Where play is learning
Established in 1992, Kilbirnie Early Learners is a non-profit, community based and purpose-built early childhood education service in Wellington. We provide a friendly, nurturing and vibrant environment which strongly reflects our multicultural community.
Our local curriculum is supported by Te Whāriki, our national early childhood curriculum, and is informed by our local area, whānau and community. This forms the foundation of our day-to-day practice and is designed to support and challenge tamariki during their important early years.
We provide a warm, welcoming environment where tamariki are supported to explore their interests, find their strengths and form responsive relationships with those around them. They are given time and space to express themselves in a variety of ways, including creatively, physically, emotionally, culturally and spiritually. Group play and cooperation are encouraged.
Each day tamariki have access to a wide range of fun and challenging activities, materials and equipment to extend their interests and learning. Their learning journey is recorded by our kaiako in profile books which are available to whānau to read and contribute to.
At Kilbirnie Early Learners we support tamariki to develop a love of learning and become lifelong learners and we support them as they take their first steps into the school environment, as well as for the rest of their life. It is a positive and stimulating educational and developmental experience where your child can have fun and feel safe in the care of our dedicated staff.
Key Information
Open Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 2:30pm.
Licenced for the care and education of 20 children aged 1 to 5 years.
Parent donations can be supplemented by 20 hours ECE funding provided by the Ministry of Education for 3 and 4 year old children.
Our latest Education Review Office report (2020 ) are available at the Centre or on the ERO website
https://ero.govt.nz/institution/60328/kilbirnie-early-learners
Our philosophy
Poipoia te kakano, kia puawai
Nurture the seed and it will blossom
Our Core Values
Manaakitanga: We provide a homely, inclusive environment welcoming for all
Kotahitanga: Through reciprocal relationships we foster a community of learners
Ūkaipōtanga: We empower our multicultural community to hold strengths in their uniqueness and to have a place to stand
Whanaungatanga: We foster a sense of togetherness by the way we value contributions from all
Our Philosophy
We value the learning o nga tamariki achieve through child-initiated play and exploration. Our mixed age centre allows collaborative learning/ako through tuakana teina relationships.
Our curriculum reflects the values of Te Whāriki and is inspired by the unique cultures of our tamariki. Whānau aspirations are an essential contribution to our curriculum.
Tikanga Māori and the kaupapa of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, informs our daily practice.
We acknowledge that a sense of well-being and belonging are essential for learning. We develop this through partnership between kaiako, whānau and tamariki.
Tamariki are supported to work through conflict with positive guidance, role modelling strategies and by providing time and space.
The uniqueness of each individual is celebrated, and their cultural identity is nurtured. Our community is rich in diversity, and we value the learning opportunities this brings.
Meet the team
Senior kaiako-
Tenaya joined the KEL team in February 2023, bringing over 30 years of experience in early childhood education. She holds a Diploma of Teaching (ECE) from Te Tari Puna Ora o Aotearoa | ECNZ, completed in 2005, and has spent her career in parent co-operative, mixed-age centres.
Tenaya is passionate about the joy and growth tamariki bring to those around them and has a special interest in te ao Māori, which she thoughtfully weaves into daily routines. She is also a proud mum of three sons—one of whom is a fellow early childhood teacher.
Kaiako-
Riana joined the KEL team at the beginning of 2023. This is her first role in an early childhood centre, and it’s sparked a passion for teaching that has inspired her to pursue a degree in education.Riana loves being part of the KEL community, especially supporting tamariki as they learn and grow. She finds joy in watching each child develop in their own unique way and values the strong relationships she’s built with both tamariki and their whānau.
Kaiako-
Maddy joined KEL with 18 months of ECE experience, after graduating as a qualified teacher in 2021. She previously completed a Bachelor of Design in Fashion at Massey University and worked as an art teacher with primary-aged tamariki.
Maddy brings creativity, warmth, and a fresh perspective to our teaching team, and we’re thrilled to have her as part of the KEL whānau.
Kaiako
-
FounderIt all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.
Kaiako-
Jim joined the KEL teaching team in January 2023 after completing his ECE qualification through NZ Tertiary College in 2022. Originally from Wiltshire, England, he moved to Aotearoa at the age of ten.
With a background in music and teacher training from Victoria University, Jim discovered his passion for early childhood while relieving during his studies. He especially enjoys exploring science alongside tamariki and nurturing their natural curiosity.
Outside of KEL, Jim plays in a band and lives with his partner Paulette, who is also a musician.
Centre manager-
FounderIt all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.
Our committee
A NON-PROFIT COMMUNITY SERVICEKilbirnie Early Learners is an incorporated society and a registered charity, determined by a constitution. We are governed by a committee made up of whānau and the staff. The Committee is elected each year at the Annual General Meeting and is responsible for financial management, grant applications, employment of staff and for regular review of the Centre’s operational and guiding documents.
The Committee is supported by Helen Baxter our Manager and Kathleen Reece our Financial Administrator. Whānau can support the Centre by joining the Committee, or volunteering for other jobs such as maintenance, washing and working bees etc.