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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.
(as at last year):
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?)
(last year and year before):
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/
Recommended Highly by 80% or More Families: The service is recommended by at least 80% of families, based on results from the independent OECE parent survey. To qualify, the survey must have a response rate of at least 51% of enrolled families and have been completed within the past three years.
4 Reviews on “WildHeart Makuru Mātā”
I cannot speak highly enough of the exceptional care and education my children receive at WildHeart. The kaiako demonstrate high levels of professionalism, warmth, and genuine passion for Early Childhood Education. The learning environments are intentional, well-resourced, and grounded in Te Whāriki practices and respectful teaching.
What I appreciate most is the strong sense of whanaungatanga. Relationships are prioritised, communication is consistent, and our whānau feels truly seen and valued. My children are thriving socially, emotionally, and academically because of the thoughtful, responsive teaching they receive every day. WildHeart is an outstanding centre and truly is our home away from home!
Wildheart has been an incredible preschool for both of my children, who have attended since it first opened. One is now in school, while the other is about to start his school journey next year. They have provided exceptional care and supervision, helping both of them learn and grow, and they consistently go above and beyond for my son who is currently enrolled. The teachers are fantastic, the management is professional, friendly, and very approachable, and the administrative staff are equally warm and caring. As a family, we feel safe and happy having our child there, and we truly can’t find any faults! We feel so fortunate to be part of the Wildheart Whanau.
management have shown no genuine care for my child. deeply disappointed.
Some of the teachers are lovely but the management are less than desirable.