Kia ora!

Kia ora!

Welcome to our beautiful mixed aged licensed centre here in Lower Hutt. I'm Tess, Centre Manager and I look forward to welcoming you and your whānau as part of our community.

About this centre

Lower Hutt Early Learning Centre is a diverse, spacious and stimulating environment where your child will thrive.

  • The beautiful big trees in our huge outdoor area provide shade for our tamariki while they explore and discover.
  • Large indoor spaces and play-based resources allow for your child’s curiosities to develop while enabling them to learn and discover at their own pace.
  • Each child’s individual nature and uniqueness is embraced and celebrated by our nurturing teaching team.
  • Our large natural outdoor space is filled with beautiful trees and gardens, providing endless opportunites for discovery and adventure. Here at Barnardos Lower Hutt, we believe that nature is the best teacher and our curriculum is designed to foster children's curiosity and love for the outdoors.

ERO Report

 

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0–6 years

Individualised support, guidance and resources

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Flexible hours

Open 7:30am-5:30pm with part or full day options

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Large outdoors

Spacious, secure and fun environment

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Nutritious meals

Healthy lunch and snacks made fresh every day

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Affordable fees

20 free ECE hours available for children 3+ years

More about us

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Convenience

Our aim is to create the best conditions for your child's learning, wellbeing and care. We also know how important it is to give you the convenience you need and reassurance that your child is in safe hands. Our loving team and tailored environment are all waiting to be discovered by your family and whānau.

Our central location, on Waterloo Rd, is a 5 min walk to the waterloo train station and nearby to Queensgate shopping centre.

We use Storypark - our online parent communication tool to keep you updated and in touch. Local excursions and fun activities are just the beginning when it comes to being the best we can be for your child.

Engaging environment

Our happy and nurturing environment will inspire, stimulate and empower your child to learn in their own unique way. Located over two houses which are homely and a huge outdoor space challenge and excite the imagination. The indoor areas offer room for reading, rest, and engaging indoor learning experiences. Our tamariki love painting, waiata and the many different play areas they have here to discover.

Staff who nurture and inspire

Our qualified and experienced teachers are committed to caring for and nurturing your child. They build a strong connection with each child throughout their early learning journey and go out of their way to ensure every child feels supported and their unique needs are met. 

Our teachers create positive opportunities for your child to develop physically, mentally and emotionally. They help guide your child as they navigate new friendships, master new skills and build independence and resilience to get ready for school and lay the foundations for lifelong learning.

Connecting with the outdoors

We only know who we are, by knowing where we come from. We've been a part of the local community for over 30 years. That's why building a strong connection with nature and our local community is so important. We believe it helps your child develop a sense of belonging and identity and positively influences their learning experiences.

We're so lucky to have so many wonderful options on our doorstep here in Lower Hutt. We grow our own vegetable and herbs in our garden and go on community excursions to visit Gym club, the Dowse, Capital E and Te Papa.

Fees and subsidies

We want to make your child's early learning and care experience as affordable as possible. We are a not for profit organisation, so everything we do goes back into supporting your child, the centre and our community. 

Our fees include:

  • Quality education, care and activities provided by our team of teachers 
  • Local outings 

 

Did you know you may eligible for fee and ECE subsidies? Talk to our Centre Manager for further information.

 

What's happening

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Learning through play

Our team of teachers are guided by Te Whariki - NZ's Early Childhood Curriculum. They work closely with your child and respond to their unique curiosities by creating an environment that is reflective of each child's needs.

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Connecting with whānau

Our whole community benefits from families and whānau being involved in our centre and their children's learning. Connecting with you via Storypark and celebrating festivals are just some of the ways we include families and whānau.

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Community Connection

From growing their own veggies and herbs in our veggie patch to local excursions in the community, we constantly look for ways for your child to explore the connection between their community, their environment and themselves.

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Stay in touch with Storypark

We use Storypark to record and communicate learning as it happens via photos, video, audio and observations within a secure online environment. Parents and whānau can receive instant feedback and plan new ways to extend their child’s unique interests and abilities.

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Testimonials

“I am highly satisfied with the environment. I see my daughter having a great time at Barnardos.”

Rashid Lower Hutt

“I found Barnardos best because staff are very supportive. Nice, neat and clean premises.”

Anjali Lower Hutt

“The staff are so experienced, they understand each child is different while supporting parents with how they want to raise their child and using the same philosophies in the education of that child.”

Gemma Lower Hutt
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