A caring and safe space, where our tamariki can shine

We have created a very special spacious and natural preschool for our youngest learners, ages 0-6. Our custom-built centre opened in July 2020, and features natural materials, finishes, toys and resources wherever possible. We have a large garden at the front of our centre for our tamariki to learn about nature and get lots of fresh, clean air. We also have access to the grounds of our big sister, Seven Oaks School for further exploration and stimulation of the senses.

Communication is at the heart of our preschool, because we understand that for your child to be relaxed, you need to feel relaxed too. Our experienced and friendly team will call you to let you know how things are going, not just if there’s a problem. We’ll get to know you as well as your child, so we can work together to help them develop into the amazing, confident and loving person they were born to be.

Lots of families are already enjoying the special character of our preschool – why not of****@se****************.nz">contact us to arrange a visit and join them? 

Small is beautiful

Nursery
We can accommodate up to fifteen 0 to 2 year-olds

Preschool
We have generous ratios for up to forty 2 to 6 year-olds

(Please note: children can be enrolled up to their 6th birthday)

0
0 to 2 year-olds
0
2 to 6 year-olds

Where to find us

77 Murphys Road, Halswell 8025

021 0288 4145

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Seeking Relief teachers

Are you passionate about working with young children? Do you value relationships as being a key part of tamariki learning experiences?

We have created a very special, spacious and natural preschool for our youngest learners, ages 0-6. Our custom-built centre opened in July 2020, and features natural materials, finishes, toys and resources wherever possible. We have a large garden at the front of our centre for our tamariki to learn in. We also have access to the grounds of our big sister, Seven Oaks School for further exploration and stimulation of the senses.

Like our big sister, Seven Oaks School, we believe that by inspiring, engaging and nurturing tamariki, their natural inner brilliance will have the opportunity to develop and shine, setting them up as confident, capable and caring life-long learners.

If you would like to find out more about how you can join our team as a reliever, please get in touch with our manager Jessie at office@sevenoakspreschool.co.nz
... See MoreSee Less

Seeking Relief teachers

Are you passionate about working with young children? Do you value relationships as being a key part of tamariki learning experiences? 

We have created a very special, spacious and natural preschool for our youngest learners, ages 0-6. Our custom-built centre opened in July 2020, and features natural materials, finishes, toys and resources wherever possible. We have a large garden at the front of our centre for our tamariki to learn in. We also have access to the grounds of our big sister, Seven Oaks School for further exploration and stimulation of the senses.

Like our big sister, Seven Oaks School, we believe that by inspiring, engaging and nurturing tamariki, their natural inner brilliance will have the opportunity to develop and shine, setting them up as confident, capable and caring life-long learners.

If you would like to find out more about how you can join our team as a reliever, please get in touch with our manager Jessie at office@sevenoakspreschool.co.nz

We are committed to incorporating nature and enhancing creativity in our nurturing setting. We offer quality and developmentally appropriate resources, in a comfortable home-like atmosphere. ... See MoreSee Less

Self Directed Learning

Since returning for the new year our kaiako have observed a big interest in building huts and enclosures in Te Waihora our over twos space. We have supported this interest by providing various loose parts for tamariki to use in their construction projects, allowing them plenty of uninterrupted time to complete their work and being close by to offer suggestions when things get tricky.

As we have observed the children continue with this play over several weeks it has been wonderful to see the learning that is going on; problem solving when something doesn't work out the way they want the first time. Social skills as they negotiate turn taking and figure out ways to express their ideas. Mathematic and scientific understanding as they figure out which items fit in different spaces and which parts have the structural integrity to hold up to the forces they are placing upon them.
... See MoreSee Less

At Seven Oaks Preschool one of our priorities is fostering a love of the outdoors in our tamariki. Over the Christmas break we have had some new additions to our fabulous outdoor play space. Nga tamariki have been absolutely loving all the new ways they can challenge their bodies as well as the opportunities for imaginative play that the new equipment is providing them! ... See MoreSee Less

Our talented kaiako took some time to celebrate the end of the year together this weekend.

Thank you all for the hard work and dedication you put into making Seven Oaks such a special place for our tamariki to come to each and every day!
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Strawberry season! Nga tamariki were very excited to have their first strawberry harvest from our gardens this week. We enjoyed sharing them together at afternoon . ... See MoreSee Less

Comment on Facebook

Good to see the garden is still producing like last year. I had hoped someone was keeping up the weeding!

