Our centres provide more than just early learning.
We offer a nurturing, stimulating environment where your child’s curiosity, growth, and wellbeing are at the heart of everything we do.
Our indoor and outdoor spaces are thoughtfully designed to spark imagination, exploration, and discovery. Qualified, passionate kaiako guide your child’s learning, celebrate their unique personality, and ensure their safety and wellbeing every day. From babies and toddlers through to those preparing for school, we support each child’s individual journey and foster a love of learning that lasts a lifetime.
At Barnardos, friendships flourish – not just for children, but often for whānau too – creating a strong sense of community that can continue long into the school years and beyond. Choosing one of our centres means your child will thrive in a warm, welcoming environment where they are seen, valued, and encouraged to reach their potential.
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Why choose an early learning centre?
- Quality early learning and care - We have qualified, experienced Early Childhood Education teachers who love finding ways to weave learning moments into every day – guided by your child’s interests and Te Whāriki – New Zealand's early learning curriculum
- Friendships and community - Your child will have the opportunity to connect with a diverse group of children, forming lifelong friendships while building your own network of local parents.
- Stimulating environments - Our indoor and outdoor spaces are thoughtfully designed to encourage exploration, creativity, and learning at every stage.
- Convenience - With 21 centres in central locations across Aotearoa, we offer part and full day options to suit your family’s needs.
More about our centres
Convenient and affordable
We want to make your child’s early learning and care experience as accessible as possible. That’s why we have 21 centres in central locations across Aotearoa New Zealand. Many centres offer extended hours and provide healthy meals and snacks too.
Affordable fees, coupled with 20 hours of NZ government ECE subsidised care/week for 3-5year olds and other government subsidies you may be eligible for, helps make the choice an easy one.
For more info on Fees and Subsides, click here
Quality early learning
At every centre, our Centre Managers and their teams are committed to providing the best start for your child’s early learning. Our experienced kaiako design rich learning experiences that grow from each child’s interests. Te Whāriki – New Zealand's early learning curriculum – is woven through each day’s activities and guides the learning framework.
Your child’s learning milestones, as well as other photos and videos, are shared with you in their pukapuka or via the online platform Storypark. Learn more here.
Community connection
Whether it is tending to their own vegetable garden or exploring on local excursions, your child will develop meaningful connections with their community, their environment and with others. Our centres, each caring for 30 to 60 children daily, reflect the richness of their local communities. We celebrate cultural diversity and respond to the unique needs of each whānau in everything we do.
Find a centre near you
Find the best early learning for your child
Choosing the right early learning centre for your child is an important decision. If you have questions about what a typical day looks like, how our centres support learning and wellbeing, or how a centre could fit with your family’s schedule, our friendly Community Coordinators are here to help.
They can guide you through the enrolment process, explain the learning programmes and routines, safety measures, and the supportive environment in each centre. Whether it’s your first time exploring early learning or you’re considering switching centres, our team can provide the advice and reassurance you need to make the best choice for your child.
