Parent Login
Play. Learn. Grow.
Play. Learn. Grow.
Play. Learn. Grow.
The best little childcare in Auckland is now in Waterview. Waterview’s revitalised parks and playgrounds provide amazing opportunities for exploration and adventure from our gorgeous purpose built learning centre, so let the Rumpus begin! Children learn through play and exploration and this philosophy has guided the design of our new centre. We encourage our children to be in the outdoors as much as possible regardless of the weather and the centre is designed to allow the children to access the outdoor areas easily with great flow from the indoor to the outdoor areas.
Our outdoor learning environment features an exciting bike path, climbing walls, a tree platform and den, veggie gardens and our own invention PlayboardsTM which enable all of the outside space to be used for exciting and creative learning. We also have a key card entry system to the centre so that only caregivers have access to the centre in order to ensure the safety and security of the children. View our Parent Handbook.
At the heart of your community
The Rumpus Room is an exceptional early childhood education centre for children aged 3 months to 6 years. All age groups reap the benefits of a home like environment, experienced staff and great resources. We encourage our children to be curious, questioning and confident learners.
An extension of your family
We welcome the active involvement of parents and whanau. An integrated on-line platform allows stories and photos to be shared between teachers, parents and children. Families can access their child’s online profile and receive regular updates via email, and can submit stories as well. Events and milestones should be celebrated and we love sharing them with you. To create a stable and calm environment, strong relationships are imperative. Our three day minimum attendance ensure that our children are settled and their relationships with their teachers and peers are strong.
Time to explore
Safe but exciting play is the order of the day, and our outdoor spaces have been designed to maximize learning opportunities. We also have a vegetable garden, enabling children to get their hands dirty, learn about nature and grow produce for their meals. Waterview reserve, Oakley Esplanade and the Waterview shared path are all a stone’s throw away, so our timetable will include lots of field trips and adventures.
Nutrition and Food
Because we know food fuels the mind and full tummies equal content children we provide plenty of healthy and delicious morning tea, hot lunch, afternoon tea and late snacks. We cater for a wide variety of dietary requirements and we are very aware of the impacts of food allergies and intolerances. Please talk to us about your needs.
Our babies area is a second storey oasis with decks on both side of the centre to get all day sun and light. We wanted a space that was nurturing, safe and tucked away, nest like up in the trees, but still maintained a connection with the older children. The Nest re-uses the beautiful rimu floor boards from the old church located on the site and has a huge outdoor partially covered play space with a glass balustrade so that the children can see and learn from the older children downstairs while safe in their own area.
The nest playground features a huge sandpit and a real grass area to make sure the babies are getting all important contact with the natural environment. The separate sleep room provides a bed for each of the children to ensure that home routines can be followed and sleep times don’t need to be structured to the needs of the centre. The Nest has its own kitchen where the meals and snacks are prepared and the children can take part in baking and creating with the teachers.
The Fledglings have inside and outside play spaces which can be entirely separated off from the older children or opened up to allow all the children to come together. The Fledglings have a lounge area which can be closed off from the other play areas during sleep time and opened up fully at other times to use as additional play space.
The centre is designed to combine the look and feel of a home with great learning spaces that be changed easily to make sure the children’s interests are being reflected and the space stays fresh.
The Explorers area allows the older pre-school children to have a separate area in which to have the time and space to pursue their own interests, and some great outdoor play features, but again can be opened up to allow the two groups to work together or experience the different learning environments.
The Explorers have been working with their Kaiako to design their own tree hut around the Kanuka trees which will begin construction soon.
Centre Manager
Hi, My name is Carolyn and I am the centre manager of The Rumpus Room.
I have been in ECE for the past 17 years and have been managing centres for the past 11. I have been with The Rumpus Room right from the beginning before we opened in 2012 and have loved being involved in the set up from the beginning. The journey over the past 6 years has been filled with loads of fun along the way and I am incredibly proud of the space we have created at our centres and of the fabulous dedicated teaching team we have who work so hard every day making the centres a home away from home for all of our children and families. I am passionate about working alongside such wonderful teachers and together we work hard to make our vision for our centres come to life. I live locally in Westmere with my fiancé Matt, our almost 2 year old son Freddie, who attends our Point Chev Centre, our newborn baby daughter Charlotte, and our cat Bomber! We love spending our spare time together as a family at the beach, the local playgrounds, listening to music (there is never a day without music in our house!) and on a nice summers day in our backyard with the paddling pool and friends!