Splish splash ... See MoreSee Less

Ra whanau! At Seven Oaks Preschool we have created a beautiful birthday tradition for our tamariki where a kaiako takes the birthday tamaiti to our sister school to pick flowers for a special sand celebration cake. They then work together to decorate their cake which is used to hold a candle so that their peers can sing ra whana/ happy birthday to them at kai time!

We have limited spaces available in our preschool for 2024 so get in touch if you would like to book a tour!
... See MoreSee Less

Ra whanau! At Seven Oaks Preschool we have created a beautiful birthday tradition for our tamariki where a kaiako takes the birthday tamaiti to our sister school to pick flowers for a special sand celebration cake. They then work together to decorate their cake which is used to hold a candle so that their peers can sing ra whana/ happy birthday to them at kai time!

We have limited spaces available in our preschool for 2024 so get in touch if you would like to book a tour!Image attachmentImage attachment

This week our tamariki have been enjoying spending time getting the strawberry bed ready for summer. They are learning about taking responsibility as they care for the plants and developing their curiosity as they hypothesize about how the plants will grow. ... See MoreSee Less

This week our tamariki have been enjoying spending time getting the strawberry bed ready for summer. They are learning about taking responsibility as they care for the plants and developing their curiosity as they hypothesize about how the plants will grow.Image attachmentImage attachment

This week our tamariki have been loving exploring our new paths which were installed over the weekend! Our huge outdoor space is set for summer! Get in touch if you’d like to arrange a visit to see our wonderful centre for yourself ☀️ ... See MoreSee Less

This week tamariki in Te Waihora room have been enjoying sharing a game of twister! Through their play they are developing social skills, self-regulation, challenging their bodies, and building friendships with their peers. ... See MoreSee Less

Our Huritini pepe enjoyed some sensory play last week! Sensory play is a great way for little ones to engage all of their senses and explore new concepts such as cause and effect. ... See MoreSee Less

Foundations for success…

Some of the things that make our centre special

Outdoor learning whenever possible

We believe in fresh air

As long as they’re dressed for the conditions, we encourage children to be outside as much as possible, learning through their senses and enjoying natural physical movement. We have a lovely big garden with a sensory area and where we grow lots of fruit and vegetables. We can also enjoy the grounds of our big sister, Seven Oaks School, where there are wildlife ponds and plenty of space to run and play. 

more opportunities to learn

Specialist classes

Our spacious and natural preschool has linked up with local specialist providers to run a selection of free afternoon activities on-site, making it easy for your little one to follow their passion without additional driving and admin for you! These include:

  • Ballet
  • Ball skills
  • Or whatever we can help arrange for your child

of****@se****************.nz">Contact us to discuss how to sign up for these sessions. 

We value connection with parents, whanau and caregivers

Parents welcome

Each child’s emotional wellbeing is at the forefront of our minds, so parents and grandparents are always welcome to stay a while after drop-off and join in the fun. By creating an open and collaborative atmosphere, we want our centre to feel like your home from home. 

Less plastic, more natural materials

A natural approach

We use natural, safe resources wherever possible throughout our centre, and aim to to everything as sustainably as we can. From wooden toys to 100% organic cotton materials for bedding, you name it, we’re doing our best to teach our tamariki to care for ourselves and the planet.

We focus on belonging through strong relationships

Nurturing relationships

We nurture every relationship at our centre to establish a strong sense of belonging, working in partnership with parents and whanau to ensure children feel safe, secure, and listened to.

Siblings and friends on the doorstep of our preschool

Shared values

Our values and philosophy is closely aligned with that of our big sister, Seven Oaks School. You can read more here about our philosophy and how we integrate these values into the national preschool curriculum Te Whariki. 

Specialist classes

Free on-site afternoon activities with specialist teachers

Ball skills programme for preschoolers – developing co-ordination and innate understanding of physics

Ball Skills

with Playball

We keep these sessions really fun and light, to help youngsters develop a love of ball sports. Introductory skills focus on developing hand-eye co-ordination and learning to predict how balls move.

  • 4 weeks
  • Age 18 months+

On-site ballet classes at preschool – developing a love of movement

Ballet Basics

with Dance Central

You’re never too young to start developing a love of dance. We give toddlers and preschoolers the chance to learn to dance, gain confidence and shine.

