Our Centre is licensed for 51 children, catering for 10 under two's and 41 over two's. The centre is separated into three learning environments, and was opened with a clear vision and purpose to provide quality of care for infants, toddlers and young children learning alongside nature and animals through respectful and reciprocal relationships. Rural Scholars core values are Respect, Responsibility and Empathy which are uniquely explored through our nature-based, animal-based philosophy. 

At Rural Scholars Early Learning Centre we have passionate teachers who are fully qualified, in training or bring with them their rich and diverse life experiences to enrich our tamariki learning. Our teachers are specialised in all areas of teaching and learning, and are continuously committed to enhancing their own professional growth for the benefit of our tamariki. Our kaiako are dedicated to offering tamariki authentic and responsive learning opportunities throughout the daily programme, nurturing children’s physical, emotional and social well-beings. 

The outdoor environment is very important to us, providing our tamariki with opportunities to explore and learn in the natural environment fostering respectful relationships with Papatūānuku (Earth Mother) and challenging their social, emotional, physical and cognitive abilities. Our farm visits are an important part of our curriculum, building tamariki confidence, real life skills, empathy, respect and responsibility. 

Rural Scholars Early Learning Centre is open from 7:45am - 4:30 Monday - Friday, with morning, afternoon or full day sessions.

Our teachers/kaiako  are dedicated to provide a high quality of care and education. Our aim is to ensure each and every child experiences wonder, excitement and develops a passion for learning and knowledge.

Rural Scholars Early Learning Centre’s philosophy and approach to education and care is deeply embedded within respect. Respect for others, respect for animals and respect for the natural world. This is fostered throughout our programme being role modelled by kaiako, but uniquely taught in a meaningful context to our rural community through the farm and animals. Our animals begin to foster our children’s lifelong dispositions of empathy, responsibility and respect. Through caring and nurturing our animals, the tamariki are involved in rich learning experiences spanning across the curriculum domains of science, mathematics, literacy, technology and ICT.

Research has shown that having pets in schools has motivated children to take an interest, show enthusiasm, become more sociable, develop relationships, display respect, responsibility, empathy, self-esteem, cognitive skills and can improve their academic achievements.