43 Woodham Road, Linwood, Christchurch 8062
"One of the earliest, one of the best"
Avonside Early Childhood Centre has been operating since the 1940’s and is one of the oldest established Early Childhood Centres in New Zealand. We have a good reputation in the community for high quality childcare and education with generations of families passing through our doors.
We are a not-for-profit centre governed by a Board of Trustees. One of the initiatives of the Board was to make our quality service accessible and so our fees are a low $2 an hour for over 2 yrs and $4 an hour for under 2's.
TEACHING TEAM
We have a stable, qualified and experienced teaching team who are passionate about early childhood education and are committed to maintaining high quality education and care for your child. We are parents ourselves and can relate well with our families, with whom we spend time to create a strong relationship.
We operate on a small and personal scale with a maximum of 35 six months to six year olds per day in a mixed age setting; supporting and developing children’s learning through individual learning plans and group enquiry learning. Our teaching team’s knowledge of early education is kept up to date with ongoing strategic professional development, regular meetings and reviews which includes keeping up to date with current research and Ministry documents.
'Avonside Early Childhood Centre is very effectively enabling positive outcomes for children.'
Warm, respectful relationships between children, teachers and families are highly evident. A well-considered philosophy, vision and values clearly influence the programme and contribute to equitable outcomes for children. Leadership has established a culture in which children are first and foremost valued, celebrated and affirmed for who they are and what they bring to their learning. Leaders and teachers advocate for children and provide a quality and inclusive early childhood education.
A rich, responsive curriculum closely aligned with Te Whāriki provides an inclusive, stimulating learning environment.
Parents' and whānau aspirations for their children are valued and considered in assessment and planning, processes and programmes. Leaders and teachers work in partnership with parents of children with diverse learning needs to improve and enhance their learning.
Leaders and teachers take responsibility for learning about the languages, cultures and identities of all children attending. Children have opportunities to use te reo and tikanga Māori in the daily programme. Transitions into and beyond the centre are well managed. The centre provides a range of well-considered and thoughtfully resourced indoor and outdoor environments that meet the needs of children.
“We are very happy with the Centre, we know that our child feels happy and secure and that he is learning new skills every day.”
“Please keep doing what you are doing. Our child is thriving and it is really special seeing him grow and develop after such a short time.”
“I think the way you encourage education as well as free play is great.”
“Thanks for all your hard work and for caring so much about the little people that you are helping develop. Our impression of the Centre is that there is a sense of calm. Kids are busy but all seem happy, safe and secure, what more could we ask for?”
“A credit to the teachers and volunteers they are always lovely and so caring towards others.”
