About - Mini Dale Explorers

The early years are a special time

MiniDale Explorers is an amazing, purpose built centre. It has been designed to cater for the children’s needs and provide them with the best possible environment. We have wonderful spaces for our Infants, Toddlers and Young Children, where they have the opportunity to safely learn, grow and explore in their own world.

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Everyone's Welcome

Our centre offers separate learning environments for our Infants, Toddlers and Young Children, these large spaces allow children to actively explore within an inclusive setting which provides quality care and education for all children.

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Whãnau

All of our staff are committed and passionate in Early Childhood Education; this is reflected in the responsive relationships and daily interactions with children, parents and Whãnau. We value and encourage strong relationships with our parents and whãnau. We believe it is important to form these partnerships, valuing whãnau’s aspirations for their children.

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Exploration

We encourage children’s learning through experimentation, exploration and play. Our project investigations holistically incorporate all aspects of the curriculum, which includes song, music, drama, art, movement and the natural world.

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Outdoor Environment

We have an outdoor environment that is second to none! We believe that our well designed and generous playground stimulates the diversity of children’s play experience and contributes to their healthy development.

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Dedicated Teachers

We are committed to ensuring all children are genuinely cared for by dedicated teachers who have the well being of the child as their priority. We provide a nurturing environment that has high quality education and care practices that are appropriate for all stages of a child’s development.

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Transition to School

Our resources are personalised to the interests and developmental levels of the child, and provide opportunities for their extension. As they approach school age our programmes develop the very important foundation skills of numeracy and literacy. We understand that it is a important event when your child moves from preschool to school and this is reflected in the curriculum within our transition to school programme.

Both my kids are at Minidale explorers and we absolutely love the daycare. They both started at 7 months old and my eldest is about to graduate. The teachers and staff are amazing, I can genuinely feel the love and warmth from them all to my children. My eldest has been recently diagnosed with adhd and the teachers have been so supportive in the diagnostic process and also understanding and supporting. The school also helped with facilitating a speech language teacher and allowing her to do visits and sessions at the daycare. I love the fact that meals are nutritious and sorted everyday (one less thing to think about in the morning) so grateful for everyone at Minidale explorers

Bronwyn TH

Minidales ECE Centre is such a warm and welcoming place! The teachers are caring, attentive, and genuinely passionate about what they do. My two boys absolutely love being there-they come home happy, full of stories, and excited to go back each day. It’s clear the team creates a safe and positive environment where children can learn, grow, and feel confident. Highly recommend to any parent looking for quality early childhood education!

Ida Struwig

I’ve had both my kids attend this daycare. My son started when he was 4 and my daughter from when she was 7months old (she’s now 4 and about to graduate). This has been such an amazing daycare to attend, both my kids have been so happy and loved all their teachers. They give great structure and support, and work with you to ensure you’re happy with your child’s growth. It definitely feels like an extended family at this point! Highly recommend considering sending your kids here.

Kaylee Dao

Meet Sonya & Simon

Sonya is the Managing Director of MiniDale Explorers and, together with her husband Simon, has been hands-on in bringing the vision for MiniDale to life.

As parents themselves, family has always been at the heart of what they create. Sonya is passionate about providing beautiful, nurturing environments where children feel safe, loved and inspired to learn, while ensuring families feel welcomed and genuinely part of the MiniDale community.

You may also recognise Simon’s handiwork around the centre! He personally created much of MiniDale’s amazing outdoor playground, helping turn Sonya’s ideas into a space designed for adventure, exploration and plenty of childhood fun.

Together, Sonya and Simon are incredibly proud of MiniDale, the wonderful teaching team behind it, and most importantly, the children and whānau who make it such a special place.