Jen

Jen

Drury

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Making Discoveries
Making Discoveries
Sensory Exploration
Sensory Exploration
Fun Play Times
Fun Play Times
Curiousity
Curiousity
Experimenting
Experimenting
Fine Motor Skills
Fine Motor Skills

About Me

Hi, my name is Jen, and I am a mother of three and a grandmother of two. My husband, James, and I live in Drury with our two younger, school-aged children, while our oldest son and grandchildren live out west. We love spending time outdoors and gardening together as a family. We enjoy playing games together or watching a family movie. Dinner is a cherished part of our day, a time when we come together as a family to share and reflect on the events that shaped our day. 
 
We also run a business developing sensory products, a passion that grew out of my long-time work with children. Working with children has always been close to my heart, nurturing their minds and imaginations. I started a home-based childcare service when my second son was born, which allowed me to care for him while extending love and support to other families. Many of the little ones I cared for are now in school, with some entering their teenage years.
 
Now that my children and grandchildren are in school, the house has quieted down, which led me to reopen my home for childcare. I’m excited to once again welcome children into a smaller, more personal family setting.

Our Time Together

Our time together will include visits to local playgrounds and the library at Sir Edmund Hillary. We’ll also participate in various Stems FROM HOME activities throughout the month alongside other Educators. Within our home environment, children will have access to sensory toys, nurturing toys, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor play.
 
In addition to outdoor fun, we will explore arts and crafts, where children can get creative with different materials and projects. Music will be a big part of our day, with singing, dancing, and even experimenting with simple instruments. We’ll engage in imaginative play, where children can explore roles, storytelling, and building their creativity. There will also be opportunities for messy play, such as water and sand activities, where children can explore textures and materials freely.
 
We’ll enjoy dedicated reading time and moments for free play, fostering independence and curiosity. While we maintain a somewhat structured day, the activities will be primarily child-led, allowing them to follow their interests at their own pace.

Stems FROM HOME Programme

Stems FROM HOME offers a varied and engaging weekly programme for all of our Educators and tamariki to enjoy together, and whānau/families are always welcome to join in as well.  Our activities include Stems Music sessions in Howick and Pōkeno, Rest Home visits in Pakuranga and Pukekohe, Playgym experiences during the winter terms in Pukekohe and Howick, as well as larger group experiences, celebrations, and special planned events. These opportunities help strengthen our community connections, support children’s learning through shared experiences, and nurture a sense of belonging across our Stems whānau.

All upcoming events and details are shared in our term flyer.

House Keeping

* First Aid/Civil Defence Kit * Cot/bed * Highchair * Car seats

* Personal linen and hand towels

* A quiet home environment, in which children are able to have really good naps (if needed). If your child has a dummy or security object for sleep time, please send these inside their bag.

* Programme planning and monthly learning stories about your child’s individual learning and development, by using Educa (online portfolios).

* A change of clothes as we like to fully experience everything we do!

* A hat and sunblock in summertime. Please apply sun block to your child in the morning and I will reapply during the day.

* Gumboots and a raincoat for the rainy months

* Sufficient nappies, wipes/cream, bibs, and feeding bottles

* A healthy packed lunchbox and a water bottle

Please remember to bring along your child’s Stems Journal. These
are a useful communication tool for sharing daily entries about your
child’s day, care routines, happenings and up-coming events).

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