After 25 years of early childhood teaching experience it was my dream to open a nature based early learning centre on our farm in Whenuapai so children could experience the same freedom and joy I felt by growing up on a farm, however with zoning and planning barriers it was not to be. That’s why we jumped at the chance to snap up Building Blocks Childcare centre when it came on the market and boy what a special hidden GEM it is!
We want to acknowledge the previous founders and owners Sandra and Gary Cully for establishing such a visionary philosophy, strong dedicated team and spectacular grounds for the children to explore over their twenty years of dedicated service. We look forward to adding a new chapter by contributing the best of what we have to offer and fully utilising the sprawling playground and five acres of farm land to introduce a genuine nature based setting and curriculum. Our plans include a massive kitchen garden, more farm animals and the planting of a forest walk and exploration track.
My family has had such a fabulous, fun start getting to know the amazing team and refurbishing the centre with brand-new NZ made furniture and ethically sourced resources for the children. We would like to thank Paul and Ashley from Learning Spaces Global and Sarah and Richard from Every Educaid who walked alongside us to help us turn our vision into reality.
Carl and I had been consistently impressed and so very grateful for the care and love that the teaching team show each and everyone of the children. We noticed that this wasn’t just a “Job” for the team, but more of a vocation with a lot of heart and soul behind all interactions and decision making. So with this in mind and lengthy consultation and support from the teaching team we decided to change the name to….
HEART & SOUL EARLY LEARNING CENTRE
This name and logo change does not change the strong philosophy that has evolved over 15 years. It is more of an acknowledgement and celebration of the special character of the setting and respectful relationships that already exist!