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Woodlands Preschool

About Woodlands

The preschool we wanted for our own children

We created Woodlands because we wanted something different from the traditional childcare experience: a place that combines education with warmth, care and a true sense of belonging.

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Stepping pots laid out across the garden under the trees

Why we exist

Room to simply be children

We believed children deserved a place where they could simply be children, with space to explore, play, connect with nature and learn at their own pace.

We felt there was an opportunity to create a preschool that felt more personal, where families are known by name and genuinely valued. Woodlands grew from a desire to offer the kind of environment we would have wanted for our own children.

The preschool we wanted

  • A place where children feel safe, happy and excited to arrive each day
  • Calm, welcoming and homely, rather than rushed or institutional
  • Outdoor spaces to climb, explore, take risks and build confidence
  • Teachers who genuinely know and care for each child as an individual
  • Strong relationships with families, built on open communication and trust
  • Learning that happens naturally through play, curiosity and meaningful experiences
The hand-painted Woodlands tree mural

Our name

What Woodlands means to us

The name Woodlands represents much more than trees and nature.

  • Growth and development in a safe, child-focused environment
  • Freedom to explore, discover and be curious
  • A connection to community
  • Belonging and security, a place where everyone feels welcome
  • Space to breathe, play and learn
  • Nurturing each child's unique strengths and potential
  • A sense of warmth, wonder and adventure

Family-owned

Families are never just numbers to us

Being family-owned means every decision is guided by what is best for children and families.

  • We are deeply connected to our centres and communities
  • We build genuine relationships and respond personally to each family's needs
  • We stay grounded in our values rather than corporate targets
  • We can listen, adapt and keep improving based on what families and teachers tell us

Rural community values

Knowing people, not just their names

Growing up and living in rural communities taught us the value of connection, trust and looking out for one another. We bring those values to suburban Christchurch by:

  • Knowing people personally, not just by name
  • Building strong, authentic relationships
  • Encouraging kindness, respect and helping others
  • Creating places where children and families feel connected rather than anonymous

What we stand for

Six things we will never trade away

Belonging

Every child and family should feel valued, accepted and connected.

Relationships

Strong partnerships with children, whānau and teachers sit at the heart of everything we do.

Respect

We respect children as capable learners and honour each family's unique story.

Exploration

Children learn best when they are free to discover, question and explore.

Kindness

We nurture empathy, compassion and genuine care for others.

Growth

We support children to develop confidence, resilience and a lifelong love of learning.

The experience

What we want for every child, and every parent

For children, we want them to

  • Feel excited and happy when they arrive each day
  • Feel safe, secure and deeply valued
  • Have the confidence to try new things
  • Develop independence, resilience, friendships and social skills
  • Experience joy, curiosity and a love of learning
  • Leave with happy memories, confidence and a strong sense of who they are

For parents, we want you to feel

  • Complete confidence in the care and education your child receives
  • That your child is safe, loved and well supported
  • Welcome and comfortable within the Woodlands community
  • Listened to and respected as the expert on your own child
  • Informed and connected to your child's learning journey
  • Reassured that your child is thriving emotionally, socially and academically

Life at Woodlands

What makes us special

We are more than a place for learning; we are a community where tamariki and whānau feel welcomed, valued and connected. Guided by our values of Torotoro (explore) and Poipoi (nurture), we believe every child deserves an environment where they feel safe, supported and empowered to be themselves.

Our spacious outdoor environments offer adventure and connection with nature, while our indoor spaces are brought to life with unique murals painted specially for Woodlands. We love taking learning beyond the centre on excursions into the wider community, and our kaiako take the time to build genuine relationships, celebrating each child's strengths, interests and abilities.

A hand-painted woodland mural beside a cosy teepee reading nook
Tamariki in hi-vis vests at story time on a library excursion
The big lawn and shady tree in front of the centre

A final thought

We're not simply preparing children for school. We're helping them develop confidence, curiosity, resilience, kindness and a sense of belonging, so they leave Woodlands knowing they are capable, valued and loved.

The Woodlands family

Come and see us on a normal day

We won’t tidy up for your visit. You’ll meet the kaiako who would care for your child, see what the children are working on that day, and have time to ask whatever you need to ask.

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