We are situated in a quiet residential area. Our address is 23 -25 Campbell Drive, Warkworth. We are licensed for 45 children, including 10 babies in their own very home-like centre which we call "The Nest". Our toddlers and pre-schoolers are in our Piwakawaka (Fantails) and Tui areas located in our beautiful purpose-built pre-school building.
We will support our children to become confident and competent learners:
Learning is focussed on developing relationships, confidence to explore, verbal and non verbal communication, and fine and gross motor skills.
We understand the importance of your child's sleep routine so we have two separate sleep rooms (which are darkened and play soft music) so that overlapping sleep times of children does not mean disturbed sleeps for others.
We provide a full meal service where the children are provided morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea. All meals are suited to your child's dietary and age requirements. We are also happy to feed your child breakfast (that you have provided) if you are arriving before 8.30am.
The teaching team are strongly influenced by the RIE philosophy which promotes respect for the infant. This includes talking with the infant about what is happening e.g. "I am just going to wipe your face" "Can I change your nappy now?" They also encourage children's individuality and creativity through a wide range of activities and experiences.
For some children and parents the transition/settling process can be a difficult one so we allow this to be a gradual process where you are welcome to stay for as many visits as you feel are needed. When it comes time for you to leave your little one we ensure we keep close contact with you to minimise the separation anxiety.
All our staff have current first aid certificates and continuously attend professional development courses.
Our staff in the Nest are all permanent/ full time which means that caregivers are familiar and relationships are strengthened.
Click here to view our latest ERO report.
We have a teaching team of 3 teachers who work closely with your child to develop a love of learning. With a maximum of 10 children to 2 teachers each day the ratios allow for close supervision and one on one interactions which is critical for this age group.
We value the huge role that parents and whanau play in their child's education and welcome involvement in the centre's activities. We support parents desires and goals for their children while also encouraging the child's freedom and ability to make choices.
The Piwakawaka team provide activities and experiences that build on your child's language development, social skills and self help skills which are so important in life.
Our sleep room is darkened and plays soft music to soothe the children to sleep. Nappy changing time is utlilised as another learning experience where the children are encouraged to be independant and and develop an interest in toileting themselves - toilet training is a step we are more than happy to support you through.
We familiarise the children with the Tui area through regular visits at differing times of the day. This helps ensure the transition process is as smooth and settling for the child as possible.
The Tui area places more in depth focus on introducing numeracy and literacy concepts as well as honing those fine and gross motor skills that form the basis of writing.
We work in conjunction with the local primary schools to identify what knowledge and skills they seek in new entrants while also balancing the wishes you, the parent, have for your pre-schooler.
The children are provided with a rich range of resources and equipment to engage and stimulate their minds and imaginations. We firmly believe in allowing children to be free to explore and be children while they can. Alongside this free play we provide teacher led activities based on the children's interests to build upon their knowledge and skills while continuing to develop their love of learning.
Meal times are a communal, enjoyable time where the teachers sit at the table with the children, modelling appropriate table manners and positive eating habits.
We have separate quiet spaces for your child to sleep or rest in if they need to. We also happily support your child in the toilet training process.
To find out more information on how the centre runs please visit our Kowhai Kids centre information page and also see our enrolment page.
Click here to view our programme, our staff profiles and newsletters.
Click here to access KowhaiKids The Nest ERO Report on the Education Review Office Website.
Click here to access KowhaiKids Warkworth Childcare ERO Report on the Education Review Office Website.
