We love the rich mix of cultures our tamariki bring to our preschool. Many of our teachers speak more than one language – including Mandarin – which means we can support children in their early days, helping them feel safe and understood.
We warmly welcome all languages and encourage you to share words and phrases from home. It's never a problem if your child speaks little or no English. Knowing familiar words helps us connect with your child, understand their needs, and support them as they settle in.
Te Reo Māori and tikanga Māori are part of our daily programme, and we love to celebrate special days and traditions from all over the world. Dress-up days, stories, songs, and shared celebrations help create a preschool where every child feels proud of who they are. We welcome parents and whānau to share their culture and stories, and what makes their family special.
Under Twos
Our under-twos space is a calm, nurturing environment where your tamariki feel safe and settled. At this age, strong, trusting relationships with kaiako are at the heart of everything we do. We support early learning through sensory play, connection, and age-appropriate experiences that encourage movement, communication, and curiosity. Following the Te Whāriki early childhood curriculum, we create meaningful moments of learning that unfold naturally throughout the day. We follow your child’s natural routine as much as possible, whether that’s feeding, naps, or just needing a cuddle. With low staff-to-child ratios, there’s plenty of time for play both indoors and outdoors, with music, movement, and sensory experiences that support early development without rushing. By working in partnership with whānau, we ensure consistency and comfort for each child, building a strong foundation for their future learning and smooth transition into our over-twos space when the time comes.
Over Twos
Our over-twos space is full of fun, curiosity, and connection. At this stage, tamariki are developing independence, forming friendships, and exploring big ideas.
Guided by the Te Whāriki early childhood curriculum, we support each child’s social, emotional, and early learning development in ways that feel natural and meaningful. With a balance of free play, mat times, and small group times, we follow children’s interests and help them work towards their individual goals, always in partnership with whānau.
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) is an important part of our programme, explored through hands-on experiences like block building, puzzles, problem solving, experimenting with water and sand, cooking, and exploring nature. These playful opportunities build early curiosity, logical thinking, and creativity in ways that make learning fun and meaningful.
Alongside STEM, literacy, art, music, nature, and physical movement are woven into our daily rhythm, supported by familiar routines that help tamariki feel settled and secure. Outdoor play is also a big part of our day, giving children space to explore, take risks, and connect with the natural world.
With low teacher-to-child ratios, we provide the attention and support each child needs. We also nurture practical independence skills—like self-help, communication, and toileting—helping tamariki grow in confidence and build the foundations for a smooth transition to primary school.
Our programme provides a balance of structured learning experiences and child-led play, supporting children’s curiosity, creativity, and sense of belonging. The routine offers consistency while remaining flexible.
7:30am - 8:00am Preschool opens
Children are welcomed and invited to settle into a variety of engaging activities thoughtfully set up by teachers.
9:00am Mat time
An age appropriate group gathering. Here we explore maths and literacy, our sound of the week and our current topic of interest. This time is guided by children’s interests and ideas and teacher planning.
9:30am Small group activities
Teachers work with small groups, supporting interests and working towards individual learning goals.
10:00am - 11:45am Free play and exploration
Children are free to explore indoor and outdoor environments. This may include creative play, construction, sand and water play, dramatic play, art, music, and physical activities. Morning tea is served during this time.
11:45am - 12:00pm Story and news time
A time to share stories, songs, and news with friends. Building language, confidence, and a sense of belonging.
12:00pm - 12:30pm Lunchtime
Children sit together to enjoy lunch, building healthy eating habits and social skills.
12:30pm - 3:15pm Rest, quiet time or free play
This may be a time for sleep, quiet relaxation, or continued play experiences. Afternoon tea is served during this time.
3:15pm - 3:30pm Afternoon mat time
We gather again to share a story, sing songs, and farewell children who are leaving for the day.
3:30pm - 5:30pm Free play
Children enjoy a relaxed afternoon of play and exploration until home time.
Aurea Kelburn
4-6 Ngaio Road,
Kelburn,
Wellington
04 475-3599
hello@aureapreschool.co.nz
Aurea Newlands
160 Newlands Road,
Newlands,
Wellington
04 475-3599
hello@aureapreschool.co.nz
Aurea St. Mary's
170 Karori Road,
Karori,
Wellington
04 475-3599
hello@aureapreschool.co.nz