An over two's centre
Parkside Grove is designed for tamariki aged 2 years and over, with learning spaces, routines, and experiences shaped around this age group.
Parkside Grove - where little seeds blossom and possibilities take flight
A warm and welcoming over two's early learning centre in Parkside, Timaru.
Parkside Grove welcomes tamariki aged 2 years and over, with 100% qualified kaiako, low ratios, lots of conversation, stories, and language-rich learning, and experiences that help children grow in confidence, creativity, and kindness.
100% qualified kaiako
Tamariki are supported by a fully qualified teaching team who work closely with whānau and take the time to understand each tamaiti well.
Low ratios and real relationships
With low ratios across the centre, tamariki have more space to be noticed, encouraged, and supported through the small moments that matter every day.
Rich conversation and language every day
Tamariki are surrounded by stories, songs, and meaningful conversations that help them express themselves, connect with others, and grow in confidence.
Why families choose Parkside Grove
An over two's centre where tamariki are known well, supported warmly, and encouraged to thrive.
Parkside Grove brings together qualified teaching, meaningful whānau partnership, and an environment designed for tamariki aged 2 years and over to feel secure enough to explore. The centre places real value on conversation, storytelling, and helping tamariki find their voice, proactive support for every learner, and everyday experiences that balance creativity, kindness, confidence, and fun.
Age range Tamariki aged 2 years and over
Qualified team 100% qualified kaiako
Location Next to a beautiful park in Parkside, Timaru
Approach Play-based learning with strong whānau partnership
Room explorer
Explore the over two's spaces your child will move through each day.
Use the room buttons below to explore the learning spaces, photos, and feel of each area at Parkside Grove, designed for tamariki aged 2 years and over.
For tamariki aged 2 years and over
Kākano Room
The Kākano Room is a lively, inviting over two's space where tamariki can move, create, explore, and build confidence through play. Sensory experiences, music and movement, arts, and active learning all have a place here, with routines that gently support independence.
- Sensory play, music and movement, arts, and active exploration
- Bag cubbies and daily routines that support independence
- Opportunities to learn alongside older peers through tuakana-teina
Older tamariki and transition-to-school support
Pūhihi Room
The Pūhihi Room is designed for older tamariki who are ready for deeper projects, longer investigations, and transition-to-school confidence. The space mirrors some of the routines they will later meet at school while still keeping learning playful, encouraging, and connected to their interests.
- A dedicated before-school programme classroom led by Kaiako Ramil
- Numeracy, literacy, science, music, and arts woven into richer learning experiences
- Whiteboard plans and bag cubbies that help tamariki practise independence and routine
Explore more of Parkside Grove
Get a better feel for the little things that make life at our over two's centre special.
If you would like to look a little deeper, these pages share more about the routines, experiences, and traditions that help shape days for tamariki aged 2 years and over at Parkside Grove.
Park excursions
See how regular adventures to the park, playground, and basketball court right next door bring fresh-air play, confidence, and fun into the week.
Lilliput Library
Find out how the centre library helps families enjoy books together and build a love of stories at home.
Kindness and emotional learning
Learn how Kindness Kevin and the Colour Monsters help tamariki make sense of feelings, friendships, and kindness.
Healthy everyday routines
Explore one of the everyday wellbeing routines that helps tamariki care for themselves and feel proud of it.
Centre gallery
See some of the spaces, play, and everyday moments that shape life at Parkside Grove.
Outdoor play that feels joyful
Large outdoor experiences invite movement, problem-solving, imagination, and friendship.
Warm, welcoming learning spaces
Indoor environments are set up to feel calm, capable, and ready for hands-on discovery.
Learning through real interests
Tamariki are encouraged to follow ideas that matter to them, with kaiako supporting curiosity as it grows.
Strong literacy foundations
Stories, shared reading, and oral language are an important part of everyday life across the centre.
Ready to take a closer look?