Porirua Early Learning Centre
Affordable fees
20 ECE hours available for children 3-6 years old.
Kia ora!
Kia ora!
About this centre
We provide a warm, welcoming environment where children feel safe, settled and supported to learn and grow. With a strong family-oriented approach, we work in partnership with tamariki and whānau, building on each child's strengths, interests and aspirations.
We understand that starting early learning is a big step, so we take a gentle, responsive approach to helping children and their families settle in. Strong relationships are at the heart of what we do, creating a sense of belonging where tamariki feel confident, secure and excited to come each day.
We celebrate the diverse cultures within our community throughout the year, including Pacific Language Weeks, Matariki, Chinese New Year, Diwali and other special cultural celebrations that reflect the families who make up our centre community.
Learning extends beyond our centre gates through regular excursions. Whether it's a visit to Mungavin Park, an adventure to Wellington Zoo or our much-anticipated annual Christmas celebration at Parliament, tamariki enjoy exploring their wider community and creating lasting memories together.
ERO report
Flexible hours
Open 8:00am-5:00pm with part or full day options
Affordable fees
20 ECE hours available for children 3-6 years old.
Nutritious meals
Healthy kai made fresh each day, including lunch and morning & afternoon tea.
Large outdoors
Spacious, secure and fun environment
Expertise and knowledge
Experienced in early learning for over 55 years
2-6 years
A beautiful and nurturing environment for tamariki to learn and thrive in.
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More about us
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 know that good nutrition is an important part of your child’s wellbeing, learning and growth. At our Porirua centre, tamariki enjoy balanced, nutritious meals and morning/afternoon teas throughout the day, helping them feel energised, focused and ready to learn and play. Children also love being involved in food experiences, including using fresh herbs and vegetables grown at the centre in our baking and cooking.
Our meals are prepared by onsite cooks who hold food safety and hygiene certificates and follow Ministry of Health food guidelines. We work with families to ensure any allergies or dietary needs are carefully managed.
Care that grows with your child
We recognise that tamariki at different ages and stages have very different needs. That’s why our approach early learning evolves as your child grows, ensuring they feel safe, supported and confident every step of the way.
We also take the time to get to know each child and their whānau from the very beginning. During the onboarding process, our kaiako work closely with parents and caregivers to understand each child’s individual needs, routines and preferences, helping us create a smooth, familiar transition into care.
Our tamariki are supported to become more independent, confident and socially connected learners.
They enjoy large indoor and outdoor environments, including adventurous playgrounds that encourage physical activity, creativity and problem solving. Kaiako guide and extend their learning, while also allowing space for child led play, friendships and exploration.
At this stage, there is a strong focus on building skills that support school readiness, such as communication, self regulation, resilience and curiosity, all within a fun and engaging environment.
We’re always happy to talk through how we support each age group, and what this looks like in our centre.
Feel free to get in touch or come in for a visit, we’d love to show you around and chat about how we can support your child’s learning journey.
Supporting the transition to school
We support tamariki to feel confident and ready for school by gradually building their independence, self regulation skills, social competence and love of learning. This includes everyday skills like caring for themselves, making choices, problem solving and working alongside others. As children get closer to starting school, our kaiako work closely with parents, whānau and, where possible, local schools to ensure a smooth and positive transition. We share information, encourage school visits, and tailor support to each child so their move to school feels familiar and well supported.
We’d be happy to talk more about how we support your child’s transition to school, feel free to get in touch or chat with our team.
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
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.
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.
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.
Read what parents say about us!
Hannah AndrewsBarnardos Porirua is a beautiful centre. They have a welcoming atmosphere where staff genuinely care for the children striving to assist them in acquiring new skills, nurturing, encouraging and supportive of their learning; providing nutritious meals daily. My Daughter has been at Barnardos a few months and loves it. I highly recommend this centre to others.
Litia ElupiLiz 2020Litia GibsonAngie Dean
