03-359 7675
ABOUT US
ABOUT US
We are a non-profit, community-based Preschool, situated in the Bishopdale area. Our centre has been operating for many years providing quality care and education for the children of our local community. We have a license for 40 children, 8 in the Nursery with a ratio of 1 adult to 4 children and 32 in the Preschool with a ratio of 1 adult to 8 children. Ninety percent of teachers are fully qualified. Each child has a Personal Profile Book in which their achievements and progress from their first day are recorded.
At Cotswold Preschool and Nursery we have a self-choice programme and base our planning around children’s interests. Therefore learning & development is not based around subject areas but around the dispositions for learning. These help children develop courage, curiosity, playfulness, trust, perseverance and confidence. Our curriculum encourages children to become robust and enduring thus equipping children for future learning.
Our centre is run by a parent committee which is elected each year at our AGM. All parents are welcome to join and become involved in the continued growth and development of our centre.
At Cotswold Preschool and Nursery we have a self-choice programme and base our planning around children’s interests. Therefore learning & development is not based around subject areas but around the dispositions for learning. These help children develop courage, curiosity, playfulness, trust, perseverance and confidence. Our curriculum encourages children to become robust and enduring thus equipping children for future learning.
Our centre is run by a parent committee which is elected each year at our AGM. All parents are welcome to join and become involved in the continued growth and development of our centre.
Our Team
Della Dunnill
Senior Teacher (Diploma of Teaching 1998). When I’m not at work you will find me out in my garden, walking my dog or away fishing with my fishing mad husband. I grew up in sunny Motueka so go back whenever I can.
Lorraine Ellery
Assistant Head Teacher (Diploma of Teaching 1995). When I’m not at work I love walking and cycling on my new e-bike. I am married and have 1 grown up son.
Joy Weusten
(Diploma of Teaching 2002). When I’m not at work you will find me pottering in my garden, walking my dog, or at the beach. I am married 2 daughters and a granddaughter and love spending time with them.
Geethi Roy
(Graduate Diploma of Teaching and Learning 2005). I am married and have a son (who came to preschool). I love music and play all key board instruments. I teach music in my spare time. I am from Sri Lanka and moved to NZ in 2001.
Charlotte Schultz
(part time Nursery teacher & Reliever). I am married to Dean and have 3 children (two attended preschool). I love music, singing and have a certificate in performing arts. I started working here in 2016.
Vicki Chapman
Operations Manager. I started my position at Preschool in 1998. Both my son and daughter attended preschool. I love cooking, woodwork, travel and writing short stories. I am a volunteer at Ronald McDonald House.
Vicki McBratney
(Diploma of Teaching NZ & NNEB Diploma UK 1992). I am married to Andy and have 3 children. I am from England but have lived in NZ since 1999. I enjoy baking and various crafts.
Deirdre Curd
(Lunch Cover & Reliever. When I’m not at preschool I am busy with my 3 daughters and 8 grandchildren (most attended preschool). I enjoy gardening, biking and going on holiday. I started working here in 1998.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
Learning is natural
Cotswold Preschool & Nursery provides a Quality Educational Programme based on Te Whaariki (Early Childhood Curriculum) where the children experience self-choice purposeful experiences throughout the day. All children are given respect and dignity in a positive and inclusive environment.
Children’s strengths and interests are extended by sensitive interactions and encouragement with whole-team effort and support. Teachers strive to offer a positive, respectful and inclusive environment where children are affirmed as individuals and encouraged to be creative, expressive, independent and confident learners.
We are also committed to upholding Te Tiriki O Waitangi and support the concept of biculturalism within our society.
Children’s strengths and interests are extended by sensitive interactions and encouragement with whole-team effort and support. Teachers strive to offer a positive, respectful and inclusive environment where children are affirmed as individuals and encouraged to be creative, expressive, independent and confident learners.
We are also committed to upholding Te Tiriki O Waitangi and support the concept of biculturalism within our society.
PERCEPTUAL MOTOR PROGRAMME
We at Cotswold Preschool and Nursery believe it is important to encourage children to use both the left and right sided of their brain. We incorporate the principles of a Perceptual Motor Programme into our daily experiences. Including the 4 station of PMP of hand eye co-ordination, balance, memory and eye tracking will involve experiences such as balance beams and boards, memory games, songs and dances that cross the mid line, eye tracking that could involve individual or a group of children.
We will often take some of the 4 year old children to focus on a small set of experiences that we set up in our hall to help extend on what we are doing on our normal programme.
We will often take some of the 4 year old children to focus on a small set of experiences that we set up in our hall to help extend on what we are doing on our normal programme.
OUR FACILITIES
We have a large open plan indoor learning environment where we provide a rich core curriculum for the children to experience. We have a large natural outdoor area where we encourage the children to learn through and with nature. Our small nursery is separate but open to the preschool to provide a safe environment but a smooth transition into the preschool.
- Bright and open indoor area
- Large attached separate hall space used for group times and our perceptual motor programme
- Large natural outdoor area with fully fenced field attached
- Fully resourced in all areas
- Secure off street parking
- Open school holiday (only close for 3 weeks at Christmas)
Our Location
37 Colesbury St,
Bishopdale 8543
Christchurch
Bishopdale 8543
Christchurch