EPSOM COMMUNITY CRECHE
NOT FOR PROFIT, LICENSED EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTRE
Epsom Community Crèche, operating in the heart of Epsom for over 30 years, is a vibrant, community-based early childhood centre that provides care and education for children from the age of two.
Many children start their early childhood education journey with us, enjoying, first our 3½ hour morning sessions, that are short in length and big on activity, before making the small step up to our 5 hour, full day sessions. and then making the transition to the longer days at our local kindergartens and childcare centres.
We’re unique in that our Crèche is one of the only local early childhood centre that offer morning sessions to children from the age of two years old.
The Crèche’s three, fully qualified teachers, two for each session, supported by a parent helper, offer children a nurturing environment as they take their first steps into the wider world.
We offer a wide variety of activities and equipment for play in art and painting, music, books, puzzles, family play, play dough, sand and water, nature/science, and outdoor physically active play. During the session opportunity exists for group, parallel and individual play. Whilst children are free to select their own activities, they are encouraged to get involved, to persevere and complete tasks, and to try new things.
Our programme is planned to foster the development and creativity of each child. Play and learning are self-paced and self-directed, with children being guided and encouraged through activities. Positive values such as sharing, caring and co-operation with others are fostered.
The Crèche programme is based on the New Zealand Early Childhood Curriculum, Te Whāriki. Through our weekly Facebook updates, emails, group learning stories on the walls, discussions with our parents, and your children's portfolios, we aim to share with parents some of the learning that is taking place.
2 YEARS OLD AND UP!
WE LIMIT OUR CLASS SIZE TO 15
SO YOUR CHILD RECEIVES MORE
INDIVIDUAL CARE AND ATTENTION.
WE BELIEVE BRIGHT CHILDREN DON'T STUDY. THEY PLAY.
PHILOSOPHY
At Epsom Community Creche we believe that each child develops, not alone, but within interdependent relationships with their family, whanau, wider community and learning community. We recognise the importance of family and cultural values and seek to work in reciprocal and responsive partnerships. We value and respect the diversity of all children as unique individuals and we strive for equal opportunities for all children.
We believe children are competent and active in their own learning, empowered to learn by making their own choices. We encourage children to be independent and confident learners. We support and encourage children to develop and practice caring, reciprocal relationships built on respect and trust.
Our teachers endeavour to establish trusting, reciprocal relationships with our children and their families. These relationships provide the foundation from which children construct a sense of self and learn valuable lessons about the world they live in.
Our curriculum aims to be spontaneous, unstructured, flexible and responsive to our children. We provide a balance of child-initiated learning experiences and consciously planned activities. We believe children learn and develop in a holistic way. The cognitive (Hinengaro), physical (Tinana), emotional (whatumanawa) and spiritual (Wairua) needs of children are interwoven within our ako (teaching and learning).
We value play as a medium for children to learn and begin to 'make sense' of their world in an emotionally and physically safe environment. Our children have the freedom to explore the natural environment, which plays a significant role in their physical and cognitive learning. Children are able to play undisturbed for lengthy periods and where predictable routines meet the children's developmental needs.
We believe all children have a right to develop knowledge and understanding of the dual heritage of Aotearoa/New Zealand. We endeavour to incorporate Maori values, culture and and language within our curriculum, including respect for and an appreciation of the natural environment.
CRECHE ROUTINE
Session Routine
9.00 am- 10.15 am - Welcome, settling and children enjoy free play
10.15 am - 10.30 am - Children come together for morning tea,
10.30 - 10.45 - Singing, rhymes and stories for children who want to join in
10.45 am - 11.45 am - Children enjoy free play
11.45 am - 11.55 am - Tidy up time
11.55 am - 12.10 pm - Mat time, singing and stories before lunch
12.10 - 12.30 pm - Lunch time (before home time for our morning children)
12.30 pm - 2 pm - Ako Afternoons -
Some of our older children (2.5 years+, who no longer regularly nap) stay for our Ako Afternoons, where they enjoy free play, and teacher led projects. Enrolling your child for Ako Afternoons is a wonderful way to prepare them for the longer hours of kindergarten in a familiar, stimulating environment, with high teacher - child ratios.
WHAT PARENTS SAY
Katie Duncan 29/11/22
Loved it! Great community creche, plus love the small numbers/teacher ratio. Also Debbie and Anna are the BEST!
Natalie Mardell 29/11/22
Creche has lived up to all the incredible comments I've had from previous families. Every day is filled with fun tailored perfectly for this age group. I wish I had a younger one to do it all again! Thanks team!!"
J.D. Bowkett 28/11/22
Creche has been a wonderful safe place to learn for both Ben and Esther - the small size, beautiful setting and attentive teachers are hard to beat!! Thank you."
