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 3:30pm.

  • 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 ngā 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. We ensure that our local community is incorporated in daily learning.

  • 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


Centre manager

  • Helen has been involved in early childhood education for most of my adult life as a parent, teacher, and centre leader. She is currently a part-time Manager at both Kilbirnie Early Learners and Aro Valley Preschool, and also supports the sector as a mentor for senior teachers across Wellington. Helen is passionate about community whānau-led education, and is committed to supporting inclusive, whānau-based learning environments for tamariki and their whānau.

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Our committee

A NON-PROFIT COMMUNITY SERVICE

Kilbirnie 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.