Sophia Preschool Limited - Sophia Preschool Limited 1160 South Road

Situated in Oakura, a beautiful coastal village, 15 minutes out of New Plymouth, Sophia Preschool is a well-established, Reggio-inspired, small centre for 2-5 year old children.

We are housed in a 100-year-old villa set within a garden that is a working model for nature connection and sustainability. Visitors to the preschool often comment on the calm atmosphere and homeliness that the cosy corners and soft spaces provide. This homeliness is deliberate and in sharp contrast to the usual institutionalised environments for children. Natural or recycled materials and solid wood furniture is used throughout the environment. Natural materials are used for art and construction and recycled items enrich imaginary play and foster creativity - all generating an environment with an earthy aesthetic, grounded in our belief in sustainability and being authentic to our place and culture within Aotearoa/New Zealand. Because we are in an old refurbished villa, the various rooms allow for quiet morning meetings and for small groups to engage in play and learning with their teacher.

This thoughtful planning and consideration for the environment and the care and attention given to all the spaces and the resources is a tangible way that management and teachers show that children are valued and respected. This commitment to the environment demonstrates something else that underpins our philosophy, that of the environment as the 'third teacher'. We view the environment as a living space, where the environment is a 'teacher' actively participating in the process of education. This idea of the environment as an integral part of the educational experience and something that supports children's learning, allows for children to engage the environment with their friends and respond to the thoughtful decisions made by the teachers. 

The other facet behind the creation of a better place for children was establishing a centre that held a view of children as strong, rich, confident, creative and curious with all the ability to construct their own learning. This image of children is the corner stone to how relationships with the children are forged and how teachers see themselves as co-learners. 

We also hope that with the emphasis on relating to others and how relationships underpin all that we do, these children will carry their awareness of social issues with them and stand up for their rights and the rights of others throughout their lifetime.

Teachers build this sense of self worth in children by listening to what the children have to say and thinking about and reflecting on what they are communicating. We believe that children bring valuable experiences, theories, knowledge, skills and questions to preschool with them.