ABOUT OUR CENTRE

Our Kids Mataki Way is a purpose built early learning centre which was opened in 2019. Our beautiful learning environment is designed and tailored to suit different ages, with a strong focus on the aesthetics of the environment and well designed spaces that encourage children to think, problem solve and be creative.

We are inspired by the principles of Pikler and RIE approaches to learning, in combination with building strong relationships within our communities, the Te Whāriki curriculum and children’s play urges to form a progressive solution to teaching and learning. We are committed to honouring our role in Te Tiriti partnership and strive to grow our knowledge and bicultural practice.

Interior photo of under 2s room in purpose built daycare at our new centre in Glen Eden
Outdoor photo of Over 2s play area in purpose built daycare in Glen Eden.

WHO WILL BE INTERVIEWING YOU?

Anita and Brooke have between them 30 years of experience in ECE. Brooke has been the centre manager of our Mataki Way centre since 2022.

We are highly committed to supporting the holistic well-being of our kaiako, which we see as being an integral part of our learning community and helps us to create a positive team culture in an environment that motivates and inspires.

Anita Kumar, centre director of Our Kids Early Learning Centre

Anita Kumar

Managing Director

I established Our Kids Early Learning Centre in 2008 following 13 years in the education sector. I hold a Bachelor of Education, (Teaching) (ECE), from the University of Auckland, and I am an experienced teacher, head teacher, and early learning centre manager. My passion is for quality in early childhood education, stemming from my years of study, experience and ongoing professional development.

I am passionate about inspiring teachers to strive for excellence. I enjoy being in a mentoring role with teachers, supporting them when embracing challenges within the changing education landscape. I am a good listener who establishes relationships with teachers and others easily.

I’m responsible for developing policies and establishing strategic and management plans to guide the future direction of the centres.

I have considerable experience with mixed aged grouping and both the Our Kids Glendene and Glen Eden centres have mixed aged licenses.

Centre Manager Glen Eden ECE Brooke

Brooke MacClure

Centre Manager, Our Kids Mataki Way

Kia Ora, my name is Brooke and I am the Centre Manager for Our Kids Mataki Way.

I have been working in Early Childhood since 2007. I hold a Graduate Diploma of Teaching (ECE), alongside a Postgraduate Diploma in Early Intervention. I have worked in a range of settings in the early childhood sector. I started my career working in Daycare, then as a Visiting Teacher and Manager in the Home Based Sector and more recently Kindergarten.

I teach from the heart and give 100% in all that I do. I believe that when our tamariki, fellow Kaiako and whanau are treated with kindness and compassion meaningful relationships develop. The strength of these relationships ground us in a space that enables us to explore, to fly and let our true selves shine. I am committed to my role leading our wonderful team of passionate early childhood educators and working in a collaborative space to promote rich and meaningful learning opportunities for our tamariki.

Opportunities For Everyone

    Our Other Locations

    Two girls smiling in sun hats sitting on outdoor box in daycare glen eden.

    GLEN EDEN

    Our Glen Eden centre is a mixed age setting in a 100-year-old converted home, in the heart of the Glen Eden community. With a nature reserve right next door we deliver a local curriculum closely connected to te taiao (nature).

    Young boy climbing at our playground in Our Kids Glendene

    GLENDENE

    Our Glendene centre is a small homely mixed aged centre located in a residential area close to Glendene Primary School—a quiet and peaceful location for children to learn, grow, and develop naturally.

    Two young boys playing in water trough outside at Our Kids Onehunga daycare

    ONEHUNGA

    Our Onehunga centre has been purpose built to support learning through play. With intentionally designed under and over two spaces, the tuakana (older children) and teina (younger children) can enjoy challenges at their unique stages of growth.