Elim Early Learning Centre

28/08/2026

On Monday we were lucky enough to host Kimberley Crisp as she held a professional development for teachers across tue motu to attend. Kimberley prides herself on being a heart-centred teacher who is praised for creating environments and rituals that nurture one's soul, make you feel happy and calm and create feelings of joy and empowerment for children. Kimberley is someone we admire at Elim and she inspires a lot of the mahi that we do, and the journey we have been in over the last 6 years. During her visit on Monday, we took her on a little tour around the place and she was blown away by the beauty, simplicity, and attention to detail that we have worked so hard to create here at Elim. She was so impressed that she posted about our beautiful centre on her page, and praised us for our heart-centred mahi. Have a read to see what she said 💚

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18edMbN1kQ/

I have been privileged over the last 6 years to have worked alongside Cambridge Elim Preschool. I have delivered team PD a few times and like so many other teams you never know what ‘ seeds’ sprout . When I arrived on Monday I was treated to a real ‘ look’ into HOW this team has authentically integrated what ‘hit their hearts’ and fitted with their context and philosophy .
Everything that was shared was embedded with their own flavour and context .
I was blown away with the depth of thought and how intentional everything was down to the last detail.
As we chatted it was evident that this team is cohesive… nothing is left to chance and the leadership literally practiced what they preached . More than anything what I was touched mostly with was HOW the Rituals and Practice reflected their values.
It is easy to copy BUT when a Ritual is ‘ wrapped’ around something that is meaningful it takes it to a whole different level.
For example… A Tiny Library in their welcome area and it has special seats a selection of books a basket 🧺 and as children finish their day they are often seen choosing a book and going through the process. It is self managed and run on a trust model . Fully prepared and it’s been working beautifully. It supports transitions in and out and encourages more joy in reading.
Another example is after all their family Rituals they create a book with all the photos . They have a whole shelf FULL of memories… such a beautiful way for children to see feel and chat about these special occasions.
And another example is their dining ritual…
The environment is Home- I- rised so it feels very lived in and homely .
The dining room is set beautifully adorned with special trinkets the children have shopped for at their local op shop . Flowers on tables AND some placemats…
This IS sooooo good
These are the sensory cue …
Each child picks a placemat goes to the table of choice and when all placemats have gone it signifies…’the tables are full’ and they wait till placemats are back on tea trolley.
I hope this gives you a glimpse into HOW wonderful things can be when a team has a shared vision and open hearts …YOU can create HARMONY ♥️

I am excited to continue our journey… I look forward to our shared ‘ path’ in ‘ the mentorship’ programme .

26/07/2026

⭐️⭐️⭐️Matariki 2026⭐️⭐️⭐️
Blessed with a beautiful clear night, the children, whānau and kaiako of Elim gathered to share a night of hot soup, fry bread, marshmallows and treats as we welcomed the Maaori new year together!
The Maaori new year is a time to reflect on the past year, remember our loved ones who have passed in the year and also a time to make plans and goals for the future. We shared kai and a meal together as we count our blessings and gave thanks to our lord God. Our hall was packed and our bellies were full as we enjoyed dancing, star hunting and marshmallows by the fire! What a great way to welcome in the new year and celebrate our whaanau

22/07/2026

The jungle gym and monkey bars are always popular and full of busy, focused children! This simple equipment is great for holistic learning. Its easy to recognise the obvious physical development that is occurring, but look a little closer and you will also see the many complex social skills at work as children explore how to collaborate, co-ordinate, turn take and be considerate of others. Interestingly this play also develops abilities and body strengths that support important pre-writing skills such as a strong body core, crossing the midline and good hand eye coordination. Allow this while playing..... never underestimate the power of play and the humble jungle gym

17/07/2026

Our new fresh website is now LIVE! We are excited and proud to showcase what we offer our beautiful community and to celebrate our many points of difference. There are so many wonderful reasons why Elim Early Learning Centre is the best choice for quality education and care for your tamariki under 6, and our new website highlights and celebrates all that we have to offer, and more! Go check us out and share the link with your whaanau and friends 🥰

Located in the heart of beautiful Cambridge, Elim Early Learning Centre has provided high-quality childcare and education for families.

30/06/2026

Excursions are an important part of our curriculum which supports children to learn about the people, places and things in their community. Every year we undertake 2 "big day out" nature excursions, every week we have our Bush Walks and we visit our local primary schools as often as we can.
Last week we were invited to attend the Leamington Primary School Matariki discovery day. We took a group of 8 tamariki to join in on some arts and crafts, letter sounds, and to experience a taste of 'big school' classroom life. There were lots of new learning experiences and moments of pure joy as we explored the school grounds and caught up with old Elim friends.
Excursions give children a chance to explore and practice skills such as road safety, managing their needs, communicating their thoughts or ideas and listening to instructions and new information! These experiences are meaningful for children as they learn while doing. We had such a great time and appreciate Leamington Primary School for all their hard mahi.

15/06/2026

📚 BOOK DAY 📖
Last week we enjoyed book week at Elim with a dress up day on Wednesday! Tamariki and kaiako came dressed in all sorts of outfits representing their favourite book characters. Over the week, we enjoyed lots of storytelling, puppets, book reading, sequencing, art work, creations and imaginative play as kaiako celebrated the joy of books and reading. This was a fun way to share our ongoing focus on oral language and early literacy!
Thanks to Paper Plus Cambridge, we set up a mini book shop in reception and our whaanau were able to purchase some much anticipated favourite books to extend literacy at home.
With many thanks to Paper Plus Cambridge Paper Plus for supporting our initiative, we were able to fundraise $148 from books sales to help buy new books for our Elim Library.... opening soon! We will soon be visiting Paper Plus to buy those new books to be added to our library❤️

12/05/2026

On friday we celebrated the Wāhine toa in our lives by hosting an afternoon high tea featuring all sorts of yummy (healthy) treats! The tamariki thoroughly enjoyed their "mum's party" as they proudly showed their māmā some of the mahi their get up to while at Elim. We finished off the afternoon by gifting each māmā a beautiful rose cupcake and some artwork created by their tamariki.
-Ko te whaea te takere o te waka ❤️Mothers are the hull of the canoe💚

24/04/2026

We remember with gratitude

20/04/2026

Anzac ted is here to share the story of Anzac and help children think about ways to be brave and show courage, along with kindness, respect and love. Anzac Ted is a story that is told in a way that is appropriate for children to comprehend and provide opportunities for discussion and reflection. To help bring the story to life, we've introduced our very own Anzac Ted. He gives children something tangible to hold onto as they hear some stories of New Zealand's history. Our children love holding Anzac Ted and hearing some of his adventures.
Lest we forget 🌹

Elim is a high-quality childcare and education centre in Cambridge. With excellent teacher ratios, a 100% qualified teaching team, we are here to ensure the loving care and education of your child.

04/04/2026

He is risen! Today we take time to remember the sacrifices made for us, and make room for forgiveness, hope and faith. We hope you feel God's comfort and safety as you enjoy your Easter weekend with family and friends and remember that Easter brings themes of new life, joy, and hope for redemption.
John 11:25-26, "I am the resurrection and the life.