About Us

Our dedicated team of teachers deliver high quality care and education across four separate rooms, each specifically designed so that our tamariki can grow and develop in age-appropriate learning environments.

Our team of qualified, experienced and knowledgeable teachers will engage with your child, fostering relationships, following their learning pathway, and will provide your child with endless opportunities to explore, communicate and contribute within the Otatara Preschool community.

Our practice is underpinned by the Māori concepts of Whanaungatanga (relationships), Manaakitanga (Respect), and Kaitiakitanga (Guardianship).

We have been very impressed with the current classroom setting and how well it has prepared Tommy for school. Tommy has really blossomed in the Moana Room especially. We love all the extra activities, school holidays are always a lot of fun.

We also appreciate the great relationships with all the staff. Tommy has grown into a confident wee guy ready for his school adventures.

Steve & Becs

May 2024

Dear Emma and the fabulous team at Otatara Preschool, I just wanted to say a massive thank you to you and your team for all the work you have done with Lachie over the past 4 years. I was nervous about sending Lachie to preschool as a baby, but the care your team took with him made me feel confident that he was well cared for and his needs would be met. I remember having conversations with Kelly in that first year and feeling so happy that our values aligned and that both of our philosophies to do with the care of young children were evidence based and child centred.

As Lachie moved into the next rooms and became more physically able the classrooms and playgrounds were able to challenge him. I love that you set up challenging activities for our children where they could learn to take risks in a safe environment. When Lachie moved into the Moana room (the 4 year old room) there was the most beautiful, moving powhiri welcoming him in. I could not believe how quietly all of the children sat listening to the teacher as she introduced Lachie to the class and told us about this new environment. I wondered how my active and energetic boy would ever be able to sit on the mat with his arms and legs folded listening politely. It wasn’t long before Polly and Senerita had him sorted though, and he learnt the expectations of the Moana room. By this stage Lachie was so into learning. I loved that Senerita and Polly went out of their way to find books and activities to engage him and to also learn about sharks, scorpions, dinosaurs and everything else he was fascinated in. I was also amazed at the learning they were doing in class- the phonics program, quiet reading time, and learning skills like how to use a glue stick, scissors, pack and unpack their bags. I know that my child is well set up and ready for school because of you fabulous ladies.

Also thank you to you all for the parenting support you have given us over the years. As a first time parent it was nice to have a safe community to bounce ideas off about sleep, toilet training, behaviour and everything else.

Thank you again

Lisa

November 2024

I wouldn’t know where to begin… All of you have been incredible when it comes to teaching, caring and role modelling for Ida. You have created a wonderful safe space for her to develop and have made it very easy for an anxious mum to go back to work. Your kindness and communication has been deeply appreciated.

Ida has loved her home away from home. Her ‘readiness’ to go to school is evidence of her growth and confidence which has been nurtured here. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, know that your job impacts society in the most positive way.

Thank you again with warmest regards and most sincere appreciation.

Jody

May 2023

You cannot do anything to improve, amazing staff, amazing service, thank you for all your time and care.

Kerri and Cam

March 2023

We want to say a special thank-you to you all for the truly wonderful care, support and guidance you’ve given to Brydie.

Brydie has thrived at this centre. It was such an easy transition moving her here, we couldn’t be more thankful for you all.

The support you’ve given us is so appreciated. Keep doing what your doing because its exceptional.

Kylie, Will, Brydie and Emmy

October 2024

To provide the Otatara Community with an excellent "quality” Early Childhood facility.
To offer a stimulating, well resourced and fully educational programme sensitive to individual and community needs.
To provide a safe and positive environment in which children can learn and grow comfortably as individuals.
To ensure that the local community and families are an integral part of the programme, by welcoming visitors in and taking the children out of the centre on excursions, giving them the opportunity to explore their wider community.