A Progressive, Purposeful Programme for Today’s Learners
The wider programme at our boutique preschool is grounded in a progressive approach to early childhood education — one that recognises the world our children are growing into, and the kinds of skills, dispositions, and support they need to truly thrive.
We believe that learning in the early years should be rich, meaningful, and responsive.
Our programme is thoughtfully designed to nurture creativity, critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and a strong sense of identity and belonging. Through open-ended play, project work, real-life experiences, and intentional teaching moments, we create space for tamariki to explore their ideas, solve problems, and make sense of the world in their own unique way.
We understand that learners today need more than just the basics — they need resilience, adaptability, curiosity, and confidence. Our teachers are skilled in creating an environment that is both nurturing and stimulating, where each child feels empowered to take the lead in their learning while being gently guided and supported.
Whether it’s gardening, storytelling, collaborative art, or moments of quiet reflection, every part of our day is designed with care, intention, and a deep understanding of what it means to be a learner in today’s world.
Our Enrichment Programme – Inspired Learning for Curious Minds
For tamariki aged 3.5 years and over, our Enrichment Programme offers a beautifully structured two-hour session each day that forms an integral part of our learning rhythm. Led by our specially trained Montessori teacher — who completed her training in London — the programme provides a calm, purposeful environment where children are encouraged to explore, think critically, and grow in independence.
Beginning at lunchtime, the session starts with an emphasis on grace and courtesy, setting a respectful and mindful tone that flows through the rest of the experience. Using authentic, hand-crafted Montessori materials, the programme follows each child’s individual learning journey — supporting foundational skills in literacy, numeracy, practical life, and sensorial exploration.
This focused, intentional time offers our older learners the opportunity to engage in deeper learning, while still being supported in a warm, nurturing setting. The Enrichment Programme is designed to gently extend and enrich the child’s experience, bridging the transition to school while remaining grounded in the joy of discovery and the values of respect, calm, and connection.
Our Philosophy
Ko te ahurei o te tamaiti arahia o tatou mahi
Let the uniqueness of the child guide our work.
At Kohimarama Private Preschool, we view play as children’s work. Our talented teachers have developed an intentional, thoughtfully designed curriculum grounded in Te Whāriki, New Zealand’s early childhood curriculum. This framework supports the development of critical skills in social and emotional competence, communication—both oral and written—and foundational mathematics.
Inspired by the philosophy of Maria Montessori, we believe that what the hand experiences, the mind remembers. This belief informs our rich, hands-on learning environment. Tamariki actively engage in a wide variety of experiences, including:
Arts and crafts
Manipulatives and construction
Science exploration
Books and storytelling
Music and dance
Outdoor play, including sand and water, climbing, running, and jumping
Real-life activities such as gardening and caring for our environment
Through active engagement with this curriculum, tamariki grow into increasingly capable individuals who:
Manage themselves and make thoughtful choices
Take responsibility, regulate emotions, and overcome challenges
Build and sustain healthy relationships
Confidently express thoughts, ideas, and information
Engage in problem-solving, thinking, and reasoning
We believe that strong partnerships are essential to a child’s success. We work closely with families and the wider community as active participants in each child’s learning journey.
