94 | Sue Russell COMMUNITY In creating spaces for preschool children to engage, grow and explore in their play just as nature intended Rick Fourie, from Conscious Collective, is pioneering a unique approach to early childhood learning, based on years of pedagogical research and understanding. Rick has been behind the establishment of several early childhood centres, each carrying its own special character and ways of enabling young children to build resilience, a love of learning, through a whole community approach that respects the innate values of each individual. His latest project at Wallaceville Estate Urban Precinct, adjacent to Grants bush reserve, in Upper Hutt, is a fine example of what can be achieved when a community gathers around a shared philosophy. Just viewing Wallaceville Early Learning Village as it nears completion demonstrates just how much thought has gone into its unique situation. Everything in the four separate learning pods and central energy space has been designed to create a wholesome place for tamariki (children) and Kaiako (teachers) to engage. When the centre opens, each home pod will belong to a group of 24 children, of mixed age with 8 places set aside for under 2’s and the rest extending to age 6. Research underpins new centre Conscious Collective The Wallaceville Estate Urban Precinct in Upper Hutt. Rick explains a little of what sits behind how the centre has been designed: “We’ve been guided by some founding principles around how children best learn. Prerequisites for this include ensuring there is enough space, that the number of relationships and interactions children experience in any given day is lower, to reduce complexity for them. Surrounding the children will be a village of support where the well-being of our teachers is important.” Why mixed-age? Rick explains the more traditional nature of early learning centre management tends to bunch children into age-bands which they move through as they get older. This can essentially mean that a child entering a early childhood centre as an infant may have to experience coming new into several group situations, each time requiring the child rebuilds trust and forms new relationships again and again. “We don’t think this is best for the child. In a family situation, for instance, an infant will naturally engage with their older siblings. “It’s the nature of family and that is why we have mixed-age home pods where our children will stay through their journey with us.” And how the group of teachers and families have formed around the centre has an open-ended feel to it. E arly childhood teachers interested in working at the centre have been invited to submit expressions of interest. Each home pod will have five teachers to 24 children and will express a different lens on the philosophy. Already there’s been strong engagement from the community. The centre is licensed for 90 children but will initially open with 40. Upper-Hutt based Wright Kitchens has been designing bespoke kitchens, perfectly suited to any situation, since 2009 when husband and wife Stu and Mel Wright established the business, driven by a vision to o er customers the best possible kitchen design, construction and installation experience. With years of experience with Stu being a meticulous joiner it made sense for the couple to set up their own company and see what they could make of the opportunities that would come. Today, daughter Nikita is involved too running the operations while working alongside Mel who is also providing her with opportunities to understand all that goes in to designing stylish, engaging, practical Kitchens. Mel is our lead designer, who also leads the production line by programming the CNC and detailing of all jobs. Nikita says “She is truly the hub of the company.” Nikita has enrolled in an apprenticeship course in Kitchen and Bathroom design which she is really enjoying. Having an on-site joinery workshop means that all cabinetry is created on-site. And for proof of just how broad their pallet of skills and services is, Wright Kitchens has been chosen by the exciting new developer of the Wallaceville Early Learning Village, to supply the joinery which includes the kitchens, art rooms, vanities, storage lockers, sta room, outdoor store and all laminate benchtops which were also made in their second factory - Top it O Laminates, Upper Hutt, who you will ind across the road from them. “It’s been a great project with a really wonderful group of people, very passionate about creating a beautiful environment for their children and sta to enjoy. It is beyond anything we have seen at any other early childhood centre” Kitchens done theWright way Establishing strong relationships with customers lies at the heart of Wright Kitchens’ success. Every opportunity is given for clients to talk through what they want and the friendly team are happy to work with you to make the best use of the space to meet your needs. As often happens when you have established a reputation for excellence, demand for Wright Kitchens’ services is at an all-time high. The business is keen to employ more sta but it is very hard to ind experienced people in the industry, who aren’t already snapped up which seems to be the same story by many businesses in this age. “We are very busy, but always welcome enquiries from new clients all year round. We’re careful to explain our design process as you enquire.” Wright Kitchens works with a diverse clientele including homeowners, commercial developers, builders and interior designers. Nikita says there are many compelling reasons to choose Wright Kitchens. “We’re great listeners and we’re experts in understanding the elements that go into great functional design. We make all products we can here on site so we’re in control of as many elements of the construction.” And having everything under the one roof and an ability to source any products they wish makes the design discussion enjoyable and productive. Finally, with years of experience, and having total control from start to inish, the team at Wrights Kitchens will seamlessly manage the project including recommending trades if required. Anyone wishing to begin a conversation need to simply pick up the phone and call 04 528 6020 to speak with Nikita or make contact through the website: www.wrightkitchens.co.nz The personal touch for all your new Kitchen and Cabinetry needs. Our bespoke designs combined with expert workmanship ensures all kitchens and cabinetry are crafted and installed to the highest standard. • Kitchen & Sculleries • Laundries • BathroomVanities • Wardrobes • Custom Cabinetry 04 528 6020 www.wrightkitchens.co.nz
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