Abbotsford is a centre where Christian values are important.  It has up to 33 children (9 children under two-years and 24 preschoolers). The centre attracts families from both within Waipawa and the surrounding districts. 

It is owned by the Waiapu Anglican Social Services Trust Board and under the umbrella of the Anglican Diocese.  The Board is located in Napier and operates 11 early childhood centres, 3 early childhood home based services, and community services for adults and older people.  

A manager is employed to run Abbotsford centre, and she is supported by an Early Childhood Practice Manager who oversees all of the Board’s early childhood centres.

Open:  Monday to Friday  8:00 am until 5:00 pm.  Closed for three weeks at Christmas.  Open during school holiday

Minimum and Maximum Hours of Enrolment:  The minimum hours of enrolment is 9 hours a week (can be over two days) and the maximum is 45 hours a week.

Address:  16 Kenilworth Street, Waipawa CHB

Online:  http://www.waiapu.com/anglican-social-service

Children with Disabilities:   Caring for children with disabilities is a strength of Abbotsford Early Childhood Centre. The play areas both outside and inside are accessible and the centre has many resources available.  The staff are welcoming, confident and competent in dealing with children with special needs. 

Children with Medical Conditions:  The centre is across the road from The Doctors with whom we there is an agreement for immediate access to help if required.

Gifted and Talented Children:  At Abbotsford the staff will go the extra mile in supporting children’s learning, interest and skills as required.  They work with children’s current skill and interest base, what ever that may be, to extend and challenge children’s learning appropriately.

Children with Special Learning Needs:  The manager will discuss with parents if a child would benefit from specialist support and will make a referral at the family’s request.  The manager has a background as an Early Intervention Teacher, so uses these skills and knowledge to support and further develop the team and centre so all children get appropriate goals and guidance.

Staff Gender:  All staff are women.

Languages Spoken by Staff Fluently:  English

Range of Different Qualifications held by Staff:

• Higher Diploma of Education
• Diploma of Teaching Early Childhood Education 
• Bachelor of Teaching 

Parent Say:  If it was something that impacted on the Governance or management, this would be addressed at Board level.  If it related to the day to day programme parents can discuss this with centre staff and manager and changes may be made.

Grouping Practices:  Younger and older siblings mix freely.

Features Abbotsford Early Childhood Centre Say They Are Proud Of: 

1. Our Children

• The children at Abbotsford are welcoming and will often model the teachers and greet or farewell everyone. 
• We provide a calm, interesting, fun filled environment where children are supported, nurtured and encouraged in their learning.

2. The Indoor Environment

• Our environment is warm, inviting and caring. 
• Children can self-select equipment and there are also activities prepared in different areas of the play spaces for active exploration.

3.  The Outdoor Environment

• Our outdoor environment has been up-graded to allow infants, toddlers, young children and children with special needs accessibility.  
• There is a wide variety of equipment and resources for children to explore, gain new skills and consolidate known skills. 
• It is well laid out and offers grass, bark, trees, sand, gardens, concrete and safety surfacing as play areas providing for a wide range of physical challenges.