It’s been a journey of four years and a labour of love to restore and rebirth All Hallows Church in Campbells Bay. Its reincarnation as Campbells Bay Early Learning Centre is certainly striking and modern. It has been architecturally designed around the 1950s-built church, a heritage building, thus respecting its history and place in the community.
The learning centre opened in late January and prior to this, in December, the team invited the neighbourhood and past congregation members to see just how much has changed and what a modern, environmentally conscious pre-school looks like.
Along with heritage building renovation requirements, many materials were reused thoughout the centre and the church has been seismically strengthened and kept as a hall space. The pohutukawa trees remain and a living roof planted with muehlenbeckia astonii allows local residents to enjoy a greener view as they pass by, and the green wall inside is a welcome sight from the main entrance.
But where to start on all the education and care features? All teachers are Early Childhood Educators and the centre incorporates the RIE (Resources for Infant Educators) philosophy developed by Magda Gerber in the 1970s. Infant Team Leader Zoe Powell says, “RIE is all about treating the child with respect from birth. Allowing them time, space and trust to learn at their own level and stages. Being aware of baby’s perspective, slowing ourselves down and being present.”
For the older children, the Reggio Emilia method is used to encourage learning through play and language. Extending thinking and problem solving are encouraged and the array of toy loose parts allow these skills to develop and flourish. In keeping with environmental responsibility, toys and furniture are mostly wooden.
Rooms are spacious, full of light and uncluttered, opening out to the garden and outdoor play areas, while the sleeping areas are carpeted and quiet. Outside, a grand old pohutukawa provides extra shade over native plantings, playground equipment includes a pirate ship with slide, and there is a stream that is filled by the children using a self-generated hand pump.
Daily meals are carefully planned with an onsite chef who caters to allergies and intolerances, and there is always a vegetarian alternative to the main meal.
Centre Manager Hayley French says, “Safety and security is very important too and the internal access into the building from the basement carpark can only be made with a supplied key tag.” Parents have a comfortable lounge to use when catching up with other parents or to wait in while their child settles in.
Campbells Bay Early Learning Centre is open now for children aged three months to six years and you are welcome to visit and see for yourself the educational spaces and quality materials and facilities, meet the friendly, caring team and smell the fresh air out in the garden.
Campbells Bay Early Learning Centre
220 Beach Road, Campbells Bay
Hours: 7.30am – 6.00pm
P: 09 479 9090 E: hayley@campbellsbay-elc.co.nz
www.campbellsbay-elc.co.nz
