Very solid school in all areas. The teachers and staff were dedicated, focussed, and committed…read morebeyond the usual school requirement. Most staff gave up personal time to be involved in school events. It was a very positive experience being part of the community and easy to be involved supporting the school. We would highly recommend it to anyone considering this school. There are almost no schools in the area to match it. If only they ran an Intermediate school to follow on with life would be perfect...!

I wanted to provide another opinion after reading the other review here. Minimarc has now been…read morerenamed to MARC ELC but Meg is still the headteacher. Our child has been there for almost 6 months now and we are very happy with our choice of centre. It's true that this is not like other (probably for profit) centres where age groups are separated and toys and playthings look like new. If you want a centre where children stay dry and out of the mud and don't ride on skateboards to hit the fence or other risky play - then this probably isn't the centre for you. The children do learn through play - which is best practice and exactly what we were looking for. They spend time outside in all weather, as long as they're wearing appropriate clothing. All ages play together and it's lovely seeing the big kids quickly move their rough play out of the way of the little ones. When we have another child I'm glad they'll be able to spend their days together, instead of in the same centre but kept apart. The teachers are lovely and friendly, especially those who spend most of their time with the little ones. Meg is constantly looking to upskill the staff and there's great communication on the Storypark app around this. I must admit that I had a bit of a shock when I first came to tour as it was so different to my child's previous centre - the playground was a lot more challenging and it felt like there was more "danger". But seeing how the kids respond to the environment shows me how important this is. It also feels like a family, especially as it is a not-for-profit centre. There is no focus on advertising for new children or wanting to cut costs. Staff have worked there for ages and there is low turnover. Every child gets a name badge for their locker made in metal and they take it with them when they leave for school which is a really nice touch. They also provide all nappies (they do cloth) and all food is made on site. They're really child-led and care so so much for the kids there. If you work at PFR or ESR then it's a no-brainer but if you're from the surrounding community definitely go in for a visit. I feel like this hasn't really captured the spirit of the place but at least gives some balance.

It's often easy to find fault in a childcare center, however, Minimarc was so bad we quickly…read moredecided not to put our child there. Meg, the head teacher seemed put out that we asked questions about cleaning methods, and was very short when asked if there was a learning curriculum of any sort. She said the kids learned by playing outside or some such statement. Obviously didn't like being questioned about cleanliness or education in the center. There were under two's in a part of the building that wasn't seperated from the older kids, Meg said something like it's good for the different aged kids to play together. Also the under two's were not supervised 100% of the time. Outside, a Chinese/Asian young female staff member was on her phone, maybe 6 times in 3-4 minutes, while playing a CD of some song to kids. When this was mentioned to Meg, Meg said staff updated an online system / pics the center had. As the staff member quickly put her phone in her pocket when Meg approached, and other behavior = obvious BS. Also, the island lady was supervising outside play on the gym type equipment with kids in nappies. She said it's my lunchtime and got up and left the kids there, didn't inform other teachers, or the kids, or anything. Meg was upset that I might point out or question or even criticize anything in the center and said the center suits some people and others leave. I asked why do other parents take their kids out, she said different reasons, but it probably wouldn't suit me. The center is an incorporated society, with voted in staff / management I believe, which may explain why they don't give a toss...

Pinehurst offers an amazing education using the Cambridge curriculum and they have great teachers…read more Their is hardly any bullying and their are lots of different cultures of people there they offer great service opportunities that can go towards your resume. It's from years 1-13 and is a great school overall. I definitely recommend going their It does cost a lot of money $

Best little kindy out West. My nieces and nephews attended here and they all took to it like ducks…read moreto water. The teachers are really lovely and on the day's I have been a visitor the welcome is so friendly. The facility itself feels like a home away from home, very comfortable for the preschoolers as they get used to routines and a more disciplined form of learning. There is lots of unstructured play interspersed with mat time and projects done together. Outside the playground is a great avenue of endless exploration and games. Being right next to Oratia School would make the transition from 4 to 5 years and start of school an easy one.

Having sent three of my children through this West Auckland primary school I can vouch for their…read moreamazing attributes. While the principal has changed since we were there and a few new teachers have probably come on board, by all accounts Kaurilands is still a top primary school. We loved the community spirit, we loved the big field, the special events like the annual school fair, the talent quests, sports days and discos. Nothing beats morning jump jam to get your day going with voom! Their big field is an amazing resource with a regenerating wetland adventure play area surrounding the stream. Everyone is super friendly, starting with Jackie at the front office to the librarian, teachers and our favourite caretaker.

I finally got around to checking out my local Kindergarten for my son to be wait listed at by the…read moreage of two. Located just off the busy Onewa road on Nutsey Ave, is Northcote Kindergarten. The front door, leads you by the head teacher and administration office, where they greet you, and give you some pamphlet information on the center, and an enrollment form should you be interested. I asked lots of questions such as what age does my boy start, whats the transition like, do they proceed on to adjoining schools nearby, etc. The staff are all very helpful, and I was super pleased with the organisation. I was welcomed in, to look around and let my child play outside in the sandpit/playground with a group of children a year and a bit older; he absolutely loved the play time, the sand and water pit, the playground with hammock, and tunnels, and I was really pleased to walk out convinced I will be happy to have him learn in such an environment come 32-36 months of age. Its always great to look around, as North Shore really does have an abundance of fantastic kindergartens, and this one is a winner in my books.

I have loved my years with Meadowbank kindy for my two boys, and I highly recommend it to anyone…read moreliving in the area. It is so popular for a reason - the staff are great, so caring and friendly, and the facilities are quality. Also, the parents are a lovely bunch of people and many of us have stayed friends through school as well. The parent support group does a fantastic job of fundraising and arranging social events. Afternoon Kindy for kids over 3 is from 12:45-3:15, and Morning Kindy for kids over 4 is from 8:45-12:30 on Mon & Fri, and 8:45-11:45 on T/W/T. This has been a wonderful local community for us. If you have children who are 2 in Meadowbank, put them on the waiting list now!

This intermediate school is huge and serves as a catchment for at least five primary schools in the…read morearea. When our children moved from primary to intermediate they were the "big kids", dressed in a school uniform for the first time and ready to take up the challenge. Under the guidance of their long serving principal, Terry Hewetson, the school has gained a lot of notoriety from its links with international sister schools and its teaching style. Their auditorium is excellent, and the school embraces technology and communication. They have a morning Cactus Radio Station, run by the children themselves. My kids loved the food technology room (for the yummy treats they made there) and the swimming pool (many an exciting swimming sports day was held here).