About us

The Preschool is situated in the Flanshaw Road School Grounds and was established 9 years ago to provide support for the families and children in the local community.  The preschool caters for children aged between 3 to school entry level.  We are licensed for 35 children per day and offer 20 free hours for all children over 3 years. 

The teachers at Flanshaw are committed to providing a programme that is both stimulating and challenging for children's development.  It is our belief that healthy self esteem is paramount to our overall wellbeing and as such, we aim to create an environment which promotes a positive self image through responsive and reciprocal communication alongside a strong emphasis on relationship building with other children, staff and their families.  We believe that children learn and develop best in an environment where the teacher has a respectful image of children as being competent and capable young people.

We are inspired by the Reggio Emillia philsophy and believe the environment we provide works as the third teacher.  We have a strong emphasis on aesthics, and believe in creating beautiful spaces for children to learn, explore and discover. 

We have a close relationship with Flanshaw Road School and continue to strenghten links through tranisiton to school programmes for children before starting school, and ongoing positive relationships with staff.

Philosophy

It is our belief that healthy self esteem is paramount to our overall well being and as such we aim to create an environment which promotes a positive self image through responsive and reciprocal communication alongside a strong emphasis on relationship building with other children, staff and their families and whanau. We recognize that we have much to learn from each other and will continue to build on our relationships. We are committed to open communication and feedback.

We believe that children learn and develop in an early childhood environment where the teacher has a respectful image of children as being competent and capable young people.  The teachers role is a co-researcher and co-constructor in the learning process which allows children to explore, question, reflect, problem solve, theorise and encourage selfexpression.

Within the centre programme we incorporate the Principles, Strands and Goals of Te Whaariki – He Whaariki Matauranga mo nga Mokopuna o Aotearoa – The Early Childhood Curriculum, which reflects the holistic way that children learn and grow.

We believe that children contribute to their own learning through the relationships they form and the experiences they have. We build on children’s abilities and interests by providing experiences and learning opportunities that are inviting, challenging and achievable. The environment we create works as the third teacher and therefore we have a strong emphasis on beauty and aesthetics. We feel that when children are given respect and the opportunity to develop, they will become confident and competent learners and communicators. Teachers document and present the children’s work in a respectful way, that allows for children to revisit their learning and help inform parents of the learning that has occurred.

We have a close relationship with Flanshaw Road School and continue to strengthen links through transition to school programmes, curriculum initiatives and positive ongoing relationships with staff.