Westlake Forrest Hill Kindergarten

Welcome to Westlake Forrest Hill Kindergarten, located in Auckland, New Zealand. Our establishment is a point of interest and a school, providing a nurturing and engaging environment for children to learn and grow.

Our kindergarten boasts a large and open outdoor area, which is perfect for children to explore, play, and make social connections. We believe in allowing children to take calculated risks and learn through hands-on experiences. Our outdoor space is designed to facilitate learning and encourage children to develop their skills.

At Westlake Forrest Hill Kindergarten, we recognize and value the uniqueness of each child. We understand that their knowledge and experiences are shaped by their family, culture, and home life. We actively welcome parents and whānau (extended family) into our community, as we believe that strong connections with families contribute to a child's wellbeing and sense of belonging.

Child-directed play is a key focus at our kindergarten. We work alongside children as co-constructors of knowledge, inquiry, and skills. By building on individual strengths and interests, we create an environment where children can grow, have fun, develop friendships, and learn about the world through a sustainable lens. Our teaching practices align with Te Whāriki, the New Zealand Early Learning Curriculum, ensuring high-quality and creative learning experiences.

One of the highlights of our kindergarten is our extensive vegetable garden. Here, children learn about planting, tending to seedlings, and harvesting seasonal produce. This hands-on experience connects them to nature and fosters an understanding of sustainability. We also collaborate with the adjacent community garden, further strengthening our ties with the local community.

Our dedicated team of qualified teachers, including Ulrike, Karen, Ann, and our head teacher Sheena, are passionate about early childhood education. They are supported by our teacher aide, Carolyn, and Administrator, Tania. Together, they create a warm and inclusive environment for children to thrive.

We believe that parents are interested partners in their children's learning. To foster family involvement, our teachers actively encourage parents to join our support group, engage in regular informal discussions, and participate in surveys to share their aspirations for their children's education.

Our kindergarten operates from Monday to Friday, from 8.45am to 2.45pm. Our office hours are from 8am to 4.45pm, Monday to Friday. We are closed during term breaks and public holidays.

To stay updated on what's happening in our extended network, head over to our AKA blog. We look forward to meeting you and welcoming you into our kindergarten and community.