Northcote Point Community Creche

We have five permanent teachers at the Crèche and there are always three members of staff on duty for each session, supported by two parents/caregivers. Our teaching team is committed to ongoing professional development and staff welcome the opportunity to discuss children's progress with parents and caregivers. Our teachers treat all children attending the Crèche with dignity and respect, and use positive guidance to promote appropriate behaviour with regard to each child's age and stage of development.

Shirley Carncross

Supervisor Shirley Carncross has been involved with the Crèche since 1989, when her own son attended it. She then became a teacher and has been Supervisor since 1996. Shirley is a registered teacher and holds a Diploma of Teaching Early Childhood Education. Under her supervision, the Crèche has developed an excellent reputation in the local community and as reviewed by the Education Review Office (see full ERO report). Shirley is always happy to chat with parents interested in finding out more about the Crèche facility and can be contacted on 480 1280.

Lyn Owst

Lyn has taught at the Crèche since 1999. She is a registered teacher and is passionate about the positive impact of early childhood experience and learning on shaping children's futures.

Hi. I'm Eve the new teacher here. I have three boys aged7, 10, and 12. I've just come back from Sweden where I was living for the past 3 1/2 years. Before that I used to work at Highbury Community Creche. I live in Birkenhead Point. I look forward to working here at Northcote Point Community Creche.

I have been working at this crèche since the beginning of 2007. Previous to this I was often around the place doing parent help with my children Calum (5) and Rosa (3). In March this year (2008) I completed my Diploma of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) after six long years of part-time study. I also have a Bachelor of Social Work and I worked in this field up until last year. I work on Wednesdays and Fridays both morning and afternoon sessions and sometimes fill in on other days. I live just down the road so when I'm not working I am often walking to and from school, kindy or just around the block. In my spare time I also enjoy fishing, tramping and general beach activities.

Agter eight years of Kindergarten teaching in Nelson, my husband Rob and I moved to Auckland. We have been living in Northcote Point for the past seven years. We have two children; Jamie,6 and Ella 4 1/2. I really enjoy living in this area and being part of the community.
I enjoy watching, being involved in, and challenging children through their developmental stages. I love their laughter and quirks.

MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

Our management committee is made up of teachers and parents/caregivers.

Meetings are held once or twice per term and we welcome anyone who wishes to help us. The committee is responsible for:

- employing and supporting staff
- goal setting and strategic planning
- fundraising and financial management
- special events such as the Christmas parade and parent evenings
-ensuring mandatory requirements for operation are met

Around 80 families from all walks of life use the Crèche. While the majority are from the local area, children from as far as Albany and Ponsonby also attend. The centre engenders a strong sense of community and pride among the families who use it, typified by enthusiastic participation in working bees to maintain and improve the facilities and excellent support of fundraising events. The majority of children go on to local kindergartens and primary schools, particularly in Northcote and Birkenhead, and friendships among families started at the Crèche often last well beyond these early years.