About

Nestled among Arrowtown’s stunning natural backdrop of tree-covered hills and clear-running rivers are our unique Preschools which provide engaging spaces and wonderful learning environments.

To enable us to deliver high-quality, age-specific programmes for children aged 12 months to 5 years, Arrowtown Preschool operates from two locations. Cotter Ave at the south end of town and Durham Street at the north.

Cotter Ave 

Our Cotter Ave centre opened in 2010 and caters for our younger children 12 months to 3-3.5 years. In 2022 with a lot of community effort, we reached a fundraising milestone and proudly opened our two newly-renovated sleep rooms and enhanced learning play spaces. At Cotter Ave we offer two programmes:

Ruma Teina: 12 months – 2 years
Ruma Tuakana: 2 – 3.5 years 

Durham Street

Durham St opened in 1992 and caters for our 3 – 5+ year old tamariki. Our well established outdoor environment lends itself to learning inspired by imagination and exploration.

Our Structure

Overseen by a community-elected Board of Governance, all teams are then led by the Pedagogical Leader and Manager. With integrated support of a Head Teacher at each centre, our fully-qualified teams work cohesively for the better learning outcomes of all tamariki.

Our team of experienced and qualified teachers are dedicated to providing the highest quality education and care for your child. They possess a deep understanding of early childhood development and actively engage in ongoing professional development to stay abreast of the latest research and best practices. Our teachers nurture each child's unique strengths and interests, creating a supportive and inclusive learning community.

Hours

You can choose to enrol your tamaiti for a full or half day.

Full day: 8.30am – 3.30pm

Half day: 8.30am – 1.00pm

We close for one week during the Term 2 school holidays and for three weeks over Christmas and New Year.

Fees

Arrowtown Preschool places high value on employing qualified and passionate kaiako to teach our tamariki and we offer full pay parity to support this. 

Families are charged fees to cover the gap between government funding and the overall operating costs of the preschool.

The Preschool Board of Governance reviews fees in consultation with families and whānau to ensure fee increases are manageable for families, reflect current inflation and ensure the Preschool’s financial viability.

Participation

As an integral part of the Arrowtown community, we actively foster connections beyond the Preschool walls. 

We organise community events, engage in local initiatives and celebrations, and encourage children to develop a sense of social responsibility and empathy. Through these experiences, we aim to instil in our children a deep appreciation for diversity, community values, and the world around them.

On enrolment all our parents commit to supporting the Preschool. We are fortunate to be able to draw upon all the skill sets we have among our whānau and community.

1972

Arrowtown Playcentre operated on the current Durham Street site.

Alumni

Becoming an alumni member of Arrowtown Preschool is a wonderful opportunity to stay connected and engaged with the nurturing community that laid the foundation for you or your child's early education journey. As an alumni member, you'll not only cherish fond memories but also contribute to the Preschool's legacy of fostering creativity, curiosity and growth. You'll play a vital role in shaping the future of Arrowtown Preschool and ensuring that every child receives the same enriching experience you once did.

Keen to help out or make a donation? Your support can make the world of difference. Contact admin@arrowtownpreschool.co.nz to start a conversation.