About us

Awapuni Under Fives Community Preschool is located on the grounds of Awapuni Primary School in Gisborne. The preschool is licensed for 30 children and caters for children from two years to school age. We provide a rich environment where children learn in an affirming atmosphere where staff have high levels of respect and genuine interest in, and care for, their growth and development.

Awapuni Preschool reflects the beliefs and values of the wider community and has a strong focus on relationships, respect, social competence, equity, inclusion, sustainability and fostering children’s natural curiosity.

We aim to provide a warm caring environment with purposeful and challenging experiences which actively promote children’s thinking, problem solving and exploration. Te Reo me nga tikanga Maori are valued and incorporated into the life of the preschool. Staff work with and alongside children supporting social learning where they are encouraged to become capable, active learners.

Assessment and planning is responsive to children’s interests and strengths and values their culture and beliefs. Staff recognise children’s potential and offer programmes to cater for individual children’s learning with the growing use of the local community resources and contexts.

We believe that by providing a rich stimulating environment, qualified and professional staff, and nurturing children/tamariki, we contribute to children becoming life long learners and reaching their full potential.

Key features of the preschool are its extensive and growing links with the wider community, relationships and family connections, and close ties with the adjoining primary school. This has the additional benefits of children being able to access and become familiar with the school and the facilities it has to offer, such as using the school library, hall and computers, attend performances, events, and other special occasions.

The preschool works collaboratively with parents, Whanau and Awapuni Primary School and aims to provide a seamless transition for school aged children.