Welcome to our Pukekohe Pre-Schools!

We moved to New Zealand in 2019 as a family of 3. We came over, leaving all our family behind. Our son Luke attended Flying Turtles and the amazing staff became part of our family. They build personal relationships not only with the children, but with their parents too. It was definitely a home away from home for our 3 year old son. When the time came for him to leave Flying Turtles, and attend "big boy school" it was a very sad transition as he wanted to keep "going back home" to Flying Turtles. 

When our family was extended in 2020, there was no doubt in my mind that Little Pukeko's would be our choice for our new baby when the time came for me to go back to work. The ladies there are funny, kind and caring. They have often made me want to spend the day with them there! They go the extra mile and have a real love for the kids. Emily is so blessed to have such wonderful ladies helping her grow and develop every day.

Thank you to all those who have had such an amazing impact on my kids' lives. I couldn't ask for better leaders and teachers for my kids.

- The Blake's.

My son has attended Flying Turtles Pre-school after turning four and transitioning from a very happy three years at Prickly Hedgehog Pre-school next door. The team at Flying Turtles have always made me feel very welcome, the environment has always been positive and overall presentation of the centre has impressed me.

Aidan is now transitioning to school and has just completed his enrolment at Primary School.  Thanks to the support and learning environment of the centre, he has achieved all the necessary skills to be accepted straight into curriculum learning.  The feeling of pride in having your child be completely prepared and confident for his next step into the future is priceless.  A parent only can wish for the best opportunities for their child – and thanks to Flying Turtles and the amazing educators, I have the benefit of knowing Aidan’s foundation in learning is strong.

I have always felt very comfortable with leaving him with the teachers.  I feel he is in an environment that has always been strongly child-lead for discovery and learning, with so much fun and social interaction.  Focus has always been on actively encouraging the children to initiate the learning experience and develop it as far as they wish it to go.  I have never heard a teacher tell any child there that they have moved on from a specific learning experience – I like that the children are not limited in that way.  I also appreciate the work they do with the children to maintain positive relationships with not only the teachers and children at the centre, but also with myself as a parent and other people in general.

The outdoor area is fantastic! There are new activities added regularly and the facilities are great.  The indoor area is well set out and there is plenty of opportunity for quiet play/learning.  There are always so many options of play available both inside and outside.  Aidan can choose what he prefers and a teacher will always gravitate over to him to see how he finds the activity and ask him questions about what he is doing and use it to further his experience.

They regularly go on field trips and I have always felt Aidan was in good hands while out and about.  I love that he gets to see and do so many different things.  It really builds on the strong level of learning he experiences at the centre.

I love the Educa website. It is so great that technology is so widely used and embraced by the centre. It is my immediate link to Aidan and enables me to provide feedback straight away, plus my parents can also see what their grandson is learning about all the way from Taranaki.  I can access his learning stories whenever I want, and add my own which the centre actively uses to incorporate into Aidan’s learning at the centre.  The Facebook page is also very welcome as I love seeing photos and stories of Aidan.  I think that Flying Turtles is very up to date with forms of communication to parents and that has been beneficial both for Aidan’s development, and for my inclusion in the period of time that Aidan is away from me.

Teachers are very professional and easy to talk to and have always made me feel welcome to discuss any concerns or suggestions. They are very open to a mutual approach for any ideas I have regarding Aidan’s development and have also approached me with their own observations, which has helped me encourage his interests, development and learning at home.  I feel a strong partnership with the centre in the upbringing of my son.

I am a strong supporter of Early Childhood Centres, as my mother was an early childhood educator until her retirement a few years ago.  I place great importance on Aidan’s pre-school years and would not hesitate to recommend Flying Turtles Pre-School (and associated centres Prickly Hedgehog & Little Pukekos) to anyone looking for a quality early education for their child. 

You will forever have my gratitude for everything you have done for us - both Aidan and I will miss all of you.

- H Kerr

My name is Chantel I am Austin's Mum, we started in Little Pukeko's just a month ago.  I just want to take this opportunity to thank you and the Ladies from Little Pukeko's so, so much.  They have been amazing, Austin has settled in so well and even after only his first day there we could already see that he had picked up a few new things from pre-school.  Me and my husband Freddie are so impressed, I was also a pre-school teacher before I had Austin, 3-5 year olds - but boy it is way different when you are looking at things from a parents point of view.  I appreciate every little thing they do.  Monique is a SUPER STAR and Austin loves her, she always gives me an in depth description of his day at school and that makes me feel so at ease (yes I am one of those Mums, my little boy is my LIFE hehe!)  I could write you a novel, but in short thank you, you have made the experience of taking our first child to pre-school the easiest and most memorable experience and we will be forever grateful for it.  

Love and Respect

Chantel & Freddie

- Boshoff Family

- Keown Family

- Lorraine Horne