uptown preschool
• Uptown Preschool is licensed for a maximum of 35 children, 12 under two years and 23 over two years
Pohutukawa Room
In the Pohutukawa room our children are aged zero to two years old and we believe that early childhood centres should be places where infants and toddlers can connect with the natural 
world. We provide a warm, safe, and friendly environment where infants and toddlers can play learning and learn playing. Infants and toddlers feel respected and valued, and in a place where their choices can be heard. We help children develop strong self-esteem to enable them to become competent and confidence learners. We are teachers who are passionate about working with infants and toddlers. We believe in developing relationships with the children and their families to help them develop trust in themselves and others. We provide infants and toddlers opportunities for exploration, discovery and learning.
We are inspired by RIE and Pikler philosophies where early childhood centres transmit peace, warmth, love and above all, respect. We believe that respect is fundamental when caring for infants and toddlers. In the Pohutukawa room infants and toddlers feel safe, have the freedom to explore and have caregivers who are committed to allowing them to be who they are.
Kauri Room
Our Kauri room children are aged between 2 - 3.5 years old, what a wonderful age to be.
In the Kauri Room we encourage developing independence and support children as they build relationships of respect and empathy with their peers, teachers and wider community. We extend children’s creativity and artistic skills through varied art and sensory play experiences. We also encourage care and respect for the environment and support children as they nurture our developing edible garden. We expand on co-operative play through music and movement, action songs and dance.
In the Kauri Room we support developing language through storytelling, singing and conversations. We love to be a part of the community and take opportunities to walk to our local shopping centre, where we can visit the garden centre, park or other areas of interest. During these experiences we have lots of fun and laughter in a happy supportive environment.
Koru Room
In the Koru room our children are aged between 3.5-5 years old.
In the koru room we foster children’s independence skills, creating can do attitudes and boosting children’s self esteem. We do this in a variety of ways: encouraging them to unpack and repack their own bags, recognise their own names, and generally learn useful skills that will help them transition smoothly as they move off to school. 
We have a strong emphasis on children taking responsibility for their own behaviours and looking out for each other. We encourage children to problem solve, to teach and learn from each other. We have found this philosophy has nurtured a wonderful culture of empathy and helped our children to be able to take on another point of view.
We provide lots of positive guidance and praise in all of these areas, celebrating together the progress our children are making. This helps to clarify desired learning outcomes and to give them a sense of achievement.
our philosophy
Our philosophy incorporates meaningful relationships built on trust, respect, caring and honesty. We believe in a child-centered approach developed through meaningful relationships, empowerment, and playfulness, consideration for others, curiosity and a passion for our families’ participation. We ensure our environment is a reflection of our community; we do this by communication, flexibility, harmony, openness and welcoming all. We are supported in our teaching and ongoing professional development by an effective management structure and Board of Trustees.
ERO report
Contact
Postal Address: PO Box 388, Blenheim
Phone/Fax: 03 5788709
Email: beccuptown(at)xtra.co.nz
Email the children: hospitalroad59(at)xtra.co.nz
Location (see map below): 59 Hospital Road, Blenheim
