At Glen Eden West Kindergarten, tamariki receive a great foundation in early learning. We welcome children from 2 to 6 years old and provide 20hrs free each week. Located next to Prospect Primary School with a large carpark, our core team of qualified teachers have been together for over 7 years. We have built strong relationships with our families and community and work together to give each child the very best start.

Because we care – We have a focus on the wellbeing/hauora of each other. Whanau are offered a supportive and flexible transition into kindergarten for their tamariki. We support resilience and social and emotional wellbeing and help our tamariki develop their independence and self-help skills.

Nature at heart – We promote the role of Kaitiaki (guardians) of our environment and each other, with strong connections to Papatūānuku (the earth) within the learning environment.  Children love our insect garden and house, the mini orchard, vegetable garden, plant cultivation, and flower gardens – there are so many wonderful learning opportunities to be had in nature.

Open ended play– Our kindergarten has lots of open ended resources (known as loose parts) that provide so many learning possibilities for children. Inspired by their imagination, the sky is the limit. Children dream up infinite uses for the items, working together to create something entirely of their own creation. So many skills are developed in this type of play as children communicate, collaborate, problem solve, listen to ideas, persevere, be resilient and more!

Supporting each other –Our older children have many opportunities to practice their leadership skills through our natural tuakana teina relationships, where older children support younger.

Ready for school – Children graduate to a number of local schools. We have good relationships with the new entrant teachers and support transition to school. During their time with us children develop important knowledge, skills and attributes to prepare them for a life of learning.