Lucknow Kindergarten 102 Lipscombe Crescent, Havelock North, Hawke's Bay 4130

Lucknow Kindergarten, located at Havelock North, Lipscombe Crescent, 102, is a warm and inviting establishment that offers a unique learning environment for children. When you step inside Lucknow Kindergarten, you will immediately feel the natural ambiance and welcoming atmosphere that embraces everyone.

As you explore the surroundings, you will hear the delightful sounds of bird life and insect life, along with the joyful voices of both children (ākonga) and teachers (kaiako) as they engage in discovering and understanding the world around them. The children actively participate in caring for the environment, such as feeding leftovers to the noke (ducks) and the heihei (chickens), as well as collecting eggs for baking and harvesting worm castings for the marakai (garden).

At Lucknow Kindergarten, children are encouraged to lead their own play and make independent decisions on how to engage with the environment. They have access to various elements such as water, sand, mud, and climbing structures, which promote the development of essential physical and social skills. In addition, the teachers empower the children to resolve conflicts and differences, guiding them towards peaceful resolutions.

During small whānau (family) group time, both teachers and children gather to share stories, engage in conversations, and recite pepeha (a way to introduce oneself in Māori culture). The dual heritage of Aotearoa (New Zealand) is highly valued and celebrated at Lucknow Kindergarten.

Creativity is fostered in all aspects of the learning environment, including visual arts, dance, music, clay, and modeling. Teachers and children collaborate in researching ideas and asking thought-provoking questions, which promote literacy, language learning, and mathematical and scientific exploration.

Lucknow Kindergarten encourages family involvement, with parents and grandparents often visiting to share in their child's learning journey and spend time in the learning environment. Each child has their own portfolio of learning, and an individual plan is developed for their educational growth. The use of iPads by the teachers allows children to actively participate in the writing and printing of their own learning stories.

Visitors are always welcome to pop in and experience the special learning space at Lucknow Kindergarten, where they can meet the dedicated teachers (Kaiako) and witness the nurturing and empowering environment firsthand.

At Lucknow Kindergarten, the belief that "a child is a treasure, to be nurtured, to grow, to flourish" is at the core of their values. They prioritize the present moment, valuing each child as capable, competent, strong, and empowered. Individual learning, feelings, and warm responsive relationships are cherished, alongside exploring the sciences, maths, arts, language and literacy in three languages (te reo Māori, English, and Signing), and physical challenges.

Environmental sustainability is highly regarded at Lucknow Kindergarten, and a bicultural partnership is fostered, guided by Te Tiriti o Waitangi (Treaty of Waitangi), ensuring respect for all past, present, and future learners.

Lucknow Kindergarten operates from Tuesday 23 January to Thursday 21 December, Monday to Friday, and is open during term breaks (excluding Christmas break and public holidays). The cost for any hours exceeding 6 hours per day is $5.00 per hour per child/tamaiti, with the 7.5-hour (8am – 3.30pm) session being the only chargeable session.

The teaching staff at Lucknow Kindergarten are highly qualified, with qualifications such as Diploma of Teaching (ECE), Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood), Bachelor of Education, and Graduate Diploma of Teaching (ECE).

For more information about Lucknow Kindergarten, please visit their individual kindergarten pages, and don't forget to inquire about your child's eligibility for the 30 hours of free education. Lucknow Kindergarten is operated by Heretaunga Free Kindergarten Association.