Choosing a quality early learning service

Relationships are hugely important to children's development and wellbeing, and the quality of relationships in an early learning setting is one of the most important considerations.

Look for kaiako who greet tamariki warmly, listen closely, and get down physically at their level. Notice whether children look comfortable approaching adults for help or comfort. These moments create security and trust, which are essential for learning.

It can help to ask:
• Who will be my child’s primary caregiver during the day (if applicable)
• How do you get to know children and build a sense of belonging
• How do you support settling in and transitions

A strong team makes a real difference to your child’s experience. Services with qualified teachers and stable staff create continuity for tamariki, helping them form secure attachments. Ask about staff training, how long kaiako have been part of the team, and how professional development is supported.

Play is how children make sense of the world. A quality service offers experiences that reflect Te Whāriki, the early childhood curriculum of Aotearoa. This means play that builds communication, creativity, belonging, wellbeing, and exploration. You might see tamariki working together, creating stories, experimenting with materials, or expressing their ideas in creative ways.

A welcoming, inclusive atmosphere is an important part of quality. Look for signs that the service values your child’s culture, language, and identity. This could be reflected in the service philosophy, displays, resources, kaiako practice, celebrations, and meaningful engagement with whānau.

Consider asking:
• How do you honour the cultures of children in your care?
• How do whānau contribute to the learning journey?
• How do you ensure that every child feels valued and include?
• Do you have a primary caregiving model at your service?

Quality services support children in ways that build confidence, empathy, and emotional understanding. Ask how kaiako help tamariki learn to manage feelings, solve problems, and build friendships. Respectful guidance helps children feel heard and encourages them to develop social and emotional skills.

When whānau and kaiako work closely together, children benefit. Look for regular communication, opportunities to share your child’s interests and routines, and ways to contribute to their learning journey. Quality services understand that whānau know their child best and use this knowledge to support learning.

A good service will openly share health, safety, and wellbeing practices. Ask about supervision, food policies, sleep routines, first aid training, and how hazards are managed. The safest services are those that are organised, transparent, and proactive.

It can help to check the most recent Education Review Office (ERO) report and to ask the service about their policies for safety, curriculum, inclusion, and behaviour guidance. This gives you a clear sense of how the service operates and how it supports quality education every day.

One of the best ways to decide if a service is right for your child is to visit and watch. Look for children who are engaged and relaxed, kaiako who are present and responsive, and an overall feeling of calm, warmth and respect. It is also okay if your child gets upset or has challenges settling in, this is normal. Observe how kaiako respond in these moments. Trust your instincts. If it feels right and you can see your child enjoying the space, that is a strong sign.