Country Village Preschool is a private, family-run preschool situated on a large rural block in Pukekohe, South of Auckland.
The preschool was opened in 2014 by business partners and Early Childhood Educators, Michelle Flay and Kerryn Brown.
Together with their families and mixed with their love of the outdoors, Michelle and Kerryn have created a unique environment where children can learn, while developing an appreciation for nature, animals and the world around them.
At Country Village Preschool we recognise the uniqueness and diversity of New Zealand. The principles of whanaungatanga and manaakitanga are important to us where we welcome and embrace our families and community.
Children are challenged to develop their thinking and build their imaginations as they work together and alongside Kaiako and tamariki.
The children and their whanau are at the centre of all we do.
They learn aroha, kindness and respect from caring for our natural world and becoming kaitiaki of the environment. Our children can freely explore, create and connect with the outdoors and all that is in it.
It is important to us to empower children and help build their self-esteem and independence. In doing so giving them a strong sense of self, tino rangatiratanga.
We ensure every learner gains sound foundation skills including language, literacy and numeracy.
Our mission is to foster empowerment through play in a stimulating environment where children can explore, create and connect with the outdoors. At Country Village Preschool our core values are represented in everything we do:
Relationships are at the heart of our teaching philosophy. Our teachers take the time to get to know the uniqueness of each and every child to be able to give them a strong sense of who they are and build on their passions, interests and strengths. We nurture confidence, independence and resilience.
Teachers teach kindness and aroha for each other, our environment and all that is in it. They role model empathy and help children understand and learn about their emotions and how to positively express them. They provide unhurried routines and rituals that recognised the child’s needs.
We recognise our Parents as their child’s first teachers and believe
in building strong trusting relationships. We work together in
partnership to help our children on their journey to become confident
and competent learners.
We recognise the importance of sustainable practice and being kaitiaki of our world. We teach our children about being global citizens by recycling, reusing and repurposing. Alongside of this our children also enjoy caring for our animals, nurturing our gardens and fruit trees and composting food scraps.
Our large open spaces encourage children to be active explorers and problem solvers. We utilise open ended natural resources and loose parts to allow children the time, freedom and space to use their imaginations and extend their thinking. Teachers work alongside children to help them make sense of their world as they develop their working theories.
Owner/Manager/Teacher
Owner/Administrator/Teacher
