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
Ruma Pepi Teacher
Studying towards a Bachelor of Teaching ECE
Bachelor of Teaching ECE
Graduate Diploma of Teaching ECE
Bachelor of Teaching and Learning ECE
Bachelor of Teaching ECE
Diploma of Teaching ECE
Bachelor of teaching
Teacher, Bachelor of Teaching ECE
Head Teacher , Bachelor of Teaching ECE
Housekeeper
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.
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.
We chose Tiddlywinks for their nature-based philosophy, small group sizes and outdoor environment. What we got was so much more. Eddie loves his time at preschool and it has become like a second home for him, one where he gets to play with his friends, try new things, get messy and dirty, play in the rain and explore the community. The kaiako are respectful and caring, and have made leaving our wee guy a few days a week so much easier. As a teacher myself, I love seeing the centre directors on the floor every day and truly engaged with the needs of the children. Tiddlywinks is a wonderful fit for Eddie and our family.
We have only been at tiddlywinks for a short time however in that time Tiddlywinks have done everything they can to make our wee ones time there special anything we need they have sorted and given her opportunity to do things she hasn’t done at home! We couldn’t have picked better!
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
