Preschool Facilities
Purpose-designed spaces, extensive outdoor areas and access to the wider Marsden campus support learning, play and discovery.
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Because you're not looking for someone to fill their day. You want us to fuel their future.
Nestled within the beautiful grounds of Samuel Marsden Collegiate School, Marsden Preschool provides a warm, purposeful learning environment for girls and boys aged 3–5, where curiosity is encouraged, confidence grows and strong foundations are built for the years ahead.
Our highly qualified teachers know each child well and provide an exceptional standard of care and education, creating an environment where children feel secure, valued and ready to explore, contribute and learn. As a multicultural, co-educational community, we celebrate diversity and foster a genuine love of learning.
It’s well known that participation in high-quality early childhood education contributes to stronger learning foundations. As part of the wider Marsden School, our Preschool tamariki also benefit from opportunities, facilities and connections that extend well beyond the Preschool itself.
Flexibility for families
From Term 4 2026, Marsden Preschool is open 7.30am–5.30pm, Monday to Friday, for 50 weeks of the year, giving families greater flexibility while retaining the warm, personal environment that makes our Preschool special.
Families can choose a regular combination of:
• Preschool Day: 7.30am–3.30pm
• Extended Day: 7.30am–5.30pm
There is a minimum enrolment of 20 hours per week, and you can mix Preschool Days and Extended Days across the week to suit your needs.
Our extended hours and year-round model make it easier to balance work and family life, while children continue to enjoy consistency of care, familiar teachers and a rich learning environment throughout the year.
The Marsden difference
Marsden Preschool combines the nurturing, individualised experience families expect from a high-quality early childhood setting with the added opportunities that come from being part of a wider school community.
Children benefit from access to Marsden’s people, spaces and experiences, while gradually becoming familiar with school life and building connections beyond the Preschool.
For children continuing into Marsden Primary, those relationships can also help make the transition to school feel positive and familiar.
Small groups, individual attention
Although licensed for up to 30 children, group sizes are intentionally kept smaller, with quality teacher-to-child ratios. This allows our experienced kaiako to nurture each child’s curiosity and create rich, responsive learning experiences every day.
Our teachers know each child well, responding to their interests, strengths and development while supporting them to become increasingly confident, independent and connected.
The result is a Preschool environment where children are known as individuals, encouraged to try new things and supported to thrive.
Learning shaped by our values
The Marsden values of Hiranga (Excellence), Manahau (Resilience), Auahatanga (Creativity), Oha (Service) and Whanaungatanga (Respectful Relationships) are woven through everyday Preschool life.
Children are encouraged to be curious, creative and courageous; to care for others; to build strong relationships; and to take pride in what they can achieve.
These early experiences help children build not only the foundations for future learning, but also the confidence, kindness and sense of self that will support them well beyond Preschool.
What our families say
“Our daughter absolutely loves her time at Marsden Preschool. The teachers have created a warm, nurturing environment where she has plenty of freedom to play, alongside the structure that helps her feel ready for school. It’s been wonderful to watch her confidence and independence grow. We also love how connected Preschool is to the wider school, giving children the chance to build relationships with older students — and, for girls continuing at Marsden, plenty of familiar faces waiting for them.”
The Leckie Family 2026
Meet our Preschool team
Our Preschool is led by Head of Preschool Dr Helen McConnell, alongside experienced teacher Kirsten Whitehead and teacher aide Enzo Vatselias.
Together, they create a warm, responsive environment where children are known as individuals and families feel connected to the life of the Preschool.
Explore Marsden Preschool
Choosing a preschool is an important decision, and the best way to understand what makes Marsden special is to experience it for yourself.
Take a closer look with our Preschool virtual tour, or come and see for yourself by arranging a visit to meet our teachers and explore the Preschool.
Marsden Preschool Brochure 2026
Take a closer look at what Marsden Preschool has to offer, from our learning environment and programmes to the wider Marsden experience.
Marsden Preschool Handbook 2026
Our Preschool Handbook contains useful information about day-to-day life at Marsden Preschool, including routines, what to bring and other practical information for families.
