Waverley Street Kindergarten
Up to 30 hours free • Play-based learning • Transition to school • Enviroschools Silver
Poipoia te kākano, kia puāwai
Nurture the seed and it will blossom
Hours
Monday: 8.30am - 2.45pm
Tuesday: 8.30am - 2.45pm
Wednesday: 8.30am - 2.45pm
Thursday: 8.30am - 2.45pm
Friday: 8.30am - 2.45pm
Welcome to Waverly Street Kindergarten
At Waverley Street Kindergarten, we offer a play-based curriculum where tamariki are empowered to think, explore, question, contribute, be curious, grow in confidence and resilience, show kindness, and see themselves as capable learners and contributors to the world around them.
Our team of experienced and intentional kaiako work alongside individuals and groups of tamariki to support their interests and deepen their learning. Our goal is for children to become self-motivated, confident, and capable learners.
The kindergarten is well-equipped with a wide range of learning resources that inspire curiosity, imagination, and exploration. We plan meaningful experiences that support literacy, numeracy, and science learning, and tamariki regularly take part in a specialist gym programme, visit nearby Richmond School, and enjoy walks into the town centre.
We’ve also created a community garden space on the edge of Richmond School grounds. Tamariki regularly visit this area to engage in gardening and learn about growing plants, trees, and vegetables to share with the wider community.
We celebrate the diversity of our whānau and have created an inclusive environment where all tamariki experience equitable learning opportunities. For our older tamariki, we offer a transition-to-school programme that includes daily group learning and visits to our nearby school—supporting a smooth and positive step into the next stage of their learning journey.
To further enrich literacy, our in-house library allows tamariki to choose and take home a book each week.
Our Team
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Matthew Shea
Head Teacher
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Leah Kilkelly
Teacher
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Kelsie Evans
Teacher
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Tessa Hick
Teacher
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Alannah Robinson
Teacher
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Clare Hall-Smith
Administrator
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Ngā Hononga – Relationships
We foster open, respectful, and trusting relationships between kaiako, tamariki, and whānau—relationships that are authentic and celebrate each child’s unique identity. We value the knowledge whānau share about their tamaiti, and this guides our decisions as we work together to provide meaningful learning experiences.Whakamana – Empowerment
Kaiako create an equitable learning environment where every child has a voice. Tamariki are empowered to share their ideas, lead their learning, grow their capabilities, nurture their curiosity and resilience, and see themselves as successful learners (UNCROC).Kotahitanga – Holistic Development
Our learning environment supports the developing capabilities of our tamariki in a connected and holistic way, nurturing their physical, emotional, social, cultural, and spiritual wellbeing.Kākanorua – Bicultural Practice
We embrace the bicultural heritage of Aotearoa and recognise Māori as tangata whenua. We work in partnership with whānau to ensure tamariki thrive in an environment enriched with bicultural understanding and practices—supporting their success as Māori learners.Mana Reo – Communication
Kaiako actively notice and share the rich learning happening for tamariki. This is communicated through conversations with whānau and made visible in our assessment, planning, and evaluation for individuals and groups.Kanorau – Diversity
We celebrate the diverse learner identities that make up our kindergarten community. By working collaboratively with whānau, we create a culturally responsive and inclusive environment where every child feels valued and empowered to contribute through play. -
Waverley Street Kindergarten is nestled near Richmond School and the town centre, giving tamariki access to rich community connections. Our well-resourced environment invites curiosity, creativity, and exploration, with spaces thoughtfully designed to support investigation and imaginative play. Tamariki also enjoy regular visits to our community garden, local gym sessions, and walks that extend learning beyond the kindergarten gates.
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At Waverley Street Kindergarten, we offer a play-based curriculum that nurtures curiosity, confidence, and a love of learning. Tamariki are encouraged to think deeply, explore ideas, ask questions, and express themselves as capable and resilient learners.
Our experienced kaiako work intentionally with individuals and groups to extend children’s thinking and support their learning journeys. Rich learning experiences are carefully planned to strengthen early literacy, numeracy, and science knowledge, using a wide range of resources and hands-on opportunities.
Tamariki regularly take part in a specialist gym programme to support physical development and wellbeing. We also enjoy strong connections with our community, including regular walks to the Richmond town centre and visits to our community garden space, where children learn about growing and caring for plants, trees, and vegetables.
An in-house library encourages a love of books, with children choosing a book each week to take home and share with their whānau. For our older tamariki, a dedicated transition-to-school programme includes planned group learning experiences and regular visits to our local primary school, supporting a confident and positive move to the next stage in their learning.
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Most sessions are free under the Ministry of Education’s 20 Hours ECE policy. Some fees may apply for additional hours or children under two. Family contributions are requested to cover extra activities.
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For Whānau
Nau mai, haere mai – a big welcome to all tamariki and whānau.
At Waverly Street Kindergarten, children can begin their learning journey with us from the age of two. We’re open Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 2:45pm. Our kindergarten operates from mid-January through to late December, with breaks during the school holidays and over the Christmas period.
Before your child officially starts, we encourage three settling visits. These help tamariki feel comfortable in their new environment and give you time to build a relationship with their key teacher — supporting a smooth and positive transition into kindergarten life.
We look forward to meeting you and sharing our wonderful kindergarten with you.
Read the latest Education Review Office report for Waverley Street Kindergarten.
