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Wellsford Preschool Education Centre is on track to double its roll by the end of the year as more people move north to Wellsford in search of affordable housing.
The preschool has relocated from Davies Road to a new purpose-built centre on Centennial Park Road, increasing its capacity from 25 to 50.
The preschool has already swelled to 40 since opening in May and school licensee Annie Sulway says they will reach capacity by the end of the year.
“It’s an amazing place for children to learn and grow,” Annie says. “We have a large pond with a ‘pirate island’ and resident pet fish, turtles and birds. We also have some little lamb visitors. Children develop respect and a sense of responsibility in caring for animals at preschool.”
Annie moved to NZ from the Isle of Man 18 years ago where she worked in the airline industry for six years before embarking on a career in early childhood education
“It is not your typical nine-to-five job, as no day is the same. It has its challenges, but it is the most rewarding and fun career you could wish for. It’s about making a difference and you have to be dedicated and passionate about what you are doing to get the best outcomes for the children and their families.”
Annie says the local primary school has noticed the difference that quality early childhood education makes to entrants.
“We get a lot of feedback from primary schools about how students from the preschool are a lot more focused and ready to learn.”
The preschool provides lunch for the children, with two cooks making meals on site every day. In total, the centre has 12 staff, including five qualified teachers, two teachers in training and three teachers aides who care for children from six months to six years old.
