Aro Valley Preschool
Nestled in central Wellington in the heart of Aro Valley, our early childhood education centre believes children learn best through play!
Aro Valley Preschool
A community, not-for-profit, preschool
With families from local suburbs – Brooklyn, Highbury, Wellington Central, Kelburn, Mt Cook, Karori, Te Aro and, of course, Aro Valley itself – Aro Valley Preschool is a small community within a larger community –the connection families have with others, creates a sense of extended family within the preschool – where families help each other out and support new families to settle in.
Our community preschool is run by a parent committee, who assist with the governance of the preschool – budgets, policies, and fundraising are just a few of the tasks they participate in. A community preschool is not for profit – all money received by the Ministry of Education and from parent fees goes back into the preschool and helps to pay for quality teachers, lower ratios, preschool maintenance, running costs, and equipment.
Learning through play
Through play, children learn how to think for themselves, problem-solve, experiment, evaluate, and use trial and error to work through challenges. They become critical and creative thinkers who show persistence in difficulties. While playing, children also learn interpersonal skills, such as practicing communication, negotiation, listening, and sharing ideas. Play-based learning helps develop a child’s self-esteem, resilience, and desire for knowledge. All this learning while having lots of fun!
Our kids were instantly at home at the pre-school and the teachers went out of their way to connect with our family and include us in the community. It really is a special place.
Bill and Lindsay, parents of 2
The best thing about AVPS is being part of a community. My kids feel like they have a place they belong and have built trusted relationships with the Kaiako and other Tamariki.
Fionna, parent of 2
The preschool is great for providing individual care for our children. They are given a lot of attention, learn a variety of things (te reo Maori, sign language, songs, celebrations of different cultures, etc.). The children love to share with us what they have learned when they get home.
Sarah, parent of 2
When we came to Wellington for a six-month sabbatical in November 2023, we were mainly worried about how our three-year-old son would experience the time. In particular, we wondered whether he would find other children to play with and find similar learning opportunities to those in Switzerland. As soon as we moved into our flat in the Aro Valley, we made contact with Aro Valley Preschool. A few days later, we were invited to visit. After the first visit, it was clear to us: this is where our son should go to preschool! We liked the concept of free play and the fact that the children could choose from a wide range of different options both indoors and outdoors. There was always a very relaxed, calm and patient atmosphere in the preschool. They helped our son, who didn't speak a word of English at first, to quickly feel at home. We were always touched by the commitment and dedication with which the teachers at Aro Valley Preschool looked after the children. The fact that we had such a great time in New Zealand had a lot to do with the fact that we found a preschool for our child that he liked and that we liked. We are sure that he will never forget his time in Wellington. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts! Ngā mihi nui!
Anna and Julien, parents of 1
For our daughter, at age of 4.5, AVPS was the first ever preschool experience so it was extremely important for us to find the best she could get.
She used to be shy and wanted Mum to be around her all the time, however, by the time she turned five she gained independence, confidence and was ready to start Primary.
Now she is at Primary School, but she keeps on talking about the amazing experiences, lovely teachers, warm and loving atmosphere she was surrounded by in AVPS and during school breaks she asks regularly to visit back.
What I liked the most about AVPS was the approach of the wonderful teachers who clearly understand that each and every child has got their own personalities and needs. Keeping this in mind, they are carefully and professionally teaching them through playing. AVPS kids are always happy and smiling.
I will always be grateful for finding AVPS thus ensuring my daughter got the best possible early school experiences that is determining for the entire learning journey.
Szilvia, parent of 2
ARO VALLEY PRESCHOOL
48 ARO STREET, ARO VALLEY, WELLINGTON 6021
PHONE: 04 3845 156 EMAIL: INFO@AROVALLEYPRESCHOOL.NZ