Why is Thames Coast Community Kindergarten transferring to Inspired Kindergarten (iK)? 

Small, community-based early childhood centres can find it challenging to run on volunteers alone. There are a lot of moving parts in ECE, including funding, teaching and learning, and meeting regulations. With staffing changes and not enough volunteers to support Committee responsibilities, the decision was made to close Thames Coast Community Kindergarten (TCCK) on 30 June 2025. Since then, a new Committee has come together and is now exploring options for another ECE provider to take over and continue the kindergarten’s operation and Inspired Kindergartens (iK) is that organisation. 

Where are we at with the transfer? 

We are pleased that both TCCK and Inspired Kindergartens have approved the transfer through their respective membership resolutions. The remaining steps are for the Thames-Coromandel District Council (TCDC) to meet on 27 March to approve the lease transfer to iK, and for the Ministry of Education (MoE) to confirm its approval in early April. 

What will it look like under new management? 

After thorough discussions with current stakeholders, and with careful consideration of what is best for the community and the long-term sustainability of the kindergarten, we will initially operate a “school day” model. This will provide up to six hours attendance each day, from 8:45am to 2:45pm, closely aligning with the Te Puru School programme.  

An experienced iK Head Teacher will lead the kindergarten during the initial period, with support from local teachers. 

The name will change to Thames Coast Kindergarten. 

When will the kindergarten re-open? 

Start of Term Two 2026 – 20 April with MoE and community approval 

What will it cost? 

iK is non-profit organisation and we continue to operate at minimal costs to all communities including Te Puru. We request a small donation of $8.00 for each day of your child’s attendance. iK operates as a charity organisation and as such we encourage all parents to claim this donation as a tax credit. Further information can be accessed via the IRD website “About donation tax credits - Ngā tukunga tāke tuku koha”. 

What will happen to the playgroup? 

The playgroup will continue to operate as normal. 

Can I enrol my child now? 

Yes, we encourage parents to begin an enrolment process with us in preparation for the 20 April start. 

What local input can we expect? 

Kate McGee, the current Chair of the Kindergaten Committee has been co-opted onto the iK Board to represent the kindergarten. And the iK rules also permit the establishment of a local parent committee. 

What has drawn Inspired Kindergartens to support a small, more remote kindergarten? 

Thames Coast Kindergarten will be our 26th kindergarten service, but it is far more than a number to us. With kindergartens across the North Island, including many in remote communities, we have developed strong experience in supporting services in unique locations. We are drawn to this kindergarten because of its environment, its alignment with our commitment to education for sustainability, and our belief that every child deserves access to quality kindergarten education. 

What if I need more information? 

You can visit us on our website https://inspiredkindergartens.nz/ or call us on 0800 250 052. 

ABOUT US 

What was Thames Coast Community Kindergarten? 

Thames Coast Community Kindergarten (TCCK) was established by local families over 30 years ago and is in Te Puru on the Thames Coast, around 10 minutes from Thames. It is the only early childhood centre serving the Thames Coast community. 

The kindergarten is currently a not-for-profit registered charity and incorporated society, governed by a committee of parent volunteers. Prior to February 2025, it operated with a licence for 30 children and a team of four staff: a Head Teacher, two part-time qualified teachers, a part-time administrator, and a cleaner. Sessions ran for 4.25 to 4.5 hours, with two additional weekly sessions for children under two. 

In December 2024, the kindergarten began a restructure process aimed at increasing enrolments and making hours more accessible for families, while maximising available government funding. It reopened on 3 February 2025 with new operating hours and a new teaching team. As an interim step, the licence was adjusted to 20 children over two per day while the new model was embedded. An open day held prior to reopening resulted in five new enrolments, and numbers continued to grow, with plans to return to a 30-child licence. 

However, due to a combination of factors, including the loss of staff and insufficient volunteer support to meet Committee responsibilities, the decision was made to undertake a voluntary temporary closure effective 30 June 2025. 

Following the closure, a new Committee was formed and has been exploring options for another ECE provider to take over the kindergarten’s operation. In the interim, a playgroup has been running from the site twice a week on Monday and Friday mornings. 

What is Inspired Kindergartens? 

Inspired Kindergartens – Ngā Kōhungahunga Manawanui – provides quality early childhood education to more than 1,300 children across a network of 25 kindergartens, spanning from Whangamatā in the north to Murupara in the south-east. Established in 1960 (formerly Tauranga Region Kindergartens), iK is one of New Zealand’s longest-standing early childhood education providers. 

iK is a not-profit, community-based organisation governed by a parent-elected Board. Our approach is grounded in a developing bicultural partnership guided by Te Tiriti o Waitangi. With a team of more than 200 staff, including a fully qualified and registered early childhood teaching workforce, we are committed to high-quality education. We see early learning as a partnership with parents and whānau, working together to support children through authentic learning experiences that foster confidence, independence, and a strong sense of individuality.