My story by
Hayley French
Owner Kohimarama Private Preschool
With over 30 years of experience in the early childhood education sector, I’ve dedicated my career to nurturing young minds and creating environments where children can truly thrive. From teaching in kindergartens to opening and leading three successful early learning centres — including a 150-child centre known for its outstanding learning outcomes — my journey has been guided by a passion for quality education, strong relationships, and lifelong learning…
Along the way
I’ve also had the privilege of mentoring teams in underperforming centres, supporting children and their families as an Early Intervention Teacher in Special Education, and working with Barnardos as a Coordinator. Each experience has deepened my understanding of what truly matters in early learning — connection, care, and a child-centred approach.
As a qualified interior designer, I bring a unique lens to early childhood education, crafting beautiful, calm, and thoughtfully designed spaces that inspire curiosity, creativity, and a sense of belonging.
Recently, I began the search for a place where I could bring my vision for early learning to life — and I found it here in beautiful Kohimarama.
Our boutique preschool is more than just a place to learn — it’s a place where children are truly seen, valued, and supported to grow in their own time, in their own way. We’re proud to offer a nurturing, thoughtfully designed environment where tamariki and their whānau feel a genuine sense of belonging.
We can’t wait to welcome you into our special little community.
Visit us today in Kohimarama and see how our personalised approach can nurture your child's growth in our warm, family-centered community
Our team
At the heart of our preschool is a small, close-knit teaching team that I’ve personally hand-picked for their passion, expertise, and commitment to nurturing the whole child. Each teacher brings their own unique strengths, backgrounds, and specialties — from toddler care, to early literacy to creative arts and emotional development — allowing us to support a wide range of needs and learning styles.
What unites us is a shared belief in respectful, responsive relationships and the importance of truly knowing each child as an individual. Together, we create a warm, inclusive environment where tamariki feel safe, supported, and inspired to explore the world around them.
Because our team is intentionally small, we’re able to build strong, trusting relationships not just with the children, but with their families too — creating a true sense of belonging and partnership in every aspect of your child’s early learning journey.
