A podcast with New Shoots directors - Nikki and Kelly
Laura Henry, an ECE consultant in the UK recently interviewed two of our New Shoots directors - Nikki Prendergast and Kelly Lambert. This podcast is a wonderful way to find out more about our vision and values, and how New Shoots strives to keep children and families at the heart of everything we do.
In this podcast, Nikki and Kelly share the beginnings of New Shoots Children’s Centres. They discuss how they have worked with architects to create an inspiring and enabling environment for children. They reflect on the New Shoots ethos and why this is central to our centres. Nikki and Kelly share how New Shoots children are able to direct their own learning and use real life tools within the environment.
Laura Henry is a leading, award winning expert in Early Years education, both in the UK and internationally.
She has been working with infants and under-sevens for three decades and never gets tired of watching them grow and develop into independent children and young people. She strongly believes that a good educational start offering love and support is the best foundation for a life of growth and learning.
Since she started in the sector she has used her skills to support colleagues who work directly with children, parents and settings. She also work with national and international organisations that provide services and expertise to children and their families.
Below is more information about Nikki and Kelly.
Nikki Prendergast, Owner and Director of Operations
Graduating from Wellington College of Education with a Diploma of Teaching in 1993, Nikki has worked in the field of early childhood in New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom.
Having managed both small community early childhood centres and large corporate groups, Nikki’s diverse management experience has further fuelled her passion for people, assisting her in the successful creation and operation of New Shoots.
Alongside this successful venture, Nikki has been extensively involved in the development and implementation of services supporting families, including budgeting services, young parent programmes and counselling services, as well as providing consultancy services to the New Zealand Ministry of Education.
Kelly Lambert, Director of Operations
Also from New Zealand, Kelly has a Diploma in Teaching ECE (0-8yrs) and has enjoyed working within the sector for the past 20 years in various roles including a period working in London.
The focus of Kelly’s work is centre operations and her knowledge of leadership, governance & management, mentoring and professional support for teachers was recognised in 2014 when she won the NEITA National Cognition Education Trust Leadership Award, which was presented at Parliament House in Wellington.
Kelly is an early childhood sector representative on the New Zealand Tertiary College Advisory Board and has worked alongside the Ministry of Education under the SELO professional support programme mentoring and coaching as well as supporting other providers in developing strong, sustainable programmes for all tamariki.
Kelly is passionate about her work with teachers, children, and whānau within their communities.
If you’re interested in learning more about New Shoots centres, our website is a great place to start. You can:
Find the centre nearest you
Contact us to organise a visit
Discover our curriculum, vision and foundation principles
For regular updates like us on Facebook and Instagram.