pre schools in christchurch

[toby/lisa]

Hi

I am currently in Christchurch and am on the lookout for a good pre-school for me 2 year old. I thought I had found the ideal one called P.A.L (Pro-Active Learning) but found to my horror they actually have wooden workbenches outside with real hammers. I know the hammers were attached via a chain (a rather long one) but don't you think that is odd if not dangerous. They also informed me they use nails and wood. Hello but I don't think 2-5 year olds with this type of tools are good.

The hammers were available at any time and when a carer/teacher was not in that area any one child could have had a good old bash at another child.

I was also informed by a childminder that alot of the pre-schools have these. Is this a NZ thing and can it be found in most pre-schools?

Getting a little worried about putting my little girl in these kind of pre-schools now.

Plus can anyone reccommend a good pre-school on the west side of chirstchurch?

[nippa&pippa]

Welcome to NZ's childhood!!! They are not wrap in cotton wool like UK, freedom to try everything without restriction...
My son's face lit up when he saw kindergarten for first time, climbing frame (no no in UK), go kart (no no in UK), wooden brench with tools (no no in UK) and he been there for over 6months now without *touch wood* any accidents. They have enough staff to keep eye on children at ratio 1 to 10 for kindergarten. Honestly I am impress with kindergarten than UK's preschool.

Are you looking for pre-school or kindergarten??? (pre-school in NZ is same as day nursery in UK (cost you more!! $30 per day), whereas kindergarten in NZ is same as preschool in UK (cheaper at approx $8 a week))
Would be helpful tell us where about are you rent/live as i live in west chch too, burnside areas, and there are several preschools and kindergartens in west areas.
hth

[toby/lisa]

Hi

Am am looking at Burnside or Avonhead area. But I don't mind Harewood as hubby going to work in that area. I am told it is flexible with pre-school so don't have to live in area where pre-school is (unlike when they attend schools) My first child so want the best for her.

I liked the curriculum at P.A.L but a little concerned also that they can take upto 50 children in one day. Plus I don't know whether to go for pre-school or kindergarden. Never been to pre-school back in UK so I can't compare with anything, trying to take everything in and what to do as it is.

At the end of the day I just want what is best and not bothered by the cost (might have to eat my words later). Also have not found accommodation yet, still looking for a rental. Have a big list of arreas but seem to like Avonhead and Burnside (hopefully an area without blimim power lines over the house) as our first rental. And don't get me started on rentals..... lol

[Tia Maria]

Yes our local pre-schools also do 'wordwoork' and I had the same reaction as you at first - bare feet and nails didn't seem like the best mix!

So I spoke to them about their safety track record, the first aid training of the staff and their policies on behaviour. Everything they said reassured me.

My boys loved doing the woodwork and came home with some interesting creations! Also, so far I haven't heard of any accidents connected to this. So I think if you can find out if the pre-school has a good reputation among local mothers and you are happy with their policies on behaviour and safety then it should be OK.

I did view a few places, (I'm in Auckland), and felt some suited my children better than others so I would suggest viewing 3 or 4 and I'm sure you will find one right for your daughter.

Good luck

Cheers

Tia

[sizzlingbadger]

Your going to have to chill a little

The kiwi kids are all very hands on. Our local Playcentre has the carpentry table and my youngest was bashing bits of wood from 18mths onwards. As they've been bought up with activities like that there's rarely an incident, in fact the whole time I've been at Playcentre and kindy (nearly 2 years) I haven't heard of one horrible incident, maybe a bruised finger from hitting their own

We think it's great that they can do loads of stuff that they couldn't in the UK, the last play group in the UK my kids went to isn't a patch on what's available here.

Be aware that there is this free 20 hours coming in from the government in June/July. This isn't being taken on by all centres but it means you can get 20 free hours and then pay the extra.

Have a look at kindys I think they're much better than pre schools in that it's more focused on playing rather than learning at this stage, they're kids for longer. My eldest, now 6, attended one until he went to school and he's thriving at school above age level on most things.

[Lupin]

Agree with sizzling badger wholeheartedly about Kindergarten...have a look at a few and compare.

when a carer/teacher was not in that area any one child could have had a good old bash at another child.

Sorry, but I've yet to hear of a little kid "bashing" another with a hammer! Why would they?

Also, at our playcentre adults keep an eye on the woodwork are and adhere to a 2-1 (I think that's right) ratio in that area. I've watched quite small toddlers use hammer and nails etc although it is quite a shock initially. It not only teaches the child about woodwork but more importantly about cause and effect, that we trust them, that they are capable and that they can create. Let your children try it, force yourself to stand back and they can only benefit.

My four year old helps me chop wood with the axe

[nippa&pippa]

Pm you