our girls when they were struggling with the adjustment of our younger child starting at Tiddlywinks, this allowed for both girls to quickly settle in and myself to feel confident that the girls were happy to be at preschool. I really believe that Tiddlywinks being a smaller preschool, with excellent staff to student ratios, offers many benefits.Nat Dwyer
Please give us a ring to discuss your child’s future with Tiddlywinks Preschool, we look forward to speaking with you. Phone: 03 307 0420
