ABOUT US
BACKGROUND
Gladstone Preschool’s roots are strongly planted in Southland. In 1994 Helen Stewart and Erin Caley – who at the time were both Kindergarten Teachers at Waikiwi Kindergarten - had the vision to provide high quality care and education in the North Invercargill area, at a time when options were limited.
From that passionate beginning Gladstone Preschool has continued to expand and develop to the Quality Education and care service it is today, now owner by Anna Stewart.
STAFFING
Qualified, committed staff and excellent ratios ensure Gladstone Preschool offer a variety of active learning experiences for the development of the whole child in a warm, caring environment. We have a pool of regular relievers to cover staff that are absence. We aim to keep consistency for children and use relievers that children know and feel comfortable with.
MEALS AND SNACKS
The children/tamariki are served a healthy and substantial lunch plus morning and afternoon snacks. We have a wonderful Cook, who cooks all the meals, and also makes delicious muffins, scones etc for snacks - lovely traditional homemade food. Any special dietary requirements and all baby requirements are to be provided by parents.
Allergies must be noted on the enrolment form and parents must let staff know of any changes. The menu is rotated offering children/tamariki a variety of nutritious food and displayed weekly for your information. Mealtimes children offer children an opportunity to try different foods, use their manners and sit down with others. Handing washing, Face washing and Karakia are an important part of the meal time routine.
CARE ROUTINES
When sleeping or resting , children will sleep in the designated Sleep Room provided to ensure that there is adequate space to have undisturbed rest. A staff member will be responsible for monitoring children who are sleeping or resting. All children under 24months will have sleeps according to their routine at home. Children over 24 months will have a sleep/rest after lunch if required.
Children in nappies will be checked and changed regularly or as required. You are required to supply nappies for your child. We support toilet training and see this as a partnership between home and preschool. Children are encouraged to take themselves to the toilet as required but will be given assistance as required and encouraged to wash and dry their hands.
BICULTURAL AND MULTICULTURAL PRACTICES
Our preschool recognises the importance of having a strong committment to the bi-cultural hertiage of Aotearoa New Zealand and this is clearly evident in our polices, practices and procedures. We value contribution from whanau and community in enriching our Preschool environment by sharing their bi-cultural and mutli-cultural knowledge.
We are all learners and strive to provide opportunities for each child to be confident in their own culture and to be respectful towards the cultures of others.
CURRICULUM AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMME
Our programme is planned, observed and evaluated using Te Whariki, the Early Childhood Curriculum, by staff ensuring individual interests and strengths are being fostered.
Te Whariki is our curriculum which supports the vision for learners to "grow as competent and confident learners and communicators, healthy in mind, body and spirit, secure in their sense of belonging and in the knowledge that they make a valued contribution to society." We believe children learn best when they are able to pursue their own interests in ways that are meaningful to them. Opportunities will be provided for children to experience active and quiet, planned and spontaneous, small group and individual learning experiences, both in and out doors. The programme provides opportunities for children to interact with each other and the environment. The learning programme offers a wide variety of learning experiences designed to challenge, stimulate and engage children's learning, these include books, music and movement, playdough, cutting, outdoor play including environment studies - gardening, pets, trips outside the centre. Mat times form a very important part of the day at Preschool. Children gain a variety of skills through participation in mat times, such as communication and language enhancement, group co-operation, discipline, self-esteem, independence and turn taking.
Details of what learning is happening for the children can be found on the walls and daily displays at Preschool and in the children's individual profiles. Children's Individual Profiles contain documentation including learning stories written from what the child is learning and children's interests. This is then extended through learning experiences during their time at Preschool. Individual Profiles are a key component in the parent - teacher partnership as they allow you to have documented input into your child's learning and development. We value your input whether it be the informal daily interactions or your voice in your child's individual profile.