Portobelo Otaki and Wesley Street
My children attend the Otaki and Wesley St Portobelo Preschools. My husband and I are extremely impressed with the calibre of the staff at both preschools, with the Supervisors providing very hands-on, caring leadership. Tears at my departure (from the children, usually not me!) were managed assertively yet sensitively during the initial weeks, and toilet training is now handled with the same sensitivity. I can approach any staff member and ask how my children are going, with each response indicating they have spent a lot of time with my children and have thought a lot about their functioning. Planning is highly individualised and focused on my children's particular strengths and needs - which they are very astute at identifying. My children are constantly telling us new facts they have learnt, singing new songs, and teaching us new games- all learnt during their two sessions at Portobelo each week. The environment is relaxed, fun and educational, with parents made to feel welcome. Keep up the fantastic work!
Mel

Portobelo Cranmer
We have been delighted with the quality of care Ella and Sophie have received while at Portobelo over the past two years.
The care and service Sophie and Ella have received has always been of the best quality and we have always been confident that they were enjoying a valuable early childhood experience in a loving and warm environment. The staff have been wonderful and Ella and Sophie think the world of them all!
We will miss the special character of Portobelo Cranmer and, of course, all of the staff, children and families! Thank you so much for all you have done for our family. We will miss you all very much.
With many thanks and best wishes
Madeleine Williams and Brendon Thorpe

Wesley Street
30th September 2011
Dear Lyn,
I am writing to express my gratitude for the great care and education my daughter Jazmyn has received since starting at Portobelo. Coming from another centre, Jazmyn had already established strong bonds with her teachers and fellow peers. She really struggled at first to settle into Portobelo life. But with such great support from Helen and her team- she has blossomed! The programme is very child centered and follows the children's interests. This has enabled Jazmyn to be involved in some amazing activities which she has help lead. Through her interests being addressed it has shown Jazmyn that her opinions and ideas are valued. I feel that my daughter has really got her confidence back, and she happily tells me about her day with excitement in her voice. She now has a group of friends which share the same interests, and I am sure these friendships will only get stronger.
Once again thank you to Helen and the team for doing an amazing job.
Daniel Burt