27A Garden Road, Merivale, Christchurch 8014
Welcome to Fairleigh Kindergarten your leading local early childhood learning centre.
Fairleigh Kindergarten aims to provide experiences which encourage competent and confident learners in a safe, stimulating and secure environment. Individuality and a positive self esteem are encouraged, along with co-operation, awareness of others and independence.
The experiences offered foster creativity and an interest in learning. A high ratio of qualified staff to children, excellent resources and a safe, well maintained environment ensure these aims can be achieved.
FAIRLEIGH KINDERGARTEN INC
Fairleigh began in 1915 on the veranda of a house in Rossall Street. It was then run as a preparatory school in Holmwood Road for five years and moved to its current site in Garden Road in 1929. A group of parents took over the lease in 1947 and the Fairleigh Preschool and community centre was formed. In 1950, a decision was made by the parents to purchase the property at 27 A Garden Road and an incorporated society was formed to own and administer the kindergarten. This is how it is still run today. The members of the society are the parents of the children currently attending Fairleigh. A parent board is elected annually as the governance body of the kindergarten. The kindergarten is still remains not for profit and is registered with the Charities Commission.
Not for Profit Community Kindergarten
PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT
A Place to Learn and Grow – He waahi ako me te tipu
Supporting creative choices, respectful relationships, and positive learning opportunities
“Poipoia te kakano kia puawai – Nurture the Seed and it will Blossom”
Teachers in partnership with Parents and Whānau provide positive learning opportunities for all learners in our Kindergarten Community.
Each learner will have the opportunity to develop a strong sense of belonging which will enhance their confidence and independence encouraging them to grow to their full potential, promoting engaged learners, healthy in mind body and spirit. The Wairua (Spirit) of the Kindergarten promotes a calm, peaceful environment that is welcoming to all. A sense of Manaakitanga (Being kind and caring), is supported amongst all learners, kaiako and whānau to develop a culture of kindness and empathy to all.
We believe children learn best through play. Building on children’s strengths and interests we promote positive and intentional learning outcomes. We encourage children and their peers to become engaged in peaceful play which encourages respect and empathy for others and enhances their social competence. Within small and large group experiences children are empowered to challenge themselves, show curiosity, develop responsibility and to persist in their learning. Children are able to choose their own learning experiences in the environment utilising all the equipment provided.
We honour the ECE curriculum, Te Whāriki – He Whāriki Mātauranga mō ngā Mokopuna o Aotearoa 2017 and its aspirations for learners. This is used to support a culturally responsive program alongside other key documents, that support our work.
Our professional practice ensures that learning dispositions are noticed, recognised and responded to for children. This supports strong, collaborative relationships within our team, with whanau and most importantly the children.
Opportunities are created for whānau to voice their views and aspirations which are listened and responded to. Children experience a programme which reflects ongoing learning within a planned and emergent curriculum. Our programme is responsive and inclusive of the bi-cultural curriculum of Aotearoa New Zealand. As a community we respect and value all cultures within our Kindergarten.
Parents and whānau are valued as first teachers of their children and we actively work in partnership with them seeking their input and feedback. As a not for profit community Kindergarten building strong connections with parents and whānau is important to us.
Our Fairleigh values incorporate the idea that the child always comes first through Whanaungatanga (Respectful Relationships), Engaged Learners, Independence, Persistence, Responsibility and Manaakitanga.
The Fairleigh Kindergarten philosophy statement is developed in collaboration with our community and is reviewed annually.
We like the fact Fairleigh is a community and child focused, rather than commercial. Also the facilities are fantastic coupled with great teachers. We couldn’t have made a better choice and our daughter loves it. Her learning and communication has surpassed our expectations.
I love that the teachers have been there since my daughter started – this shows that it’s not only a lovely kindergarten to send our child to but also a great place to work. I love the consistency this provides for my daughter too
