An Aotearoa where every child shines bright.
At Barnardos, we believe all tamariki are born with their light shining bright and a life full of potential ahead of them.
Learning begins from the moment your child is born. The first five years lay the most important foundations for the rest of their life. That is why we are committed to providing high quality early learning experiences that nurture confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.
We work alongside tamariki and whānau, creating environments where children feel safe, supported, and ready to thrive, both now and into the future.
Here's how we do it:
Part of something bigger
Barnardos Early Learning is proud to be part of Barnardos Aotearoa. Since 1969, our focus has been on supporting tamariki, rangatahi, and whānau across Aotearoa. While our roots began in London many years earlier, our purpose has remained the same, to stand beside children and families and support them to flourish.
Today, Barnardos Aotearoa is New Zealand’s leading children’s charity. We work across the country to create generational change through services that are nationally supported and locally delivered, responding to the unique needs of each community we serve.
Quality early learning for over 55 years
Barnardos Aotearoa was incorporated in 1969 to support tamariki and whānau closer to home. We opened our first early learning centre in Māngere in 1972, a centre that continues to operate today.
In 1978, we established the Family Day Care Project in Wellington, which later became our Barnardos Early Learning Home Based service. Within a few years, this service had expanded to communities across Aotearoa, including Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, and Palmerston North.
In 2017, our early learning services were rebranded from KidStart to Barnardos Early Learning. Today, we offer tailored learning options through 21 early learning centres and around 120 Home Based Educators, supporting tamariki and whānau in communities throughout Aotearoa.
Building strong foundations for the future
At Barnardos Early Learning, we provide more than early education. We create opportunities for tamariki to thrive. Whether whānau are seeking high quality early learning or additional support during challenging times, we are here for every child and every family.
We are a village of support. No matter why you come to us, you will find care, connection, and people who walk alongside you. Because in a village, no one walks alone.