  • 4 weeks
  • Age 3+ – boys and girls welcome

You’re in safe and capable hands

Our experienced team are at the heart of our preschool community

Bruce McIntyre, co-founder

Seven Oaks School was opened in 2009, to empower children to thrive in our unpredictable and fast-changing world. Our success is based on providing socially, emotionally and environmentally rich educational experiences that are unavailable elsewhere.  I am so proud of the talented and committed team that take care of your children at Seven Oaks Preschool. We aim to support your children to learn that they can be seen, loved and respected out there in the big wide world, as well as at home. 

Jessie Jones, centre manager

I have been involved in ECE in various ways since 2008 and have a passion for providing great learning environments for tamariki. I love the ethos here at Seven Oaks and am excited to work with the wonderful team of teachers here!
I moved to Christchurch from Wellington with my husband Garrick in 2017 and together we have a daughter Hazel who will be attending Seven Oaks. We love trying out new places to eat and spending time in nature as a family.
This is a safe and community-focused preschool, says Danielle

Danielle Wilson, qualified teacher

I am passionate about building strong reciprocal relationships in early childhood. I am very excited to part of such an amazing team of heart-driven teachers who teach with love and are committed to children and their learning. I have a husband named Daniel and a cheeky dog called Tai. I have been teaching for 7 years and have loved every minute of it. I am looking forward to meeting you all and starting a new journey together and creating some wonderful lifelong memories.
Melissa

Melissa Arthurs, qualified teacher

My husband Paul and I have two children, Sophia (8) and Liam (6). I enjoy taking them out on bike rides, walks and exploring different areas. We love going camping in the summer and I enjoy getting out for the odd run when I have time. I have been working in ECE for two years but have always been interested in caring for children of all ages. I believe that forming positive relationships with whanau is of great importance as it is beneficial in supporting a child’s development, growth and their sense of belonging.

Hayley Lamb, qualified teacher

Kia ora whanau, my name is Hayley and I have recently started here at Seven Oaks preschool. I having been teaching in Early Childhood since gaining my diploma in teaching ECE in 2008. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, friends and going on adventures with my 5 year old daughter Eva and dog Winnie.

I look foward to getting to know you all.

Chloe Pettitt, qualified teacher

I have been working in early childhood for 5 years and have found a philosophy that really fits my own in the Seven Oaks community. Having my own babies has only solidified my love of nurturing and relationships in nursery spaces, experiencing early childhood education through a mother’s lens has grounded my practice. My philosophy draws inspiration from RIE, Pikler, and Magda Gerber’s research, with respectful relationships at the forefront of my teaching practice.

Leena Kharkrang, qualified teacher

Through my 15 years of experience, I have developed a philosophy centred around holistic understanding and whanau connectivity. I am passionate about working with toddlers. I love the continued nurturing and care element of toddler teaching and enjoy supporting them in developing their social and emotional awareness.

Alka Dherput, teacher in training

Although I have a Bachelor’s in mathematics and a Master’s in computer science, I have always wanted to work with children, and have decided to pursue my dream of becoming an early childhood educator! I came to find Seven Oaks through my daughter attending the preschool, I connected with the philosophy and as a parent truly felt connected to the people within the community. I feel honoured to learn alongside you all.

Claudia Mackenzie-Keats, unqualified reliever

My journey into the Seven Oaks community looks a little different than the rest of the Seven Oaks team. I started working at Seven Oaks looking to gain an understanding of typical child development as a foundation for my study toward my social work degree. In the last few years at the centre, I have found a passion for children and am looking forward to applying my knowledge into the social work field when I graduate next year.

At-a-glance fees

Seven Oaks Preschool Fee Schedule (effective from March 2022)
Open: Monday to Friday 7.30am to 4.45pm

Hourly rate
(up to 6 hours per day)
Hourly rate
(after 6 hours per day)
Full week

0-3 years

$7.50 $7.00 $270

3 years and over

Qualified for 20 free ECE hours a week
(maximum of 6 free hours a day)
Free $7.50 $170

Please of****@se****************.nz">contact us for more details or clarification

Register early to secure your child’s place at the right time

We will contact you to arrange an appointment to meet and discuss your family’s needs