About Us

School of Fish Onehunga is a boutique childcare centre nestled in gorgeous suburban Onehunga. Operating out of a 1907 villa oozing with personality and charm, School of Fish is the perfect setting for enquiring young minds.

Our children and their families are at the heart of everything we do. We gain inspiration from a range of learning philosophies and our vision reflects our children, families and changing community. Our environment is child-centred and our goals are to invite, excite and inspire while offering time, learning experiences and opportunities for creativity and expression. We believe that both children and teachers are learners and grow together. We respect all children and value them as unique individuals.

We have a strong commitment to personalising everything and aim for that to be apparent in the ambience of the centre, the appearance of the centre and our documentation. We have a sound curriculum delivery with a project based approach that is implemented by a team of young, energetic and passionate individuals.

Our richly qualified team of staff facilitate fantastic transitions within the centre and establish strong partnerships with our children, families and whanau. We promote a culture of inclusion with staff, children and families through hosting family events, staff team-building and embracing the soul that everyone brings to the centre.
School of Fish has been established by Tara and Richard Taaffe. Tara, a former new entrant teacher and junior school team and curriculum leader, has fulfilled her dream of setting up a home-style centre that is committed to quality early learning and an effective relationship with the local schools and community.

We can’t wait to get to know your child and their family and share their learning journey together!

Our Philosophy

“Passionately Preparing Little People for Life

School of Fish is a boutique centre with a homely feel. Our children and their families are at the heart of everything we do. Gaining inspiration from a range of learning philosophies, we have created our own vision which reflects our children, families and changing community.

We believe in a child centred environment where we take the time to listen to children and provoke thought. We aim to excite and inspire those in our care and understand the importance of scaffolding children to make their own choices when learning. We give children the opportunity to find their voice and creatively express themselves.

At SCHOOL OF FISH both children and teachers are learners. We recognise that each child is unique and look forward to sharing their journey. We act as facilitators of a continually changing experience, where children can interact, play and learn from each other.

Children under our care feel safe, valued and respected. We are passionate about our centre and feel privileged to be a part of each child’s learning, discoveries, celebrations, challenges, mistakes, tears and laughter.