A day at the centre
A day at Rewanui Early Learning Centre
Rewanui Early Learning Centre is a licensed early childhood centre at 531 Gladstone Road, Te Hapara, Gisborne 4010, open monday to friday from 7:45am – 5:15pm for children from under two through to those heading off to school. The centre is licensed for 33 children, with a separate space set up for under 2s and for over 2s, so every age group has room suited to the way they play, sleep and explore.
The shape of a day here is deliberately simple and predictable. Children arrive into a settled room, play for long stretches without being moved on, eat and rest together, and finish the afternoon outdoors wherever the weather allows. Because the centre is small, teachers know every child's rhythms and can follow them rather than shuffling everyone through the same routine at the same moment.
Learning is child-led and teacher-supported. That means tamariki choose much of what they do, and teachers notice what has captured their interest, then add materials, questions or a new challenge alongside them. Indoor and outdoor learning flow together through the day, so a child can carry a game from the mat outside to the sandpit and back again. The programme follows Te Whāriki, the national early childhood curriculum, which frames learning around wellbeing, belonging, contribution, communication and exploration.
Mealtimes and rest are treated as part of the curriculum, not an interruption to it. Children eat with their teachers, help where they can, and talk about what they are eating. Younger children sleep when they are tired rather than on a fixed clock, and older children who no longer sleep have quiet activities while the room settles. The parent information booklet sets out what to pack each day, along with our routines and policies.
Settling in is gradual and shared. Whānau are welcome to stay for a while in the first days, to tell us how their child likes to be comforted, and to check in whenever they need to. Our open door policy means you can come in, ask questions and see your child's day for yourself. At pick-up, a teacher will share something specific from the day, so you are not left guessing how things went.
If you would like to see the day in person, you are welcome to pop in during opening hours or call 06 868 9867 to arrange a visit at a time that suits your family.
The parts of a typical day
Every day shifts with the children, but these are the moments that anchor it.
Morning
Arrival and drop-off
Whānau come inside, settle their child and share how the morning has gone. A teacher greets each child by name, so the day starts with connection rather than a handover at the gate.
All agesMorning play and exploration
Children choose from what is set out and indoor and outdoor learning flow together. Teachers notice what has caught a child's interest and add materials, questions or a challenge alongside them.
All ages
Midday
Kai and kōrero
Children eat with their teachers, help where they can and talk about what they are eating. The parent information booklet lists what to pack each day.
All agesRest and quiet time
Younger tamariki sleep when they are tired rather than on a fixed clock. Older children who no longer sleep move to quiet activities while the room settles.
Under 2s
Afternoon
Afternoon outdoors
Digging, building, water and bikes, in all weather that is safe to be outside in. Children come home tired and muddy, which is usually a good sign.
All agesPick-up and a story from the day
A teacher shares something specific your child did that day, and you can ask questions or raise anything you have noticed at home.
All ages
Read before your child starts
Our parent information booklet covers routines, what to bring, meals, illness and our policies in full. It is the best place to check details that change from family to family.
Download the parent information booklet