Celebrating 75 years of early childhood education, Nelson Tasman Kindergartens brings the rich history of the kindergarten movement forward through the 21st century. Marking the occasion with cake, the organisation's administrator, Lynette Philp has worked with the team for 16 years and says it is not only the children but also their whānau that drives Nelson Tasman Kindergartens' passion to provide the very utmost of care. “Nelson Tasman Kindergarten not only provides the best possible start for children, but we offer Whānau Support for any families that need a little help or guidance.”
Kindergarten has been a fabric of New Zealand society for a long time and CEO of Nelson Tasman Kindergartens Craig Vercoe says the institutional trust that New Zealanders have in kindergarten is crucial to the ongoing viability and messaging of quality in early childhood education. “One of the key foundational goals of Nelson Tasman Kindergartens has been that ‘every child deserves the best possible start,’ and over the decades it has continued to serve local communities by providing high-quality education and expertise for the early childhood sector.”
The association originally started with four kindergartens in the region in 1948, Grove Street, Nelson South, Stoke and Richmond Kindergartens. Now boasting a roll of 1015 children and 260 staff members Nelson Tasman Kindergartens now have a Whānau Awhi team who support children and whānau who are confronted with challenges that can impact the health and wellbeing, social, education and financial situations. “This is a free service. We also have a Kindergarten at the Hospital, Te Whare Manaaki, which is available to all children that are in hospital. We have an amazing Play Specialist who through play provides connections with familiar experiences whist in the hospital setting, supports ongoing learning and development, and prepares and supports tamariki (children) for and through medical procedures.
Trusted for 75 years, Nelson Tasman Kindergartens has 22 kindergartens throughout Nelson and Tasman region, and the association’s charitable status ensures any surplus goes back into local Early Childhood Education and facilities. “Some of the benefits for parents include 30 hours free education at some Nelson Tasman Kindergartens, and the programmes are delivered by 100 percent fully qualified, registered teachers. These programmes are constantly being improved, using the most up-to-date knowledge. Specialist resourcing is also available for parenting, early intervention, the Enviroschools programme and bi-cultural practice.”
Frederick Froebel was the founding father of kindergartens in the 19th century and it has always had a unique philosophy all of its own. Born from a dream to ‘create both a garden for children, and a garden of children,’ researchers and educators discovered that Froebel had a lot right; children really do learn better when it’s done at their own pace and through their own interests, and nature has a big role to play in fostering creativity, resilience and health.
“Traditionally kindergartens were closed during school term breaks, but Nelson Tasman kindergartens now offer all year models to better meet the needs of modern society. Kindergarten’s traditional role as the steppingstone to school remains as important as ever, and our services work closely with local primary schools and new entrant teachers to make the transition into school life successful for you and your child. Whānau are encouraged to be as involved in the life of their kindergarten as they want to be, and it’s a great place to meet other families with children of similar ages.”
Tahuna Kindergarten
Tahunanui Kindergarten joined the associations fold in 1963, after operating as private kindergarten for ten years. Now celebrating 60 years, acting head teacher Kirsty Parker says the Tāhunanui team will be commemorating with a fun whānau night in the form of a Teddy bears picnic. “Whānau fun nights are all about coming together as one big family and having a chance to connect and get to know one another. Kindergarten is often where lifelong friendships begin for both children and parents”.
It is the sense of community that Kirsty attributes to the success and longevity of Tāhunanui Kindergarten. “Tāhunanui is a close-knit community, which sees generational attendance. We have rituals that parents remember from their time at kindergarten such as birthday celebrations and school visits. Acquiring the community preschool has meant we can cater for a larger number of families with children from the age of 2-6. The kindergarten’s close proximity to school allows us to provide a fabulous transition to school programme making the move to school smooth for the whole whanau. We make connections within the community through visits to the local library and community gardens. We are also lucky to have two Storygran’s from our community who come each week to read to our tamariki.”
Seeing teacher/child ratios increase is one huge difference that has happened over the years in kindergartens. “Ratios have improved from 1:20 to 1:15 and now 1:10 and there has been improved government funding.” With 90 tamariki enrolled and nine qualified kaiako, plus support staff, this is important as some parents have less time to be involved in the day-to-day support and fundraising.” Remaining open in the school term breaks, and providing a school hour day, helps the team to support those families in their daily lives.