Centre Mentor
Hi, I’m Heidi and I have been lucky to be a part of The Rumpus Room whanau since our Pt Chev centre opened in 2012. I have been working in ECE now for 16 years so I can truly say that it is a passion for me and not just a ‘job!’. My husband and I met at high school (quite a while ago now) so it feels like in some ways we have been together forever. We also have a wee little guy called Quinn who was born in 2017 and it has been incredible watching him see, learn and explore his new world. I definitely have a whole different level of empathy and understanding for what it is like to be a parent know I have my own child. Creating a place where children feel comfortable to be themselves, are treated with kindness and respect and feel safe to freely explore alongside people that really know them is what is really important to me and underpins my teaching and learning philosophy. I feel honoured to be here at The Rumpus Room working alongside a passionate team of children, families and teachers.
Team Leader Fledglings
Kia ora everyone,
My name is Robin. I am a fully registered and qualified teacher, with 9 years teaching experience and 3 years leadership experience. I live in Massey with my partner, Connor, and our Greyhound, Zoe. I am extremely passionate about working with toddlers. I love exploring outside, getting messy and having lots of fun with the tamariki. I believe in freedom of choice and allowing children to lead their play and enjoying seeing where children choose to take things. I have experience working within a RIE philosophy and always aim to empower and inspire the children in all areas of their learning. Communication, respect and strong relationships are of the utmost importance to me.
Team Leader Nest
Kia ora, haere mai and welcome to our website! My name is Fal’e, and I am the team leader in The Nest.
I have had the privilege of working in The Nest at The Rumpus Room Point Chevalier since
the centre first opened in 2012 and at the beginning of 2019 I moved to the Waterview nest as the Team Leader. I have some 13 years experience teaching in ECE and hold a Bachelor of Education degree from UNITEC and am fully Registered.
I am an advocate of using Te Reo Maori and tikanga Maori in my everyday teaching practice with our infants, toddlers and kaiako. I am passionate about Emmi Pikler’s practice and respectful care approach with our tamariki.
I am an advocate for the natural environment and emphasise this in my teaching.
Teacher
Hi I’m Anita, and I have been working in ECE for over 10 years now. I am originally from Hamilton where I completed my Bachelor of Early Childhood through The Open Polytechnic and then took on a 3 month placement in Rotorua before moving to Auckland. Auckland is where I call home now, I have been here for 5 years. My partner and I have a blended family together we have 3 teenagers/ young adults who keep us on our toes. Communication, respect and honesty are all important values which I hold high in my personal life and within my work practice. I am passionate about working with children, seeing them be happy, learning, develop and grow in a fun, positive and safe environment. I love to celebrate success and the small things that matter.
Teacher
I have been teaching for 11 years, predominantly working with 1-year olds. I am passionate about the RIE approach and letting children’s learning and development unfold naturally. I love working in the primary care environment we have here at The Rumpus Room as I feel that it is the best way for infants and toddlers to learn, as well as feel safe and secure.
I have an interest in psychology and have completed my Diploma in Child and Adolescent Psychology through Open Polytechnic after completing my Bachelor of Education at Auckland University in 2005. I enjoy documenting children’s learning and observing their language development over time.
I have grown up living on the North Shore of Auckland and now live with my partner Simon in Onehunga. My sister and her husband live on the shore and have a delightful 5 year old whom I love spending time with and going on adventures with. My brother lives in Norway with his husband and this gives us a great excuse to travel as much as possible. I have had fun exploring parts of Europe and America throughout the years – I have attempted an official OE but was very homesick and realised New Zealand is where I belong.
I enjoy going for walks and exploring new places with family and friends and I have a passion for art history, in particular the Impressionist era and my favourite artist is Degas. I am an avid reader and hope that I can pass this passion on to young children.
I feel privileged to work with the children and families of the Rumpus Room and the amazing team we have built up. I look forward to continuing this journey for years to come.
Teacher
Kia ora, I am a newly graduated kaiako with a Bachelor of Teaching in Early Childhood Education which I completed at The University of Otago (December 2019) so this is my first permanent role. I have a few years of relieving experience at both of the TRR centres in all of my uni breaks so I may be a familiar face to some.
In my spare time I love being outdoors and near the water. I enjoy creating art or being artistic as I find it very relaxing and I bring this into my practice while teaching. I place importance on respectful relationships and making sure children feel confident in knowing that all of their needs will be met and that they belong and will be actively listened to.
