In Our Centre
Our Childcare
Cottontails is conveniently located a 2 min walk to the Stanmore Bay beach and children are lucky enough to be able to view the ocean from our covered deck.
Cottontails is split into a nursery for children under 2 years old and the main cottage for children aged 2 to 6. The children in the nursery have their own area but also have access to the the toddler and preschooler play area.
We offer extended hours Monday to Friday 7am to 6.00pm
Short Day – between 9am and 4pm or between 8:30am and 3:30pm
Full Day – between 7am and 6.00pm
We are open every weekday including school holidays, but excluding Public Holidays.
Where Relationships Matter
Building happy, confident and successful learners in a collaborative community supported by the natural beach environment. We recognise each child's unique contribution to this community and empower them to passionately pursue it, not only for this day but for life. Supporting parents in partnership.
"Mana Tangata – Children have a strong sense of themselves as a link between past, present and future. — Te Whāriki, p. 36"
Committed to providing meaningful learning in a natural, fun environment, embracing communities working together to ensure a strong future for our tamariki and their families.
Strong, trusting, collaborative relationships
Low teacher to child ratios
Natural friendly environment
Embracing the natural environment as a teacher
Developing a passion for learning
Kind and respectful members of the community
Strong sense of belonging and community
Acknowledging Te Herenga Waka O Orewa as tangata whenua
Sustainability to support our future generations
To inspire and empower children and families
People are affirmed as individuals
Te Ao Maori
Ako – teaching and learning
Fostering resilience
As members of the Stanmore Bay community, the owners started Cottontails because they wanted to provide a natural, friendly environment where tamariki (children) are happy and their whanau (families) are relaxed and stress-free. They have a strong sense of community and this is reflected in the philosophy of the centre. The natural environment focus presents opportunities for children to play together and develop friendships to last a lifetime. Their priority is low teacher to child ratios, to ensure quality teachable moments and strong trusting relationships with kaiako (teachers).
Knowing that Stanmore Bay Cottage holds a special place in the hearts of the community they wanted to retain the character and charm, but incorporate modern facilities and learning spaces for your children. They have done this by creating an amazing space that reflects the history of the cottage.
History of the Cottage
Originally built on land acquired as a Crown grant in 1857 by Henry Glanville, an early setler on the Whangaparaoa peninsula. Glanville died in 1859 and his widow and young family returned to New South Wales. The cottage was probably built by Richard John Marsh, farmer, who acquired the land from the first Henry Glanville's son, also named Henry, when he returned to NZ in 1878.
Once there was a man named Henry Glanville. At 3pm on the 26 February 1857 Henry obtained a Crown Grant for 49 pounds to purchase property in Glanville Bay, now known as Stanmore Bay.
Sadly two years later Henry passed away, leaving his widow with three young boys and a baby daughter on the way. The family returned to New South Wales where Mrs Glanville had another five children to William Henry Noakes
Henry's eldest son Henry returned to NZ 21 years later conveying his father's land. Henry continued to buy and sell land in the parishes of Waiwera and Makerau and purchsed his farm in Wainui.
Early photographs of the original homestead of Stanmore Cottage shows that it was built in the late 1870's built by a Mr Hill. The cottage was built hand sawn Kauri and a sister cottage still exists today in nearby Clyde Road.
We have a very large, and explorative outdoor area, outdoor covered decks for all year use and a team of energetic and experienced teachers.
We work closely with the Ministry of Education to always act in the best interests of the children we care for.
As professionally trained teachers who love children, we constantly review our performance to deliver your child a rich learning environment.
Our child-centred approach promotes the development of creativity, individuality and self-confidence through working in partnership with parents to provide the highest standards of care.
Fun and Happy
Laughter and fun makes for happy children and relaxed parents. Our postive and encouraging environment will create long lasting memories for you to treasure.
Fully Equiped
As we evolve so does our centre as we constantly fine tune or equipment and teaching experiences to reflect the needs of the children and provide plenty of wonderful experiences.
Cottontails
195 Brightside Rd,
Stanmore Bay 0932,
Hibiscus Coast, Auckland
© Copyright 2017 Cottontails
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