Our Team

(Tainui) Kia ora whānau, my name is Rachel Hughes (PhD). I am the Head Teacher at All Saints Early Learning Centre.  I joined the centre in October 2014, having led large early childhood centres. I have been involved in initial teacher education as a lecturer teaching early childhood student teachers and ongoing teacher professional learning and development.  I have worked in the sector for more than 30 years, both in Aotearoa New Zealand and overseas.  I have witnessed much change in the sector, but one thing that remains constant in my practice is a commitment to the value of love in education.  

Children thrive when they know they are loved, both at home and in their educational setting. When children receive a firm foundation of love they are then able to go on to achieve higher level learning; this was a key focus of my Master of Education and Doctorial research.

At the early learning centre, we endeavour to provide an inclusive environment where children’s well-being is catered for, and where children feel they can take safe risks in their play and learn from their experiences. Early childhood is a time when social skills are put to the test, and foundations for life are built.  The team aims to ensure that all children experience a wide variety of holistic learning experiences. We look forward to welcoming your whānau to our special early learning centre community.

My name is Anna Langridge, and I hold a Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education). I am proud to be a teacher at All Saints Early Learning Centre, a beautiful, Reggio-inspired space that I joined in May 2025. 

I bring with me a wide range of experience from working across diverse early childhood settings. My teaching journey began over a decade ago, sparked by a special bond with a three-year-old child whose joy and ability to face many challenges with strength and courage deeply impacted me. Since then, I have had the privilege of walking alongside many tamariki, whānau and their specialists, creating safe, inclusive, nurturing, and joyful environments where children feel seen, known and celebrated. 

I believe that every child is unique and valuable. I believe all tamariki are capable, creative, and full of precious taonga. I believe tamariki thrive when surrounded by loving, responsive adults in a calm, engaging environment. My approach is rooted in respectful relationships, bicultural practice, and a deep passion for language, literacy, and storytelling. I delight in helping children express themselves and connect with others in imaginative, meaningful ways through social emotional development and co-regulation. 

As a Kaiako, I am enthusiastic about learning through our five senses in our many different learning environments. It is fun to learn in many different ways! Whether it is exploring the sights in our natural world, listening to a story, feeling textures through our fingers in baking, smelling a flower, or expressing ourselves through storytelling. Learning is wonderful, and co-constructed—and I believe every moment holds the potential for discovery. 

Outside the centre, I enjoy spending quality time with my husband, family, and friends. On weekends, I am often exploring op-shops for hidden treasures, cooking up something, or finding a new creative hobby.  

I am looking forward to building connections and relationships with you and your tamariki here at All Saints Early Learning Centre. Thank you for welcoming me into your wonderful learning community.

Kia ora! Konnichiwa, whānau! My name is Kotomi Ikeda. I am an Early Childhood Teacher at All Saints Early Learning Centre. With experience in early childhood education (ECE) in both Aotearoa New Zealand and Japan, I am passionate about creating an inclusive environment where tamariki and their families feel valued, heard, and connected through respectful communication as partners in their learning journey.

I believe that every child is unique and has the potential to flourish in their own way. As a teacher, I play, sing, and learn alongside children, cherishing each moment we share. It is a true privilege to witness their growth up close and be part of their learning journey.

Originally from Japan, I moved to Auckland in 2016 and have since come to love New Zealand’s natural beauty. I enjoy exploring the outdoors and visiting playgrounds with my son, appreciating the meaningful learning opportunities that nature provides.

I am grateful for the opportunity to connect with tamariki, whānau, and kaiako at All Saints Early Learning Centre. I look forward to building meaningful relationships and contributing to this special learning community.

Kia ora e te whānau, my name is Ashleigh Heelam. I hold a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education) and I am pleased to be a part of this wonderful community and team here at All Saints Early Learning Centre.

My passion for all things early childhood bloomed with my own son and through taking him to Space at Playcentre - I loved connecting with other parents and marvelled at how wonderous our youngest tamariki are! 

Building genuine and caring relationships based on manaakitanga (support, kindness and respect) is vital and I hold that intention with everything I do as a teacher. I believe in encouraging a calm and secure home-away-from-home for our tamariki because when our children feel safe, valued and included so too does their confidence and sense of who they are also get uplifted.

I have been a creative since I was young myself and this is reflected in my passion for sharing how the world can be explored through art and our senses. So much learning can be empowered through creative play and opportunities for using your imagination, from developing language and storytelling to socio-emotional and problem-solving skills.

When I am not teaching, my husband and I are parents to our busy-body, almost 4-year-old son Rocco. I am also an avid reader, crocheter and enjoy going for a wander around the many local bush walks in West Auckland.