Our Centre

Sydenham Community Preschool is a not-for-profit, community-based service governed by a parent-elected board. A centre manager oversees daily operations and leads the long-established team. The service philosophy is underpinned by Te Whāriki, the early childhood curriculum, and the Māori conceptual values of whanaungatanga (relationships), manaakitanga (respect and care), and kaitiakitanga (sense of place and belonging).

Our centre is an all day teacher-led licenced centre operating from 8.30am to 3.30pm, Monday to Friday (40 children, including up to 10 children under two). There are two sessions per day. 8.30am to 11.30am or 11.30am to 2.30pm, or until 3.30pm. We close for all public holidays and school holidays.

He aha te mea nui o te ao?

He tangata! He tangata!
He tangata!

What is the most important thing in the world? It is people! It is people! It is people!

  • "As a parent, what I value most about our preschool is the genuine sense of family. The teachers create a warm and caring environment where children feel supported, and encouraged to be themselves. It's incredibly comforting to know my children have been surrounded by people who truly care about their wellbeing and development every day. Having had four children attend Sydenham Preschool, I couldn't have asked for a better environment for them to learn, grow, and thrive. The dedication of the teachers and the strong sense of community have made our family's experience truly special."

    Amelie, Current Chairperson, Committee member since 2018

  • "Sydenham Community Preschool has been such a special place for our family, The teachers are caring, supportive, and genuinely invested in helping every child thrive. The welcoming atmosphere and fantastic learning spaces make the place where children feel safe, valued, and excited to learn. Being on the board has also allowed me to support the preschool's future and gain a deeper appreciation for the incredible work that happens every day."

    Alannah, Committee member since 2026

  • "Our family has been part of the preschool community for over a decade. I joined the committee seven years ago when my second child was in the infants and toddlers roo, and have remained involved ever since. What has always stood out to me is the strong sense of community, belonging, and whanau that the preschool creates for both children and their families. Over the years, I have watched my own children grow and thrive here, and now I have the privilege of working here at the preschool in a support role alongside our Kaiako. Being able to contribute both as a committee member and as part of the team has given me an even greater appreciation for the caring, inclusive environment that makes this place so special."

    Jasmin Timms Committee member since 2019

  • "We have the best preschool in the world. It is so nurturing and a beautiful hub of the community. It feels like one big whānau where every child is treated with love as their true self."

    Rachel committee member since 2020

  • "Sydenham Community Preschool is such an important part of our kids and wider whanau's lives. The connections we have made makes us confident and comfortable leaving our kids in this wonderful environment. The opportunities and learning from our tamariki experience is beyond what we could imagine. They really are like family."

    Rosie, committee member since 2021

  • "Kia ora, I'm Ruby and I've been a committee member since October 2024. What I love about the preschool is the emphasis on community and inclusiveness. I knew from our first visit that it was a community I wanted our family to be part of."

    Ruby, committee member since 2024