Welcome to Ruahine Summerhill Early Learning - making a difference through adventure, imagining possibilities, risk taking and fostering the confidence to learn.

Ruahine Summerhill Early Learning Centre has three huge, purpose-built, extremely well resourced age-specific spaces - our Kowhai, Karaka and Whero rooms.   

Our team have created auaha, a magical place for discovering together, and acknowledging the many ways little people can make sense of the world.  At Summerhill, the wellbeing of tamariki, whānau and pouako is nurtured though calm spaces, predictable routines and clear, consistent expectations.  Teaching is intentional and celebrates every tamaiti as an individual. 

Summerhill's local curriculum comes alive through adventure and exploration, imagining possibilities, taking risks and fostering the confidence to learn. Pouako use our stunning indoor and outdoor environment to extend on children's working theories through physical activity and gross-motor development, messy and water play, growing and harvesting fruit and veges, messy and water play, sensory exploration, and innovative thinking through construction, deconstruction and creativity.

Connections with our local area are strengthening by the day and we have a thriving and enthusiastic parent and whānau community.

Summerhill is open Monday to Friday, 7.30am - 5.30pm, and closed between Christmas and New Year, as well as 13th January, 30th May, 7th – 10th July and 24th October when teachers are engaged in professional development. (Please note there is no fee charged when the centre is closed).

Please contact our Centre Manager Jolene to arrange a visit – contact details below. 

What Our Whānau Say

"I cannot recommend the Summerhill team enough. We have recently enrolled our two boys into the Whero room and have watched them flourish since.

This centre provides a warm, welcoming and safe environment which has allowed our boys to foster their independence and grow into content and creative boys. The teaching team have an amazing awareness of each child’s individual needs and interests, which are always reflected in the diverse activities on offer.

I am in awe at the change I have seen in my children since beginning at Summerhill and look forward to more exciting kindy stories each day." Stevie 😊

"Wow where do we start? Rhypp and I had made up our minds way back when Rhypp was born in April 2023 that I was going to do my best to get him enrolled at Summerhill Early Learning. My niece attended here from when she was about 2 years old right up until she turned 5 and they were absolutely amazing with her. I wanted my son to enrol here, and it was the best choice I have ever made.

After only a few transition visits Rhypp loved playing and interacting with everyone and the activities they have here.

Rhypp started here a few weeks after he turned 1 attending 3 days a week and the team were absolutely amazing in welcoming us both as a whānau from day 1.

I myself being a first-time mum and dropping my baby off to be without me for the first time was nerve wracking and emotional. The ladies helped me a lot when I was saying goodbye, reassuring me he will be fine and we will send you updates and photos. Finally, I left Rhypp to get on with his day which is his new favourite place to be. It was about 45 - 60 mins when I got photos and a message that he was ok and having fun. Not going to lie when I received these messages I had tears flowing which then told me My son was happy and safe, which then told me I had made the right choice.

Rhypp's been going for about 3-4 weeks now and I've extended his days to full-time and can't express enough how much the team at Summerhill Learning have done for Rhypp already. Rhypp and I are truly grateful we have found a place where he can feel included, valued, safe and is always welcomed." Helena and Rhypp

"Summerhill EL was a no-brainer for my daughter. She started at 6 months and is now 4 years old. In every learning space the teachers and the teaching have been phenomenal. When we first visited to check it out, everyone was friendly, welcoming, knowledgeable and kind. The environment is beautiful, and they take their commitment to Enviroschools seriously with their beautiful vegetable gardens. The teachers are both an excellent team and wonderful people who gently guide tamariki toward beautifully planned learning opportunities taking into account the needs, wants and passions of the kids. My daughter thoroughly enjoys her time at Summerhill EL, the relationships with her lovely pouako and the amazing experiences she has."

“My Daughter is very attached to me and has struggled to let me drop her off anywhere and leave. After not even a few visits she practically was waving at me to go happily, the team at Summerhill EL have been so warm and welcoming towards us. They have helped support my daughter to feel comfortable and independent, while supporting her in her moments. The team are so friendly, approachable, kind and caring this has made transitioning super easy and cannot thank them enough.” Jessie

"Our boys have absolutely loved being at Summerhill EL. We have really appreciated arriving every day to see activities tailored to the interests of the children. The social and self-management skills that our children have developed as a result of the kind and consistent approach from all teachers has been fantastic to see. We are grateful to have found a place where our children feel included, valued and always welcome." Ella and James

"My daughter has attended Summerhill EL since they opened and they have become like family to Maggie. The teachers go above and beyond to meet our daughters interests with wonderful resources and opportunities both inside and outside. Our daughter is so privileged to be taught and cared for my the most dedicated teachers. We couldn't think of a better place for our daughter to grow." Clare

Session Times

Monday to Friday

7.30am – 5.30pm with no term breaks 

Contact Us

Phone: 06 280 4535  
Email: summerhill@rka.org.nz