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What we're about

Our Philosophy

The base principles of early learning at Gems Educational Childcare

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To flourish, children need to feel safe and secure

As well as the relationship with their primary caregiver, the environment is critical for them. A child thrives at home, so we’ve made Gem’s a natural extension of home for them. This is central to our underlying philosophy.

Our Mission

We provide authentic and wholesome educational childcare in a beautiful, natural environment. Our child-led emergent curriculum is facilitated through a fun, outdoorsy, creative and committed team of educators. We aim to bring out the best of everyone we are involved with... especially the children in our care.

Our Inspiration

Our curriculum is inspired by the theories of Pikler and Reggio Emilia where the environment is considered the third teacher. We believe that children will develop as independent thinkers and learners through a play-based programme where children are free to explore, socialise, communicate and investigate. In other words, a “natural start in life”.  

Our three centres offer home cooked food as well as a kitchen garden where the children grow the food they eat. Our kitchen philosophy is based on ‘Grandma’s Kitchen’ where everything is prepared from scratch, good old nutritious home-style food! Our lunches are usually cooked, taking some pressure off your family at the end of the day. See our Sample Menu for a taste!

Ready to enrol

We look forward to having you join, start your enrolment online today

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“A big thank you from us for all your hard work in providing Frankie (and Lily) a safe, caring and exciting place to learn and grow. This is a sad day for us as you have all been part of our lives for the last five years. We will take fond memories of Gems with us, you will always be in our hearts. Keep being awesome”
Nga Mihi Nui, Nic, Jonathan, Lily and Frankie
“Honestly it means so much to us knowing that the children are in such good hands there. Thank you for all that you do, your staff are amazing and you should be so proud. The environment and philosophies you have created and instilled at Gems are such a credit to you all.”
Thank you again Just & Rock xx
“We loved the nurturing philosophy at Gems, and that our kids always had someone familiar to cuddle on drop off. I was always impressed at the range of activities they got to experience there: artistic, wild, educational, messy and fun. The home cooked lunches were great for our busy family and we particularly appreciated how supportive they were of our vegan diet. Thank you Gems for 8 wonderful years in your care for our 4 kids!”
Hana
“We never felt like just a number at Gem’s, which I wonder how [this] is possible when you have so many children and families coming and going each day. All together you make the perfect team and have been amazing support for our wee family through the good times and the bad times.”
Rach, Ty, Mahi and Kahu