Eden Cottage
Eden Cottage has continued to grow in consistency and quality across teaching, planning, and assessment. The stability of our teaching team has been a positive this year and is central to the growth of Eden Cottage, and to supporting staff wellbeing and ensuring that tamariki receive consistent, high-quality care and education.
This year, nine tamariki graduated from Eden Cottage and transitioned successfully to primary school. Demand for places at the centre continues to grow, with a waiting list now in place – particularly for children aged 2–3 years. Whānau consistently express their appreciation for the care, education, and support provided at Eden Cottage, and we are proud to see our service so highly valued.
Within our staff team, a significant shift has taken place in our approach to professional development. Moving from individualistic learning to a more collaborative model has enabled cohesive team growth. All qualified Kaiako (teachers) are now recognised as Persons Responsible, strengthening leadership capacity and further contributing to the high standards of teaching, planning,
and assessment.
Last year, the team designed and established our local curriculum shaped and guided by the values of Visionwest. An improved understanding and implementation of Te Whāriki has also been a rewarding achievement this year, enhancing both the quality of teaching and the depth of assessment practices.
Community engagement has increased through planned walks and campus activities, which have strengthened our connection with the wider Visionwest whānau. Events such as our Christmas concert were highly successful with the added benefit of encouraging active parent and whānau involvement.
Over the past 12 months, we have made notable improvements in compliance, with strengthened systems that are now well established and maintained. Achieving these milestones has been both rewarding and encouraging for the team, ensuring that we continue to provide a safe and well-governed environment for all children.
With a stable and dedicated team, Eden Cottage is well positioned to continue providing high-quality early learning within a nurturing and supportive environment. Our focus on professional growth, curriculum development, community engagement, and compliance will ensure we remain a trusted and valued place of learning for our tamariki and their whānau.
Our free-fee offer has led to an increased number of enquiries for 2-year-old children – most of these from our website.
We are grateful for the growing number of dedicated volunteers who support Eden Cottage and further enrich the experiences of tamariki.
