A family school, for over 50 years
Hands-on and owner-managed since 1973 — a caring, nurturing and happy place that feels like a second home.
Small, personal and proudly independent
Wonderland has been part of the Fairland community since 1973. We're deliberately not a big franchise — we're a hands-on, owner-managed school where every child is known by name and every parent knows exactly who is caring for their little one.
Owner Mandy Vorwerg has led Wonderland since 2005. With a Master's degree in psychology, a Social Work degree and a play therapy qualification, she is actively involved in the day-to-day life of the school and keeps an open door for every parent.
We welcome families from Fairland, Northcliff, Weltevredenpark, Berario, Randpark and beyond. Our doors are open weekdays from 6:30am to 6pm, all year round — closing only for three weeks over Christmas.
Our values
Nurture first
A stimulating but secure and relaxed atmosphere. Children learn best when they feel safe, loved and at home.
A love of learning
We develop inquiring minds and a love of school that children carry into big school and beyond.
Respect & inclusivity
A Christian ethos with good values, morals and principles — teaching children to respect each other and celebrate our differences.
Emotional intelligence
Empathy, kindness and Ubuntu are woven into every day, growing well-grounded and well-balanced little people.
The people your child will love
Experienced, qualified and dedicated — with remarkably low turnover. Some of our team have been at Wonderland for over 25 years.
Behind every class, a full support team
- Wonderland is owner managed and run — Mandy Vorwerg has been the hands-on owner for over 20 years.
- Our teachers are all fully qualified, highly experienced and professional, with ongoing training and skills development all through the year.
- Every class has a dedicated assistant — and the younger classes and baby room each have two.
- Exceptional ratios: 4:1 in the baby room and 6:1 for toddlers.
- Our assistants are dedicated to the care of the children only — an amazing team, well loved by parents, children and teachers alike. All are first-aid trained with ongoing in-house training and mentoring.
- A dedicated admin manager frees our teachers to focus on their classrooms and children.
- Very low staff turnover — some staff have been part of our team for over 25 years!
- Two cleaners keep our classrooms and toys sparkling clean, and our cook prepares tasty, nutritious meals and snacks.
- Our gardener / handyman / pavement guard keeps our beautiful playgrounds well maintained and our school safe.
Professional consultants
Should a child need a little extra help, we have a team of professionals that we work with. Some come to see the children at the school in our therapy room, and others have consulting rooms nearby. These include two occupational therapists, a play therapist, a speech therapist, an audiologist and an optometrist.
What parents say
Thanks Caren! I really appreciate how hands-on you are and all your updates!Wendy Viljoen
Sincere thanks for looking after both my boys over the past 7 years and thank you so much for all the amazing memories.Yumna Moosa
You can see on their little faces they are happy there! Thank you for looking so well after them!Cathy Delport
You are an awesome school and we know that Hadassah enjoyed being with teacher Lauren and teacher Landie.Willie & Salome Els
Thank you Wonderland and the amazing staff for caring and teaching Toni over the last four and a half years.Penelope du Plessis
All my kids loved this school — nearly 13 years between them. Teacher Peggy saw them all.Zelda Naude Kotze
Meet us in person
The best way to get to know Wonderland is to visit. Pop in any weekday morning until 1pm, or book an afternoon tour.