CAROLINE HARKER

Wanaka’s newest childcare centre is very much a family affair, and the culmination of a lifelong dream.

The four directors are husband and wife Sharyn and Murray Thomas, and their two adult children Jordanah and Josh. Originally from Whangarei, the Thomas family moved to Wanaka earlier this year and opened WanaExcel earlier this month (July). The centre caters for up to 60 children aged from babies to six-years-old.

"We created our first centre over 20 years ago because we wanted to [create a place] where our own children would be provided with opportunities to thrive in inspiring, educational environments,” Sharryn said. "WanaExcel continues our philosophy that a childcare centre should be a place where every single child and family feels important.”

Sharyn said staff from most of the other childcare centres around town have already been in to visit them. And what did they think of WanaExcel? "You’ll have to ask them,” she said.

Son Josh agrees with his parents’ education philosophy. "Growing up in a family involved in all aspects of education, I have been constantly surrounded by people of all ages, from all walks of life,” he said. "Taking time to interact with people, learning about their lives, listening to their lessons and understanding what they wish to achieve is a concept that has been taught to me from day one and is something that has had a substantial influence on my approach to both education and healthcare.”

Josh is a qualified osteopath and plans to run a clinic out of the same location as WanaExcel, in Cliff Wilson St. Daughter Jordanah is equally enthusiastic about the new centre. "Being totally immersed in my family’s style of education since I was 18-months-old has taught me the value of determination, respect for others, a strong work ethic and a love of learning,” she said. "The creation of WanaExcel is made up from the life lessons and learning environment I had the privilege of growing up in, and I can’t wait to extend this unique experience to more children and families.”

WanaExcel directors (from left) Josh, Sharyn, Murray and Jordanah Thomas.

WanaExcel currently includes WanaExplore for babies to three-year-olds, and WanaDiscover for three to six-year-olds. In the future it will expand to be the WanaExcel Education and Health Hub. This will include WanaExperience for five to 10-year-olds (including a homework help service), a gymnasium and an osteopathy clinic offering treatments for all ages groups.PHOTOS: Supplied