Blossoming with care
A newly opened childcare centre in the Mount holds true to its philosophy of creating authentic, inspiring early childhood experiences.
A newly opened childcare centre in the Mount
holds true to its philosophy of creating authentic, inspiring early childhood experiences.
Words Catherine Sylvester
Alisha Merriman had a clear vision of exactly what gap she wanted to fill when creating an early childhood education centre. She knew, not only because of her many years as a teacher in this sector, but also firsthand, as a mother of two young children. What she envisioned was a unique learning environment for children and their whānau, where they could thrive, grow and learn.
Bloesem (“Blossom”) – a nod to Alisha’s Dutch heritage – is precisely what the centre believes its tāmariki will do. Backed by research highlighting the importance of environment being pivotal to learning, the centre has a calming feel to it. Walls are painted in neutral colours, with spaces left uncluttered. “Aesthically pleasing environments enhance the children’s learning journey,” Alisha explains.
By creating physical spaces that are enriching for children to learn and grow in, Alisha and her team share their passion for creating inspiring new experiences daily. The team carefully create a teaching plan together, incorporating invitations to play based on suggestions from the children. Their aim is to instil a love of learning in their community.
With the first Bloesem opening in Te Puke in April 2019, the team have taken the time to firmly establish their vision and strong relationships with the children, whānau and staff. A high priority for Alisha is that they stay true to the “why” of Bloesem, and that means ensuring the right team of people working together to uphold the vision, philosophy and consistency of the centre. “Keeping it authentic is so important,” says Alisha.
“At Bloesem, children and whānau are part of a nurturing, caring, joyful, tranquil environment.”
The Te Puke centre has thrived, despite the unexpected arrival of a global pandemic less than a year after opening. So when a spacious site opened up in Alisha’s own neighbourhood, the Mount, she knew it was the perfect time to expand the vision and provide another community with the inspiring Bloesem way of early childhood learning.
Opened in August, Bloesem Mount Maunganui also carries the vision statement: “Value and honour whanaungatanga, taiao, rangatiratanga which reflects the good of reciprocal relationships, for the good of the environment and for the good of growing self-confidence.”
With a strong philosophy and a growing need for more quality early childhood education centres, Bloesem is sure of its identity and what it offers the communities it is part of.
Life’s a beach at Twinkle Twinkle
A pirate ship, a submarine, and an ice-cream truck – this early childhood centre is made for little imaginations.
Words Monique Balvert-O'Connor Photos Supplied
Every day is summertime at Twinkle Twinkle Early Learning and Childcare Centre, Mount Maunganui’s new beach-themed early childhood facility. It’s the perfect setting for owner and managing director Rosie Crombie and her team to combine their love for the local community and their expertise in early learning.
Rosie’s own childhood was spent in Tauranga, with Mount Maunganui Beach her family’s treasured holiday spot. Inspiration for Twinkle Twinkle came from those wonderful memories. “I was keen to create something that represents what the Mount means to me – water, sand and sunny days,” says Rosie. The centre’s location in the heart of the Mount ensured the beach theme was fitting.
Twinkle Twinkle, which opened in March, is a lively space that prides itself on providing an environment rich in opportunities. It’s a purpose-built new facility with a number of custom-made props and learning materials. Rosie has a creative focus and high standards; for example, the pirate ship in the outdoor area was designed by the set creators from The Hobbit.
“The pirate ship incorporates all sorts of climbing, crawling and jumping opportunities to extend children’s physical capabilities while feeding their sense of fun and adventure,” says Rosie.
Outside, the sandpit is super-sized, and a thatched bure roof provides a shady spot for imaginative play. Beach-themed pictures of deck chairs, sunshine, shells and sea creatures adorn cupboard fronts.
Inside the centre, the ice-cream truck (complete with wooden ice creams and a number plate that reads TW1NKL) is a magnet for children over age two, while the submarine is a fun attraction for the younger toddlers.
The children are also delighted by the dolphin cut-out, palm tree, surfboard rack for dress-up clothes, and fish tank featuring a shipwreck.
Children equate the beach with happiness, and indications are the same thing can be said of Twinkle Twinkle. “The feedback we get from families is that we provide a service that makes their children’s lives – and their lives – better,” says Rosie. “Our driving force is to provide high-quality care and an impressive education programme for children, and to make life easier for families.”
“I am passionate about providing a support network for families,” adds Rosie. “I believe that when children are happy, families are happy.”
This philosophy sees Rosie working closely alongside her team, striving to deliver everything needed so they can provide quality care and be happy in their work. “If my staff are happy, that transfers to the children, and then to their families,” explains Rosie.
Also pleasing is the centre’s early learning programme, with its focus on putting individuals at the centre of their learning experiences.
“We observe their interests and plan how best to extend those experiences holistically. And when children turn four, we help transition them to be school-ready,” says Rosie.
Rosie’s time with the children at Twinkle Twinkle is hands-on when needed. She also manages the centre, oversees administrative and compliance requirements, connects with families, and generally ensures things run smoothly.
Rosie has a Bachelor of Management degree and her working life has included roles in governance and human resources with the Kindergarten Association. A mother of two sons, and wife to Craig, she started her first early childcare centre nine years ago, selling it to establish Twinkle Twinkle.
“My journey with Twinkle Twinkle is hugely rewarding,” says Rosie.
Located at 413 Mount Maunganui Road, Twinkle Twinkle’s capacity is for 15 under-twos and 45 over-twos. Some places are still available – visit twinkletwinkle.co.nz or check out Twinkle Twinkle’s cheerful Facebook page to find out more.