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Early Education and Whānau Support

CMM's early childhood education centre is Aratupu Preschool & Whānau Hub, which provides high-quality affordable early childhood education for children aged up to six. Our curriculum is designed to meet the needs of whānau in our community and focuses on building strong and supportive relationships. Our point of difference lies with the whānau support worker, an on-site social worker ready to help resolve  issues with which whānau need support. We received a glowing ERO report at our last appraisal. We're located at 97 Harewood Road in Papanui . 

Aratupu offers:

We offer 20 hours free for 3 and 4 year olds and provide a cooked lunch for all children in the preschool.

In addition, Aratupu offers a network of services for families, including: an on-site whānau support worker, community health worker, a whānau room, parenting courses, child and parent groups, contracted skilled facilitators, and access to all Christchurch Methodist Mission services.

Staffing

Aratupu has the following child : staff ratios:  

- nursery (0 - 2 years): 8 children with 2 staff
- preschool (2 - 6 years): 30 children with 3 staff

Our teaching team is supported by a centre manager. Teachers are qualified early childhood teachers. All staff have a current first aid certificate.

Opening hours and fees

We're open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 2.30pm - feel free to drop in. Aratupu is open all year except for two weeks at Christmas and all statutory holidays. Half-day sessions are available in the nursery.

We provide 20 free hours for all 3 and 4 year olds. No additional fees are charged for those hours. Hours in excess of the 20 free hours are charged at $32.22 per six hour day. Absence days are charged at the usual rate. Fees are not charged during our Christmas closedown period. For those who meet the criteria, a childcare subsidy is available from WINZ.

What ERO said about Aratupu

The Education Review Office says the centre is well-placed to promote positive learning outcomes for children. In its 2020 report, it highlighted the fact staff at Aratupu focus on the individual needs of every child and develop supportive, ongoing partnerships with whānau. The report commended Aratupu’s unique services, including its strong connections with a wide range of agencies to access extra assistance for children and their parents. 

It acknowledged the commitment Aratupu makes as leaders and teachers to view children not in isolation but as part of a wider whānau and community unit. We are proud of this report and look forward to supporting many more children and whānau. Read the full ERO report at https://ero.govt.nz/institution/70407/aratupu-preschool-and-whanau-hub

Contact

Aratupu Preschool & Whānau Hub
97 Harewood Road
Christchurch 8053
Ph (03) 352 6816
Email: aratupu@mmsi.org.nz

Website: Aratupu Preschool
Facebook: Aratupu Preschool