Portobelo Nursery & Preschools

Welcome to Portobelo: Where Children Love To Learn!

At Portobelo, the very essence of our name, meaning "beautiful harbour," encapsulates our commitment to providing your child and family with a safe, nurturing, and beautiful experience.
Our vision is simple yet profound: "a place you want to be." This ethos permeates every aspect of our preschool, ensuring that your child's educational journey is not only enriching but also filled with joy, curiosity, and a sense of belonging.

Join us at Portobelo, where the beauty of learning meets the warmth of community, creating a space where your child thrives and your family feels at home

Community

At Portobelo, we believe in the power of community. We are not just a preschool; we are a closely-knit family of parents, teachers, and students. Our supportive community is the cornerstone of our preschool, where everyone works together to create a warm and inclusive environment for your child to thrive. We foster a strong sense of belonging and togetherness within our community, enhancing your child's early learning experience.

Environment

Portobelo is nestled in a green oasis, surrounded by nature. We embrace the natural world as an extended classroom, encouraging children to explore and learn from their surroundings. We believe in teaching by example, nurturing future generations who care for our planet and understand the importance of sustainability. Our philosophy encourages safe risks, allowing children to give things a try, fostering self-control for success and the power of play. We prioritise 'green time' over screen time, providing ample opportunities for children to connect with nature and learn about the wider world around us.

Learning

At Portobelo, we celebrate the uniqueness of every child, valuing their distinct strengths and interests. Our dedicated teachers employ teaching method tailored to individual learning styles, fostering a love for learning that lasts a lifetime. Through play-based activities, interactive lessons, and creative expression, we not only stimulate curiosity, critical thinking, and promote social and emotional development but foster an inclusive environment where making friends and embracing diversity are integral parts of the educational journey. Your child will embark on a rich educational adventure, discovering the joy of learning in a supportive, stimulating, and inclusive environment.

Every day, Portobelo teachers sensitively guide children to listen respectfully, share ideas appropriately, negotiate, problem-solve, recognise and respond to how others are feeling, and take another's point of view. It's all about respect, responsibility and community.

Passion for excellence

Portobelo is committed to having a team of highly trained and experienced teachers, most of whom have an early childhood teaching degree, and teacher registration. All teachers, regardless of qualification, continue in their professional learning and development while they are at Portobelo. Our centres are fully licensed by the Ministry of Education, and we exceed all standards for child:teacher ratios, and space requirements. We offer ECE 20 hours free sessions for all 3 and 4 year olds.

Join us at Portobelo, where a vibrant community, a nurturing environment, and a personalised approach to learning come together to shape confident, compassionate, and curious young minds. Together, let's build a strong foundation for your child's future.

If you like what you see, call or email us to arrange a time to come down with your child for a free, no-obligation 'playdate' at your local centre.

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Kaiapoi