Community Ownership: Parents likely have a strong say in how the service operates and what happens to children, all money earnt stays within it, and teachers may be paid better and childcare charges may be lower compared to most (but not necessarily all) private and corporate owned services. (Ask: Is it an Incorporated Society? Does it also have charitable status?)
Small Boutique Centre: Centres with 50 or fewer children make it easier for staff to provide a warm and nurturing environment, for children to have their individual needs met and skills, knowledge, and competencies extended. (Ask: For continuity of care and relationships, do children stay with the same group of children and teachers throughout their time at the service?)
100% Qualified Teacher Funded: All staff counted toward meeting the minimum adult-child ratio requirement must hold a practising certificate as a teacher if the service receives this level of Ministry of Education funding. (Ask: Does the service count teachers trained in the ECE of children birth to 5 years and not primary or secondary school trained teachers?)
Men Included on Teaching Staff (as at last year): There are strong benefits of having both men and women on the teaching team for the quality of care and education a service provides to children. Additionally, gender bias in staff recruitment and employment is not generally acceptable in society today. (Ask: How many teaching staff are employed and what proportion are men?)
(as at last year):
Clean Licence Record (last year and the year before): To be licensed a service must comply with regulations that help ensure children’s safety, care, and a suitable standard of education. When requirements are breached the Ministry of Education may downgrade a service’s licence to provisional or issue a suspension. (Check the lists of services placed on a provisional or suspended licence https://oece.nz/public/information/standards/ published each year)
(last year and year before):
Recommended Highly by 80% or More Families: At least 80% of families recommend the service and rate it as being very good to excellent on a range of aspects of quality. (Note that a response rate of at least 51% families on the OECE parent survey https://oece.nz/public/information/resources/parent-survey/ research instrument within the last three years is necessary here)
16 Reviews on “Somerville Kindergarten”
Somerville Kindergarten is a truly wonderful place for our tamariki. It has a very welcoming community feel, and quite literally feels like a home away from home. A fantastic indoor/outdoor area with our children’s exploring, learning, and safety in mind.
They have an extremely supportive team of teachers who nurture and comfort the independent needs of each child.
We are very thankful we found Somerville Kindy for our children.
Somerville is the most amazing kindergarten. As soon as you walk in it feels like home. They are so warm, welcoming and inclusive. The kaiako go above and beyond to form a strong relationship with our child and us as a family, which has made sending our child so much easier. There is always so much learning happening and both the indoor and outdoor environments facilitate that all day. We feel so lucky to get to be a part of this community.
Somerville Kindergarten is a warm and welcoming place. Teachers at Somerville Kindergarten are not just nice, they are exceptional in their philosophies and approaches to nurturing the young minds in their care. The environment is beautifully designed and practical, offering a comfortable, home-like setting for young children to explore and grow.
A wonderful centre. The children are loved and cared for. The teachers follow the children’s interests in their learning.
My girl says these are the top 5 things
1. I love playing in yhr family corner and kitchen area
2. I love palying on the swings so much
3. I live my teachers and playing with them
4. My teachers cheer me up when I am sad
5. The most favourite is picking flowers for my parent going out the gate
Theres been some cool activities such as the chicken incubator, the snow day, and all blacks dress
The teaching staffs are excellent and caring. They create a welcome environment for children and families. The teachers are available to discuss any concern or queries we may have. I would recommend Somerville Kindergarten to my friends.
A beautiful Kindergarten with HEART♥️ This team goes above and beyond. They are proud of their space and the passion is palpable. I would recommend knowing deep within my soul the child would be nurtured and unfold in an optimum setting. This is not just another standard place THIS IS a slice of Heaven in East Auckland that is truly a treasure.
The environment of the kindy is home-like and environment friendly. The teachers are very professional and supportive, caring for the children and loving them. Children are happy and friendly. I really do love this kindy.
Somerville Kindergarten has the best kaiako, they are welcoming, friendly, nurturing and support learning through play. The environment they have created feels like a second home and my daughter wants to attend everyday. It’s very reassuring to know my children will be safe, well looked after and happy during their time at kindergarten. We visited a couple of kindergartens and Somerville was a clear fit for us. I would recommend Somerville Kindergarten to anyone with preschoolers.
Awesome team, caring and loving to the children. Multiple choices for children’s daily activity’s.
Being in ECE myself I was very picky when choosing a centre for my daughter as soon as we arrived we were so welcomed and it truely feels like a home away from home. The teachers are so genuine and care for the children so well. The teachers go above and beyond to make a positive learning environment and special days like just recently celebrating the World Cup. Couldn’t fault Sommerville, I wish every child could experience this beautiful environment
Somerville Kindergarten is a wonderful place for children to learn and grow. The teachers are skilled and experienced in supporting children’s development across all areas.They create a safe and nurturing learning environment where children feel a strong sense of belonging and confidence.
I was recommended to Somerville kindergarten by a friend when I was looking for a suitable place for my oldest daughter. We fell in love with the kindy and teachers instantly. So when my second one was 3, it was a no brainer that she would go there too. It is by far the most warm, loving, homely place for kids that I have seen. I trust all the teachers there with my kids and know that they will use every opportunity to teach my kids how to be a lovely and kind human being. Hands down the best kindy ever! I choose Somerville everyday 😍
Very homely atmosphere. Very caring staff. Children can’t wait to go to kindy !
Very kind and responsible staff. My daughter likes it best.
Me and my son love to go to Somerville kindergarten! cozy indoor, beautiful outdoor and best teachers.
Somerville is such a beautiful kindergarten full of teachers who put their heart and soul into everyday and every moment with the children. You can feel the love as soon as you walk in the door! We are so lucky and grateful to be part of this wonderful little community!
Such a wonderful Kindergarten! Very welcoming and homely feel to the kindergarten. The staff are incredible, they are super friendly and make my son feel safe.
Somerville Kindy is the best.! I love it. They have the best teachers and an awesome environment! I especially love the outdoor area and how they put out different activities everyday to keep it exciting.