Cherry’s on Maryhill Ave is set on a large corner section in a modern building with shaded play-gardens. Hoon Hay and Our Lady of Assumption Primary Schools are close by. We are conveniently located one block back from Hoon Hay Rd and Sparks Rd, and access to the Centre is from Wyn Street.

When establishing the Centre we were very mindful of our impact on the environment and recycled all building materials possible. New cladding was custom-made by Halswell Timber. In the play-gardens we used locally sourced macrocarpa and manuka, and sustainably harvested purple-heart was used for the decking. A telegraph pole recycled into a swing frame.

The natural foundations of the play-garden include recycled Halswell stone, teddington chip, schist pavers, limestone rocks and a wonderful Indian sandstone mosaic. Our gardens and barrels grow a mix of native plants, herbs, perennials, fruit trees, vegetables and…cherry trees. We have a shady garden with large silver birch, cedars, magnolia, and camellias.

Inside we used natural products. The carpet is wool, the existing rimu flooring was renovated, and wet areas have Artoleum flooring which is biodegradable. The children’s furniture is all birch ply and much of their resources are natural or recycled, including beautiful wood, pottery, glass, china, and metal artifacts for the family play areas. We have only eco-friendly cleaning products. Our pine cots have cotton sheets, pre-loved woolen blankets and cotton quilts. Children drink from small tea cups and use porcelain plates and bowls, and they learn to respect crockery as they would in a home.

At any one time we have up to 33 children over two years of age at the Centre. We employ four teachers, plus a float teacher. The ratio of teachers to children amongst these older children is between 1:6.6 and 1:8.25. We usually have 12 infants and toddlers, with three rostered teachers and a float teacher. The ratio here is 1:3.6.

Your child is assigned to a teacher who is their primary care-giver and who will give feedback to you at pickup time. This teacher will also maintain a profile book documenting your child’s progress and interests during your time with us. We encourage parents to contribute to this document as well.

Cherry’s offers a high quality childcare and education service in a natural, caring, and safe environment. We provide a daily programme of free-play alternatives and planned activities, for example in maths, science, language, music, movement, art and craft. Our curriculum basis is Te Whariki and our focus is on children’s wellbeing, communication, belonging, contribution and exploration. We emphasise family involvement and a commitment to our multi-cultural heritage.