"Here at Seedlings there is a strong focus on the importance of relationships, and the impact these relationships have on the happiness, development and learning of the child. Each individual child has some form of connection or relationship with their family, other children, their teachers, their environment, their community and the wider society. At Seedlings teachers provide children with opportunities to build relationships through; the layout of the environment, provocations and high-quality resources that are available, conversations, asking questions and being attentive."
"Space and design of the environment have a huge impact in the development of relationships for children – At Seedlings this is through the provision of experiences that allow children to engage by themselves, with a peer (child or teacher) or within a small group (2-5 children). Our spaces allow children the opportunity to develop social skills – communication, listening, negotiation and problem solving. We are proud to celebrate to high level of collaboration between children and children and children and adults within our centres."
"We were initially nervous about going back to work full time and enrolling our daughter in preschool, however the team at Seedlings were so supportive and made the transition really easy. Our daughter loves coming to preschool and is excited each morning to go and see her friends. Not only is she well nurtured, but she is also challenged and stimulated. Thanks Seedlings!"
Claire
"Both of our daughters have attended Seedlings on a full time basis since it opened in 2016. Entrusting the care of our children to others is a significant decision, however it was immediately apparent that the Seedlings staff were exceptional our children have thrived there. Preschool is a critical and important part of our busy lives as we juggle parenting and work commitments. We are so grateful for the care and support the staff at Seedlings provide our family."
Andy
"When I began looking for a daycare 4 years ago Seedlings Early Learning Centre came out the best option for us. It was the only one out of 6 centres that we looked at that my son wanted to get down and go and play by himself. They say that children choose their daycare/preschool and it’s true, my son did. My son seamlessly transitioned from the nursery to the preschool and grew from strength to strength. We felt very supported and he loved turning 4 and being a “big boy” as he got to attend Manaaki group daily. When it came time for our daughter to attend daycare the choice was easy for us. We ended up having to enrol her an extra day as she didn’t want to leave when her brother was dropped off! Seedlings has been amazing for our family and we’re so glad that we’re a part of what we feel like is a family."
Karryn
"Seedlings made the transition back to work for me so easy – Max was so tiny when he first started and every day he has flourished which is thanks to the amazing staff at the centre ?
The thing I love the most about Seedlings is that the teachers and staff truly care about and love my son. The centre always has great activities to inspire children and encourage growth. I know that when I drop my son off he’s going to have a great day and there is no worry on my part. I truly appreciate this. I could think of no better place to give my son a head start in life."
Leanne
"Since our son started at Seedlings in late 2017, we have felt like we’ve joined an extended whanau. We have felt welcomed, and our son has thrived in the preschool room. The teachers and staff have been nothing but supportive and invested in our son and our family as a whole. We’ve been thrilled with our decision to join the Seedlings community."
Greg and Nika
"We have been with Seedlings since February 2017 and have watched our son grow, change and develop on a daily basis. Wills transition to Seedlings wasn’t an easy one with a move from Wellington to Christchurch, from in-home care to preschool there were some huge changes which proved challenging. The love, care and support Kylie and her team provided us during this transition period was second to none. Fast forward 1.5yrs and our son is a confident, talkative, bossy(!) 3.5 year old. His personality and independence have grown. Seedlings offered us a professional, safe, flexible, fun, creative environment with a good level of structure. Our son is at the centre full time and we trust the staff implicitly to look after him on a daily basis. Their communication on his development is excellent and we know that he is loved. Seedlings is a huge part of our family. A special mention to Jess, Nicky and Paige who make a difference in Wills life on a daily basis."
Chloe
"My now almost 4yr old twin boys started at Seedlings in Jan 17. From the very first visit we have always been made to feel welcomed, loved and listened to. My boys are treated and encouraged as individuals all while embracing their bond as twins. The teachers take the lead of the children when planning which leads to engaged and excited children. Any concerns from the teachers are always communicated meaning issues can be addressed quickly which for us has meant an eye issue which is easily treated in young children has been prior to getting more complicated as my son gets older. The children are always made to feel loved which was the most important thing for me when picking an Early Learning Centre, they ALWAYS get cuddles when needed! I am watching my boys grow into incredible, caring and thoughtful humans with the help of their Seedlings family who continue to support, encourage and challenge them every time they walk through the door. I can't thank everyone at Seedlings enough and I will never have the words to truly explain my appreciation."
Diane