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New Centre Fit Outs

Remarkable Start Early Learning


Remarkable Start Early Learning opened their doors in Queenstown in January 2018. This state of the art early childhood centre shares a purpose-built building with two other service providers in an innovative initiative to positively impact the lives of the families and young children they serve. 

Fulfilling the dream of setting up a new ECE centre begins with feelings of great excitement and high expectations, but also with the acknowledgement that it is a consuming task with many aspects. Founders Debs McKerchar and Candice Stewart shared a vision to create a leading-edge early learning centre. 

To achieve this they knew that the physical environment must be an inspiring space that reflects the quality of their service. It would have to meet and possibly exceed the Ministry of Education’s requirements for early childhood centres, but they also needed their uniqueness to shine through: the true philosophy of a centre is strongly reflected in how it is set up. The centre environment had to be in harmony with the stunning natural backdrop of the setting, and also with their goal of instilling a spontaneous love of learning.

Determined to fill their beautiful new space with the very best equipment to facilitate the blend of Montessori and conventional approaches they were planning, Debs and Candice found the perfect ally in Darren Witty from Play’n’Learn. From numerous conversations with Darren to a Skype proposal meeting and a day spent in Wellington at the Play’n’Learn showroom and warehouse, they enjoyed knowledgeable and professional support every step of the way. They were able to bounce ideas off Darren and get valuable and practical input, guiding them in their decisions. 

Candice and Debs describe their visit to the Play’n’Learn showroom in Wellington as a unique experience. Here they were able to see, touch and handle any equipment that they were interested in. Their approach was that they wanted quality equipment that would stand the test of time, and being able to see and inspect any item for themselves before purchasing made that ideal possible. 

“We have a uniquely shaped sleep room and Darren advised us on how to fit the cots and beds in the space to make it work for us.”

The pair found something of everything they needed to fit out their special place in the most special way. One highlight for them is the fact that Play’n’Learn provides a great range of equipment suitable for a close-to-nature approach. Being an environment-focused centre, the Play’n’Learn collection of natural toys and equipment, and quality garden tools are proving a winner at Remarkable Start Early Learning.

Candice and Debs came together with a joint ambition to plough all of their passion and experience into developing an independent brand that is authentically them. With the help of Play’n’Learn, they are now able to pick the fruits of their hard work to make this dream come true.

Remarkable Start Early Learning – Queenstown

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