YMCA Early Learning Centre

at Bishopdale

Our children, parents and whanau come first and we strive to provide a welcoming, supportive and loving environment for all. We offer high teacher to child ratios with a fun, experienced and passionate team of early childhood teachers.

Our Nursery is licensed for 10 children under two years old, and our Preschool for up to 30 children. Our children are empowered to take risks, explore and develop their sense of belonging while making use of our spacious indoor and outdoor facilities.

To find out how you can join our YMCA family, contact us today and arrange a time to visit, or pop in if you are out and about.

We look forward to meeting you and your family and contributing to the magical memories that help shape your child into the superstar they are destined to become!

Opening Hours

Monday to Friday

7:30am – 5:30pm

Our Philosophy

We strive to work in collaborative relationships and partnership with whānau, sharing in the co-construction of an empowered community where we nurture a sense of security and ensure a child centred curriculum in a setting where tamariki come first. Our kaiako take pride in their professional role, responsibilities and commitment to the early childhood education sector.

We act with love, care and kindness as a foundation to our place (manaakitanga). We promote fun, spontaneous laughter and joy for ourselves and others. We acknowledge that we are all learners (kaiako, whānau and tamariki) and we aim to support one another in our journey. Respect for diversity and celebration of uniqueness and culture is a feature of our approach as we nurture every child to know that they are competent and capable. In order to support mana, identity and confidence kaiako are consistent, present in their interactions and relationships, enabling a sense of belonging and rich communication, conversations and collaboration in learning.

We believe in the value of a homelike environment for learning and we view the environment (places and things) as a partner in teaching and learning. We consider our play space as a platform for holistic and active learning therefore we plan for and provide a natural, responsive and creative setting. We keep tamariki safe while embracing elements of risk and challenge. We demonstrate our commitment to environmental sustainability and kaitiakitanga (guardianship) within our curriculum and in our daily practices.

The uniqueness of the child and all that they bring with them is at the heart of our curriculum design. We follow interests, engage in meaningful, real life experiences and relish the snowball effect of questioning and investigating at an unhurried and natural pace. We scaffold learning, pay attention to ensure tamariki are not only learning, but they are learning about how they learn and we celebrate our successes.

We know that when we facilitate learning and provide time and space for supported independence, tamariki develop an intrinsic sense of themselves as capable and confident learners. When we listen and are responsive to tamariki, they learn that they are important, they grow in confidence. Showing understanding and care nurtures emotional intelligence and empathy, being consistent, predictable and patient nurtures self regulation. This is how we support the wellbeing and and wairua of our tamariki and grow healthy, happy, capable and confident tamariki.

April 2019

Our Team

Hannah
Centre Manager

Jasmine
Assistant Manager

Manon
NurseryTeamLeader

Genna
Nursery Teacher

Hannah
Nursery Teacher

Emma
PreschoolTeamLeader

Karen
Preschool Teacher

Meg
Preschool Teacher

Alice
Preschool Teacher

Corabelle
Preschool Teacher

Testimonials

There hasn’t been a single day when either of our kids have not wanted to go to the YMCA Nursery and Preschool. They both love it and thrive. All of the staff really care and are enthusiastic and motivated. A bonus has been all of the extra activities they can do. The trips, yoga, gymnastics, Irish dancing etc. Overall, it is just a happy fun environment – the way it should be. – Jeska McNicol

Our son attends the nursery at the Bishopdale YMCA Nursery and Preschool. He started 4 months ago and the nursery offer such a loving, caring and nurturing environment. The staff are always so friendly, the one thing that often sticks out is how welcoming the staff are every morning when we arrive at Day care. The staff always have smiles and they’re always so happy to acknowledge us. – Sarah Booth

When I was searching for a preschool to send my daughter to, the YMCA was the first one I visited. When viewing other preschools I would always compare it to the YMCA. To me it felt like a big happy family, and that was definitely the kind of safe, friendly environment I wanted for her.
A few years on, my twin boys are now attending the preschool and they just love it. The teachers are always friendly, caring and full of fun and creativity. I have been recommending the YMCA preschool to everyone looking for a place to send their children, and will continue to. – Hayley Lye

ERO Report