Children at SIT Childcare are discovering new places to explore, new adventures to imagine, and even a few new ways to watch the world go by following the completion of a major upgrade to the centre’s outdoor play space.
The Invercargill childcare centre has recently redeveloped and expanded one of its outdoor learning areas, adding approximately 60 square metres of additional play space alongside new fencing, high-quality surfacing, sensory features and all-weather improvements.
Centre Manager Nikki Ross said the transformation had created a safe, engaging and inviting environment that supports children's learning, development and wellbeing throughout the year.
“The children absolutely love it,” she said. “The space is colourful, welcoming and designed to encourage active play, exploration and adventure. It has given us even more opportunities to make the most of outdoor learning experiences.”
The refurbished area features a premium rubberised safety surface that is non-slip, springy and shock absorbent, helping children play confidently while providing an added layer of safety. A blue lane has been incorporated around the edge of the play area for bikes, while other play activities take place in the central zone.
In the added space there are tubs for growing flowers, and new bark sensory path with sensory tiles made of different materials for children to explore.
Ms Ross said outdoor learning remained an important part of the centre’s philosophy.
“We are very intentional about our teaching practices in the outdoor environment,” she said. “The new area includes sensory tiles and a bark sensory pathway that children can enjoy and explore through touch, movement and play.”
The upgraded space complements the centre’s existing outdoor areas, which include trees, grass and natural environments that encourage children to connect with nature every day.
Among the most popular new features are several child-height windows built into the fence. “The children love watching what is happening beyond the playground,” Ms Ross said.
Head Teacher Kelly Murch noted the children especially enjoy seeing emergency service vehicles go past. “And the trains are always a favourite. They know exactly when a train is due and often wait excitedly to see it pass by.”
She said that new purpose-built, all-weather curtains to fit the space have recently been installed, allowing children to continue using the area even when Southland weather shows up.
“The curtains help us make the most of the outdoor areas all year round and ensure children can continue exploring and enjoying the environment in a variety of conditions,” Mrs Murch said.
SIT Childcare recently celebrated 30 years at its current site on the corner of Eye and Ness Streets, where the spacious indoor and outdoor learning environments are supported by experienced, qualified kaiako.
Ms Ross said families valued the centre’s excellent teacher-child ratios, which exceed regulatory requirements and allow kaiako to provide personalised care and learning experiences.
“We have really strong teacher-child ratios across the centre,” she said.
“For our under-twos, the ratio is one teacher to four children; two years to three-and-half years tend to have a one to seven ratio, while for children aged three-and-a-half and over, it is one teacher to eight children. In many cases, our ratios are even better than that.”
“Those smaller group sizes mean our kaiako can build strong relationships with each child, support their individual learning journey and create a warm, nurturing environment where children feel confident to explore and grow.”
Ms Ross said the whole team are proud of the quality of care and the relationships they build with Invercargill tamariki. “We are a whānau-focused centre, and the new outdoor space reflects our commitment to giving children the very best environment to learn, play and thrive.”
Spaces are currently available at the centre.