Howick Kindergarten is a hidden gem, nestled down a long driveway on a residential street. Here, we have grown a nurturing and enriching space where children develop a lifelong love for learning.

Space to learn and grow – Our outdoor area is vast, with double gates to ensure the safety of children. It’s a perfect place for tamariki to unleash their creativity and imagination in a secure environment. The natural surroundings encourage children’s innate curiosity and facilitate their exploration of the wonders of the world, fostering an appreciation for the natural world. Furthermore, our outdoor space aids in the development of children’s physical abilities, self-assurance, and coordination.

Play-Based Curriculum – Our curriculum is designed around play-based learning, tailored to the needs of both younger and older children in our morning and afternoon sessions respectively. Our teachers are attentive to the unique needs and interests of each child, using them to inform their learning. By fostering imaginative play, children have the chance to develop vital communication, negotiation, and social skills as they play together.

Our Kaiako – Our kindergarten has a well-established team of 100% qualified and experienced ECE teachers. Our teachers have different strengths and interests, including a focus on musical abilities, organising events with a focus on the Howick community; specialised strategies in settling younger children (age 2- 3), prioritizing health and safety, assisting immigrant families, and helping children with priority needs integrate into our kindergarten community. The unique strengths and interests of our teaching team provide a well-rounded and supportive environment for our tamariki to flourish.

Building Relationships – At Howick Kindergarten, we take pride in our strong connection with the local community. We believe in establishing respectful and reciprocal relationships with parents, where we are responsive to their aspirations for their child.

Parent Whānau Group – Our highly motivated Parent Whānau Group is a vital part of our community, and we are fortunate to have two Chairs. They ensure that parents are heard and have a strong voice in all our kindergarten activities. We organise various events throughout the year, including excursions to local schools, Grandparents Days, Mother’s Day breakfasts, Dads’ dinner, Discos and more. These events are a wonderful way for parents and whānau to get involved and be part of our community.

A place to belong – Our kindergarten warmly welcomes everyone to join us in our inclusive environment. We believe that by learning from each other, we can also learn about ourselves. Our team is committed to kindness, respect, passion, and authenticity, which we embody every day in our teaching approach. We celebrate and value the rich diversity of our kindergarten community by providing a warm and welcoming environment that is open to all.

Ready for school – We have a close relationship with eight of our local schools and regularly meet with deputy principals and new-entrant teachers to ensure our curriculum and values align with school expectations. We share our learning with parents and support them through this process to provide a smooth transition for the whole family.