At St Albans Community Preschool, we believe that children flourish best when their social and emotional skills are nurtured alongside a strong learning culture. Drawing on the Ministry of Education’s He Māpuna te Tamaiti, our kaiako intentionally cultivate emotional literacy, empathy, friendship skills, and resilience—forming a foundation for lifelong learning and wellbeing. We also incorporate proven frameworks like The Incredible Years, ensuring consistent encouragement of positive behaviour and self-regulation.

Our play-based curriculum is inspired by Te Whāriki and grounded in whanaungatanga (relationships), kotahitanga (unity), and manaakitanga (care). The environment—our third teacher—is thoughtfully arranged to encourage exploration, creativity, and curiosity. Tamariki take the lead in their own learning journeys, with kaiako observing, guiding, and scaffolding with care and intention.Each day begins with free play, where tamariki explore both the indoor and outdoor learning spaces at their own pace. Throughout the day, children may move between areas of interest, engaging in rich, self-directed play or joining in teacher-led experiences that are intentionally designed to extend learning from their emerging interests. Our kaiako value the tuākana-teina approach—where children learn from and alongside one another, offering help, guidance, and care. Respect for people and the environment is nurtured through this reciprocal style of learning.

Kai (food) times are opened three times a day:
8:00–10:00am (morning kai)
11:00–12:15pm (main kai / lunch)
1:45–2:15pm (afternoon kai)

Children choose when to eat within these windows, and kaiako ensure that every child has eaten enough to sustain their learning and play.

After morning kai, the preschool gathers for our daily hui—a time for waiata, karakia, shared learning, and joyful celebration. This ritual fosters belonging, emotional security, and a strong sense of collective identity, while honouring te reo Māori and tikanga.

Sleeping, toileting, and nappy changes happen as needed throughout the day, and are recorded in real time via the Home app for whānau visibility. At the end of each day, tamariki take responsibility for packing up their belongings and placing them by the front door—an important part of learning routine, independence, and responsibility.

To support smooth running and meaningful engagement, kaiako work on a six-week rotational roster, giving them opportunities to support children across all areas of the preschool. This includes overseeing kai routines, caring for children’s physical needs, and facilitating play and learning across different spaces.

Our Centre Manager and Board of Governance are deeply committed to maintaining high-quality ratios, often operating with 1 teacher to every 7 children—well below Ministry of Education requirements. This ensures each child receives more individual attention, stronger relationships, and greater support in their developmental journey.

St Albans Community Preschool is more than just a place of learning—it’s a nurturing, connected community. We place immense value on the relationships we build with whānau and the wider neighbourhood. Open communication and collaboration are central to everything we do, and your aspirations for your child are welcomed and woven into our curriculum planning.