BestStart Petone

In Te Puna Wai, we believe that your child’s first learning experiences are deeply rooted in relationships. What makes us special is our strong focus on emotional security through secure attachment. We understand how important it is for infants and toddlers to feel safe, loved, and known—and that’s exactly what we offer.

 

Each child is paired with a dedicated key teacher who is absolutely crazy about them! This teacher becomes your child’s trusted person, someone who is consistently present, emotionally available, and genuinely connected. This special bond gives your child the confidence to explore their world and begin their learning journey with joy and security.

We honour each child’s unique rhythm and support them to flourish through warm, respectful relationships. It’s not just care—it’s love, it’s learning, and it’s the foundation for a lifelong relationship with learning.

Come and see why Petone Infants and Toddlers Room isn’t just a place your child goes—it’s a place they truly belong.

In Te Awe, we understand that toddlers are energetic, curious, and constantly on the move. They need space to explore, environments that challenge and excite them, and—most importantly—strong, trusting relationships to support their big emotions and growing independence.

 

Our learning environment is thoughtfully designed to match the fast-paced world of toddlers. We provide open spaces for movement, rich sensory experiences, and engaging resources that invite curiosity and creativity. But what truly sets us apart is our relationship-based approach. We know that toddlers thrive when they feel secure, seen, and supported by people who genuinely care.

 

Each child is supported by a dedicated key teacher who takes the time to know them deeply—what they love, how they communicate, and what makes them feel safe. These strong attachments give toddlers the confidence to explore and the emotional security they need to face challenges, try new things, and build friendships.

 

At Petone, learning happens through play, connection, and joy. Our kaiako (teachers) work closely with whānau to ensure each child’s routine and culture are respected and reflected in our daily practice. We believe that when toddlers feel loved and understood, their learning blossoms naturally.

At Petone Preschool, we’re not just preparing your child for school—we’re preparing them for life. We focus on strengthening key learning dispositions such as curiosity, creativity, resilience, independence, and a love of learning. These are the foundations that support children to thrive, both in school and in the wider world.

 

Our vibrant art area, inspired by Reggio Emilia, invites children to explore their ideas, express themselves freely, and think outside the square. This creative space nurtures problem-solving and innovative thinking in ways that are both joyful and meaningful.

 

Our large, open outdoor playground offers plenty of room for physical movement and adventurous play. It supports the development of gross motor skills, confidence, teamwork, and perseverance—all through fun, active learning.

 

What truly sets us apart is our warm, culturally diverse teaching team. Our kaiako come from a range of backgrounds and bring rich perspectives, languages, and experiences into the preschool. This diversity is celebrated and woven into our daily teaching, helping children develop empathy, respect, and a strong sense of identity and belonging.

 

Relationships are at the heart of all we do. Our teachers take the time to truly know each child and family, working in close partnership with whānau to support every child’s learning journey.