Teacher
Hi I’m Janey, I am a Waterview local and my son attends the local primary school. I have 20 years of ECE experience and have worked in NZ and England. I love spending time with my family, food and travel. I just spent this last Christmas in the actual North Pole, England and Singapore – truly the trip of a lifetime.
Teacher
Kia ora Rumpus Room Whanau, my name is Jasmine Hohua and I am a full-time teacher in the Fledglings room. I am currently in my second year of study to gain my Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) through The Open Polytechnic of New Zealand and have been teaching for almost three years. I am an advocate for respect towards children and believe in strong relationships with not just the individual children but also the whanau. I live in West Auckland with my husband and two sons. I love to spend time with them, be in my garden and out in nature.
Teacher
Hi, I’m Kylie and I’m so excited to be a part of the teaching team at The Rumpus Room. I have been teaching in ECE for the last 15yrs and have enjoyed every second of those years. I can honestly say that I learn something new every day from all of the amazing tamariki that I get to spend my time with. I live in West Auckland with my husband and our two children. I was very lucky to be able to be at the same centre while my children were enjoying their “kindy” days. It was amazing to be a part of their learning journey.
I love creating spaces that children can be themselves, feel challenged, be inspired and have fun! I strongly believe in play-based learning and enjoy being able to learn alongside our youngest learners.
Relief Teacher
My name is Lauren. I have been babysitting for 5 years and when my mum was working for a home-based child care I would always help her with the children when I got home from school. I love children, I love teaching them new things, learning from them and watching them grow into amazing people. I have 2 sisters and 3 cats. I love listening to music, playing games and hanging with friends in my spare time. I am involved in scouting every Monday and Thursday nights, I am a Venturer on Mondays and a kea leader on Thursdays.
Teacher
Hi I’m Lena, I’ve been an ECE teacher for 6 years and I feel so lucky to work with an amazing team at The Rumpus Room. Infants and toddlers are my passion. They teach me to slow down, take notice of the world and enjoy the simple things. I think I’m a better person because of them! Respectful relationships with children, their families and my fellow teachers are at the heart of my teaching.
I’m marrying my fiance next year after being together for 9 years. I’m so excited, and can’t wait to celebrate with friends and family.
Kia ora everyone,
My name is Tracey, I live locally and have the privilege of working at The Rumpus Room in Waterview.
My husband and I have two beautiful girls who are starting their adult journey and embracing it with
open arms and all life has to offer.
I have worked in Early Childhood for over 20 years and discovered so much about the way children learn
and it’s highlighted the importance of relationships between caregivers and whanau. I am passionate
about the RIE approach to children’s learning where children have Primary Caregivers and bonds are
formed, giving children a sense of belonging and security. Respect for one another is so important to
create a harmonious environment and provide children with the opportunity to explore confidently and
freely in a welcoming environment.
Teacher
Bula Vinaka
My name is Mabel, I was born and raised in Fiji. My husband and I moved here in 2006. I am of European and Fijian descent. We have four young gentlemen, the eldest is in his final year of high school and my youngest starts intermediate next year. I worked in the hospitality industry in Fiji before moving here to New Zealand. I started working as a reliever for Randstad and soon found myself working permanently at The Rumpus Room, Point Chevalier. I have now been with The Rumpus Room for four years now starting at the Point Chevalier centre then moving here to start the Waterview Nest team.
I have always loved working with children. I bring with me many years of experience as well as having my own which has helped me understand and appreciate the tamariki.
I look forward to meeting you and your tamariki on your journey through their early years in life.
Ka kite, Ni sa Moce,
Mabel.
Teacher Aide/Cook
Hi my name is Amy and I have recently joined the wonderful team of teachers at The Rumpus Room in Waterview as a teacher aide/ centre cook. I have been in the crazy world of hospitality for over 20 years, studying at University when I was 17, working in top restaurants then moving into cafe management. I also care for my mother who suffered a serious stroke.
I have 2 amazing girls, Lily 8yrs and Chloe 6yrs and a fabulous partner Josh – we have been together for over 20 years!
I am actively involved with Girl Guides NZ being the Leader of the Pt Chevalier Brownie unit, working with 7 – 9 year old girls. We are often out in our community doing projects, adventure camps, crafts and challenging ourselves to try new things. I was privileged to receive this year’s Outstanding Leader Award for Tamaki Makaurau 2018.
I have a passion for cooking and working with children so being able to come to work every day at The Rumpus room fills both those needs so I am very lucky!
