AIRDMHOR MONTESSORI
Your Questions Answered
What subsidies do you provide?
Subsidies are available through WINZ. We also support 20 Hours ECE and the Family Boost schemes.
Please enquire at your local WINZ office or speak with us at the Centre for guidance.
What are your ratios?
We are licensed for 30 tamariki/children, including 7 under 2s.
We offer a 1:5 ratio, with six Kaiako/teachers rostered on each session.
Are Tamariki/children allowed to freely move around the Centre?
Yes. At Airdmhor Montessori we are fortunate to have five distinct learning areas:
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Te akomanga Montessori / Montessori Classroom
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Te wāhanga Oranga Whai Pūkenga/ Practical Life Area
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Te whare Kōhungahunga / Nursery
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Te ruma tairongo / Sensorial room
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Te waho / Outdoors
Tamariki can move freely between the Montessori areas, independently choosing activities within a structured environment.
The Nursery is primarily for under‑2 tamariki, but older tamariki may visit when ratios allow. We value tuakana‑teina relationships, where older tamariki role‑model and support younger ones to ensure positive outcomes for both groups.
What does a typical day look like at Airdmhor.
Our centre is open from 7.30am to 4.00pm.
Morning Arrival & Exploration
On arrival into the centre the tamariki settle into an area of their choice, spending the morning choosing activities from around the environment. The principle of our Montessori philosophy is that Tamariki learn through freedom or exploration in a prepared environment, with their learning scaffolded by Kaiako.
Rolling Morning Kai
We offer a rolling morning kai, and tamariki are invited to enjoy their kai throughout the morning when they feel ready.
Reflection Time
At 11.10am, tamariki move into their age groups for reflection time.
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Ages 3–5: Children spend time drawing or writing in their reflection books, thinking about experiences or learning that has taken place. They share this with the kaiako in their learning area.
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Under 3s: Younger tamariki enjoy smaller group times with their peers, focusing on connection, language, and early learning experiences.
Grace and Curiosity and Music
At 11.30am, our older tamariki participate in Grace and Curiosity, followed by a whole‑centre group music session.
Some tamariki are farewelled after this session. Those staying for the afternoon enjoy lunch together.
Afternoon Session
Our afternoon session begins at 1.00pm, following a similar rhythm to the morning with opportunities for exploration, choice, and engagement in the prepared environment.
Reflection time takes place again at 3.10pm.
End of Day
The session finishes at 4.00pm, and tamariki who remain spend time in one area choosing activities until they are collected.
Montessori Classroom Invitations
Tamariki aged 3 and 4 are invited to work in the Montessori classroom. A personalised work folder is introduced when a child shows readiness through sustained concentration and engagement.
How do you settle Tamariki/children into the Centre?
Every tamariki is unique, but we generally recommend three one‑hour visits on the days they will attend, ensuring they get to know the staff and tamariki who will be there on the same days.
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Visit 1: You stay with your tamariki, working alongside them as they explore.
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Visit 2: Stay close at first, then step back once they are settled to allow independence and kaiako connection.
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Visit 3: Move to another area of the preschool so your tamariki can experience being here without you in sight.
How do you communicate with Parents?
We communicate through text, email, Facebook, and most importantly, face‑to‑face conversations.
We also host six‑monthly parent interviews, where you can meet with your child’s profile kaiako to celebrate your tamarikis learning growth and look through their learning journal together. During this time, we plan together for their ongoing developmental needs.
Who will be my child’s key teacher?
Our teaching team collaborates closely, sharing insights into each tamarikis learning. Each kaiako brings different strengths, offering a holistic approach.
Every tamariki is assigned a key kaiako who:
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Observes their learning
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Sets a learning goal aligned with Te Whāriki and the Montessori philosophy
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Meets with you at the 6 monthly interview to evaluate their learning outcomes and plan for their future interests or needs.
After each evaluation, we may reassign your tamariki to a new key teacher. This ensures every kaiako builds strong, meaningful relationships with all tamariki.
What do I need to bring for enrolment?
On enrolment you are required to bring:
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Your child’s birth certificate or passport
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A completed enrolment form
What do I need to bring when my child starts preschool?
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Backpack – small enough to carry, large enough for belongings
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Lunchbox they can open independently + thermos if needed
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Full change of clothes - socks, underwear, pants, top, all labelled
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Weather‑appropriate items – jacket, hat, sunhat
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Comfortable shoes – Velcro preferred
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Nappies/pull‑ups and creams if needed
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Comforters for sleep time (dummy, sleep sack, favourite toy)
How do you support neurodiverse children?
We believe tamariki are individuals, therefore we meet each tamarikis needs differently. We work alongside professionals and parents/whānau to ensure all tamariki feel safe, seen, understood and are able to thrive.
Lunchbox ideas
Please check the websites below from the Ministry of Health and NZ Nutrition for lunch box ideas for your Preschoolers.
NZ Nutrition Foundation – Nutrition Facts and Healthy Lunchbox options
At Airdmhor, water is always available.
We discourage drink bottles and instead encourage tamariki to pour their own water from jugs and cups, supporting independence and reducing the spread of germs.
Celebrations of Birthdays at Preschool
Birthdays are special in Montessori philosophy therefore we like to celebrate each and every tamariki in a special way. Close to your tamariki’s birthday, their profile kaiako will arrange a time for you to join us at music time.
We create a special birthday card using a photo you provide.
On the day, your tamariki
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Chooses favourite songs
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Invites preschool friends
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Walks around “the sun” holding planet Earth, celebrating milestones
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Blows out the candle
We sing happy birthday and welcome whānau to share songs in their own languages.
How does your bus service work?
Our bus service picks up tamariki from Halswell, Hoon Hay, and Wigram, departing Airdmhor at 8:00am.
Afternoon drop‑offs leave Airdmhor at 4:00pm, dropping children off to the same areas.
There is a waitlist for this service, so please inquire.