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Awhi Tairāwhiti Early Learning Centre

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Kia ora!

Kia ora!

Welcome to our beautiful early learning space, ko Quannah tōku ingoa, Centre Manager here at Awhi Tairāwhiti. I am looking forward to meeting you and your whānau as you begin your early learning journey with Barnardos.

About this centre

Your home from home, a small and friendly whanau early learning space, Awhi Tairāwhiti is led by a passionate team of experinced Kaiako in a unique setting with onsite access to additional inclusive family support.

Our centre offers a diverse, welcoming environment where quality early learning and our tamariki are at the heart of what we do.

  • A newly renovated space in 2023 , you’ll be delighted by our natural, spacious and engaging centre that reflects our local community.
  • Your child will be inspired and stimulated by our rich array of play-based experiences in our indoor and outdoor spaces.
  • Awhi Tairāwhiti aims to be a responsive service that reduces the barriers to education and increases the participation and engagement of children, young people and their families in a safe, inclusive learning environment.  
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0–6 years

Personalised support and resources for every age with only 20 tamariki, your child will thrive in this home from home setting.

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Flexible hours

Open 9.00am – 3.00pm

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Large outdoors

Your child will be inspired and stimulated by our rich array of play-based experiences in our indoor and outdoor spaces

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Affordable fees

20 free ECE hours available for children 3+ years. Access to Barnardos fee exemptions

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Expertise and knowledge

A passionate team of Kaiako in a unique setting with onsite access to additional whānau support. Experts in early learning for 50 years

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BYO lunch box

Fresh food packed by each family

More about us

Engaging Environment

Our happy and nurturing environment will inspire, stimulate and empower your child to learn in their own unique way. The outdoor spaces challenge and excite the imagination, while our spacious and light filled indoor areas offer room for reading, rest, and engaging indoor learning experiences. Your child will enjoy experiencing regular karakia and waiata and the many natural play areas they have to discover.

Connecting with the outdoors

We strive to provide quality experiences within our unique setting, and a sense of belonging to Tairāwhiti as a living resource and learning environment. Tamariki are encouraged to care for Papatūānuku and all of her creatures.

Convenience

We also know how important it is to give you the convenience you need and reassurance that your child is in safe hands. That is why our service focuses on inclusive family support, involvement, and access to parenting programmes for our families. This is a unique combination of Barnardos early learning and child and family services. Our aim is to create the best conditions for your child's learning, wellbeing and care.

Fees and subsidies

Our fees include:

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

Barnardos fee exemptions are available at this service.

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 whanau being involved in our centre and their children's learning. Connecting with you via Storypark and celebrating community events and 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.

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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