About Us
Our Story
"We give them roots to grow & wings to fly!"
One of our preschool branches was established 13 years ago, born from a heartfelt dream by Marelise to create a safe, nurturing space for children while their parents are at work. At the time, her own children were still young, and she understood firsthand the concerns and emotions that come with leaving your child in someone else's care.
Through her personal experience, Marelise recognised the importance of a preschool environment where children feel secure, loved, and supported - and where parents can feel at ease, knowing their children are in good hands. This vision became the foundation of our preschool. Today, that same passion continues to guide us.
Our second branch, which includes our Aftercare and Grade R class, opened just a few months before COVID-19 reached South Africa and the national lockdown began. Although this was a challenging time, it also presented an important opportunity to support our community - there was a growing need for safe, reliable aftercare services. Since then, we have continued to grow each year, offering a safe, nurturing space where children can relax, complete their schoolwork, and enjoy meaningful social interactions.
Our Mission
To provide a safe, nurturing environment where care feels like family and every child truly belongs. We are committed to nurturing each child's growth, confidence, and well-being - fostering a strong sense of belonging while encouraging positive relationships.
Our Vision
To be a trusted community where children feel safe, valued, and inspired every day - growing into confident, kind, and capable individuals within a space that feels like a second home.
What We Value
Our Core Values
Safety
A secure environment where children feel protected and at ease.
Care
Genuine, family-like care built on kindness and patience.
Belonging
An inclusive space where every child feels accepted and connected.
Growth
Encouraging learning, creativity, and confidence every day.
Respect
Building positive relationships through kindness and understanding.
The ELDA Curriculum
Supporting the Whole Child
We follow the Early Learning and Development Areas (ELDAs) curriculum, nurturing each child holistically - because early childhood is where lifelong foundations are built.
🧠 Cognitive Development
Encouraging curiosity, problem-solving, language, and early learning skills.
💛 Emotional Development
Helping children understand and express their feelings, build confidence, and develop resilience.
🤗 Social Development
Fostering positive relationships, cooperation, and respect for others.
🤸 Physical Development
Supporting fine and gross motor skills through active play and structured activities.
Why Families Choose Us
What Makes Pepper Tree Unique
A Holistic Approach
We focus on academic readiness alongside emotional wellbeing, confidence, and social skills.
Individualised Attention
Every child is unique - we respect each child's pace and tailor our support to help them thrive.
A Nurturing, Safe Environment
A warm, caring space where children feel secure, valued, and encouraged to explore.
Play-Based Learning With Purpose
Structured and free play naturally develop critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving.
In the long run, our aim is to prepare children not only for school, but for life - nurturing confident, emotionally secure, and independent learners with a genuine love for learning.
The People Behind Pepper Tree Kidz
Marelise - Owner
A devoted mother of two with a deep passion for early childhood development, Marelise's journey into building the preschool was inspired both by her professional vision and her personal experience as a parent. She's a dedicated businesswoman with a big heart, whose dream has always been to create a safe, nurturing, high-quality environment where children can grow and thrive. The growth of Pepper Tree Kidz is a true reflection of her vision, hard work, and love for children.
Our School Manager
A dedicated, hardworking professional with a genuine love for children, our manager has been an integral part of our community since joining in 2023. Her creative mind brings fresh ideas and energy into our daily programmes, while her strong managerial skills ensure the school runs smoothly and efficiently, maintaining a high standard of care and organisation.