About us

Poppies Kindergarten was established in 1988, primarily for my own children and those of a few friends. Having studied education in the UK, I understand the importance of quality Early Childhood Education and consequently became inspired to offer a programme that was stimulating, challenging, educationally fun and supported children's individual needs, strengths and interests.

Within a short period, a section of our family home was set aside and Poppies was founded. Poppies has been successfully preparing children for school and a life of learning for over 20 years and we are delighted with the impeccable reputation we have maintained since its inception.

Incorporating the research and understandings of educational theorists including Jean Piaget , Lev Vygotsky, Urie Bronfrenbrenner and teaching methods from Dr Maria Montessori and the "project approach" from Reggio Emilia, I compiled a programme which aims at enhancing and extending the individual child's learning and development.

The programme intends to guide, encourage and support all children into acknowledging their full potential. It ensures a balance of child initiated and teacher directed activities and encourages children to explore and participate in the full range of learning opportunities and challenges, with the emphasis and value on the process as well as the end product.

The learning objectives and outcomes for children linked to our programme, reflect the goals set in Te Whariki (the NZ Early Childhood Curriculum), introduced officially in 1996. My own vision for all young children is included in Te Whariki and founded on the following aspirations: "To grow up as confident and competent learners and communicators, healthy in mind, body and spirit, secure in their sense of belonging and in the knowledge that they make a valued contribution to society".

In considering the design of the facilities, I have drawn on my 25 years plus early childhood teaching experience, here and overseas, to create, what has been described by professionals as, a state of the art kindergarten. Our facilities have been purpose built and designed to stimulate and enhance children's learning and development and to ensure their safety and comfort.

The design and layout of our resources provides a flexible and exciting environment aimed to encourage independence and foster creativity; support the development of a child's mental and emotional, social, intellectual, cognitive and physical skills. It also offers children the opportunity to develop knowledge and an understanding of their rich cultural heritage of both partners to Te Tiriti O Waitangi.

I recognise the importance of a supportive proficient teaching team committed to ongoing professional development. Considering their qualifications and teaching experience, the teachers at Poppies are carefully selected for their genuine warmth and passion, innovation, motivation and reflective quality teaching practices.

Poppies is a sessional kindergarten for children aged 2 - 5 yrs only. Our aim at Poppies is to offer young children a high quality introduction to a successful life of learning.