Kia ora!

Kia ora!

I'm Rosie, Centre Manager of Porirua Early Learning Centre. I can't wait to welcome your whānau into our Barnardos community.

About this centre

Porirua Early Learning Centre is a safe, diverse and welcoming environment where quality early learning and our tamariki are at the heart of what we do.

  • Your child will be inspired and stimulated by our rich array of play-based experiences in our indoor environments.
  • We are proud to be a part of a diverse and vibrant community where your child’s unique identity is celebrated.
  • We have been awarded a Healthy Heart award for creating an environment that promotes healthy eating and physical activity; our tamariki love the vegetable garden and fruit trees and we even have our very own worm farm!

ERO Report

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2-6 years

Individualised support, guidance and resources

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Flexible hours

Open 8:00am-5:00pm 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

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Expertise and knowledge

Experienced in early learning for 50 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 central location, loving team and tailored environment are all waiting to be discovered by your whānau.

Extended hours and Storypark - our online parent communication tool, are just some of the ways we try to make things a little easier for parents. 

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.

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 indoor areas offer room for reading, rest, and engaging indoor learning experiences. Our children love painting, waiata and the many natural play areas they have to discover.

Connecting with the outdoors

We only know who we are, by knowing where we come from. 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 Porirua. We grow our own vegetable and herbs in our garden and go on community excursions to the local library.

Nutrition and wellbeing

We strive to provide nutritious and delicious meals and snacks to support physical and mental development. We encourage healthy eating habits and offer a balanced menu to keep your child well fueled throughout the day. The children also love being involved and we use the vegetables and herbs we grow, in our meals.

Your child will enjoy:

  • Morning snack
  • Lunch
  • Afternoon snack

Our centre is nut free and we're happy to cater for any allergy or other dietary requirements as required.

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 
  • Delicious lunch and snacks
  • 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

“Brilliant communication. Amazing staff who are always engaging and insightful - fantastic learning environment!”

Jo Porirua

“Barnados is awesome! The teachers are amazing and it is a really family orientated centre. My daughter loves going here she always talks about her friends and how much fun they have but also all the learning they do. My eldest girl went here and loves it, she still talks about it now and she is 7. I encourage everyone I know looking for childcare to come to Barnados Porirua. I am a huge fan.”

Hayley Porirua

“The teachers are very friendly. My daughter is having a great time with them.”

Cary Porirua
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