Helpful Tips

For Parents

Settling in tips

Helping your child transition to Orakei Montessori Preschool, we believe it is best to visit us at least 2 weeks prior to your child's first day. Over this 2 week period gradually give your child the space to explore and discover their new surroundings. This may include observing your child at a distance so you are still in sight, letting your child know you are sitting in the staff room for 10 mins or going for a coffee or walk just down the road.

On your child’s first day of preschool you can stay for as long as you and your child are ready to say ‘goodbye’. You are welcome to telephone during the session to check that your child has settled or to return a short time later (to listen out of sight). We will phone you or make further arrangements if your child has trouble settling. We have found it helpful if your child has a special comforter such as a blanket or soft toy they may bring it to help them settle-in and feel comfortable here.

If you have any special concerns about your child starting preschool, please talk with the teachers and we will do all we can to make your child’s transition from home into the class a happy one.

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  • "Could not recommend this Montessori more!!! My two children have been at Orakei Montessori for the last year; and their learning and education has excelled with the incredible hands on and encouraging teachers. They foster a strong and engaged family community, with many events, special days and celebrations. I feel so positive sending my kids here and they really do love to go. Couldn’t be more grateful to have found this special place!"

    Pearl Delaney-Girdlestone

  • "Great preschool with caring teachers. Offers school holiday programme which is really helpful. Play is intertwined with learning and we get excellent stories shared and updates on progress."

    Myles Smith

  • "Great experience for my three year old boy. Hopefully my 13 month old baby girl will be starting there soon. My baby girl is now two years old. She took a little bit of time to settle into Montessori but the teachers are excellent in supporting her! And she is now thriving in Fantail class ❤️ Thank you, the team at Orakei Montessori, for looking after my kids. I am so grateful for everything you do!"

    Added March 2026
    My son is now 5 and has graduated from Montessori. He gained so much from Montessori, and he loves going to school! The transition was very smooth, and he is doing really well at school. He even won a certificate within three weeks of starting. I feel that Orakei montessori really prepared him well for primary school.

    My daughter is now three and will be transitioning to Tui class. She has a lot of friends and is developing very well too.

    Great pre-school for my kids!

    Leo Sheck

  • "What stands out to me is the caring relationships and thoughtful learning environment the centre provides. The teachers support children’s independence, wellbeing and learning in meaningful ways. My child has been happy here, and we’ve appreciated the sense of community within the centre."

    Zechun

  • "Can't rave enough! Feel lucky to send my kids here.. such care and kindness from the Kaiko, and love the montessori philosophy. Bonus that the kids love it too!"

    Sophie Gardiner

  • "Both my children have gone through OMP it’s such a nurturing environment, lovely teachers and lots of flexibility to fit in with busy family life. Would highly recommend to anyone looking for a quality preschool Montessori."

    Ashleigh Hutchison

  • "We have had a fantastic experience at Orakei Montessori. The teachers are very caring and attentive and my kids have loved attending over the past 4 years. The Montessori principles and learning materials set the children up well for primary school and it’s a lovely little community. Would highly recommend for parents wanting a safe and professional learning environment for their pre-school kids."

    Josephine Tapper

  • "This a wonderful big little preschool that has a great community life. The teachers are amazing, knowledgeable and caring, they are really part of the whanāu. There is also no changes in the teaching staff, our son had the same teachers for about 3 years now, which is rare these days and so important for their connection and development. They helped him to achieve many milestones, boosting his confidence. His language skills are very advanced for his age and I credit the teachers. This preschool is a real hidden gem in Auckland. Highly recommend 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟"

    Karen Reis