What matters here
At Arrowtown Preschool, we are passionate about providing a unique and enriching educational experience for young children.
We combine the principles of Nature-Based Education and the Reggio Emilia approach to create a nurturing environment that inspires curiosity, creativity, risk taking and a love for learning.
Our Philosophy
Our priority is to provide high quality early childhood education.
We believe that qualified and motivated teachers working with small groups of children in attractive, engaging environments supports excellent learning opportunities.
Children are valued as unique, capable and resourceful.
Relationships/Ngā Hononga are seen as paramount to our learning community and are based on respect for and collaboration with children, family/whānau, and the wider community/whānau-tangata.
Our programmes are enriched by exploring and incorporating concepts of the Reggio Emilia and Nature-Based Learning approaches to teaching and learning.
A commitment to Te Ao Māori is also evident throughout our teaching and learning programmes.
The living and natural world within the Preschools and local community are utilised as valuable teaching and learning resources.
Nature-Based Programmes
Immersing children in the wonders of nature is at the heart of our philosophy. Our Preschools are surrounded by the beauty of Arrowtown's natural landscape, and we believe that connecting with nature provides countless opportunities for growth and exploration.
By spending time in nature in local areas we believe tamariki develop an appreciation and responsibility for taking care of Papatūānuku, the Earth Mother.
Outdoor adventures in every season where we experience the elements that Ranginui, the Sky Father, gifts us encourages children to develop a deep appreciation for the environment while fostering a sense of wonder and connection to the world around them, through unhurried time.
Reggio Emilia
Arrowtown Preschool is inspired by key concepts, principles from the Reggio Emilia approach to teaching and learning. This is reflected in our educational philosophy and curriculum.
We believe that children are active participants in their own learning journey. Qualified teachers act as facilitators, provoking, guiding children in their exploration and discovery.
We embrace open-ended projects and encourage children to express themselves through various mediums like art, music and imaginative play. Our environments promote collaboration, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Community Based & Parent Participation
Our Preschool is a community-based, not-for-profit, incorporated society which has provided quality early education in Arrowtown for over 30 years.
All funds received go towards ensuring we provide quality learning opportunities for tamariki.
Our funding comes from both the Ministry of Education and fees paid by our families.
Our programmes are enriched by the participation of whānau who are active stakeholders of our Preschool.
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.
Te Ao Māori
"E kore au e ngaro, he kākano i ruia mai i Rangiātea."
'I shall never be lost, I am a seed sown from Rangiātea.'
We aim to seamlessly weave Te Reo Māori and Te Ao Māori into our learning programmes to create a culturally rich and inclusive environment. We actively use Te Reo Māori in everyday interactions, allowing our tamariki to become familiar with greetings, phrases, and expressions.Through pūrākau (storytelling), toi (art), waiata (songs) and tikanga (values), we provide opportunities for our young learners to embrace diversity and develop a deep appreciation for the rich cultural tapestry that shapes Aotearoa.
“The transition process between the two preschools, and then on to school meant our son quickly and confidently settled into his new space. We love the ongoing connections and visits, too!”