About Us
Conveniently located onsite at Johnsonville School, Premier Preschool is an innovative concept in pre-school education.
Our Philosophy
At our preschool, we embrace early childhood education as an essential part of the ongoing learning journey. We are dedicated to nurturing each child's confidence, creativity, and curiosity, helping them smoothly transition to school and develop a lifelong love of learning
We believe in the power of play-based learning as a key foundation for development. Rooted in the principles of Te Whāriki, New Zealand’s national Early Childhood Education Curriculum, our approach is tailored to meet the unique needs and interests of every ākonga (learner). By encouraging children to explore, experiment, and engage with the world around them, we help foster their natural curiosity and growth.
Our teaching philosophy centres around building strong, supportive relationships with each child. We approach them with patience, positivity, and respect, creating a warm and affirming environment where children feel safe to explore and express themselves. We use a variety of teaching strategies to challenge their thinking, support their development, and encourage problem-solving skills in a fun and stimulating environment.
As part of our commitment to Aotearoa’s bicultural foundation, we actively celebrate the diversity of our community. We aim to incorporate cultural values, beliefs, and practices into our curriculum, ensuring all tamariki (children) feel valued and included. Our preschool is a place where children develop an appreciation for the rich cultural tapestry of their surroundings, laying the foundation for respect and understanding.
We also believe that whanau (families) play a vital role in a child's learning and development. We view parents and caregivers as essential partners in the learning process, and we encourage their involvement through ongoing communication, feedback, and participation in preschool events. Together, we build a supportive community that fosters each child’s individual growth.
He waka eke hoa
Without exception we are all in this canoe together
Learning & Development
Our programme is based on the Early Childhood Curriculum, Te Whãriki. Each child is involved in an Individual Education Plan and regular feed back is given to parents. Families are included in educational and social events, on a regular basis.
Our programme includes a mix of:
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free play
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structured learning
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opportunities for individual development
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group experiences
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drama
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music
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art
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manipulative activities
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physical play
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involvement in the community
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regular excursions
We begin with a focus on each child’s interests, extending their knowledge, skills and dispositions. Children’s learning is enhanced with our knowledge of child development as well as life experience, and an ongoing commitment to professional development and learning within the team. The teachers work alongside children in a positive and affirming manner, building warm, caring relationships with them as we guide, challenge, assist and question to extend their thinking in a powerful learning environment; always promoting their health, well being and safety which creates a fun-filled environment to help children to be more receptive to learning.
We encourage the growth of dispositions such as self esteem, confidence, independence, curiosity, emotional resilience, risk taking, persistence, decision making, negotiating, problem-solving skills, creativity and a love of learning in all children. The children are encouraged to show consideration and caring for others, and to respect the Pre School environment and all within it, so that safe, happy and secure learning experiences can be enjoyed by all.
We acknowledge the importance of parents / whanau and the wider community and will encourage their participation and collaboration through responsive and reciprocal relationships to ensure a strong partnership exists to support the children.
He waka eke hoa
Without exception we are all in this canoe together
School Involvement
There is regular two way participation with the Junior School classes at Johnsonville School for appropriate outings and activities which enhances preparation for school routines and provides mutually beneficial learning opportunities.
We receive regular positive feedback from the Junior school teachers on how smoothly the Preschool children make the transition to school and how their Preschool experience sets them on a learning pathway for life.
They arrive at school confident in themselves as learners able to manage change.
We have access to the school library, sports equipment, playing fields, Discovery Room and the book room.
We encourage visits to and from other contributing schools in the area and support their transition to school programmes. We encourage families to be involved in the transition to school process and also to share their child’s learning journal with the school teacher to help build up knowledge of the child’s interests, strengths and needs and how they learn.
