Barnardos Early Learning Centre Petone 122 Richmond Street, Petone, Lower Hutt, Wellington 5012

Barnardos Early Learning Centre Petone, located at 122 Richmond Street in Lower Hutt, New Zealand, is a vibrant and welcoming institution that prioritizes the safety and quality early learning of children. Led by Isabel, the Centre Manager, the dedicated team of qualified and experienced teachers are committed to caring for and nurturing each child, building strong connections and ensuring their unique needs are met.

At Petone Early Learning Centre, teachers create positive opportunities for children to develop physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. They guide them through new friendships, help them master new skills, and foster independence and resilience to prepare them for school and lifelong learning. The happy and nurturing environment inspires and empowers children to learn in their own unique way. The outdoor spaces challenge their imagination, while the indoor area offers a quieter space for reading, rest, and engaging learning experiences.

The institution believes in the importance of building a strong connection with nature and the local community. This helps children develop a sense of belonging and identity, positively influencing their learning experiences. Petone Early Learning Centre is fortunate to have many wonderful options on its doorstep. They grow their own vegetables and herbs in the garden and go on local community excursions, providing children with hands-on learning experiences.

Promoting healthy eating habits is a priority at the centre, and they have been awarded a Healthy Heart award by the Heart Foundation. Parents are encouraged to pack healthy lunches for their children, and the vegetables, fruit, and herbs grown in the garden are used in baking. Additionally, children are provided with fruit and water throughout the day. The centre is nut-free and can cater to any allergies or dietary requirements.

As a not-for-profit organization, Petone Early Learning Centre aims to make early learning and care as affordable as possible. They reinvest everything into supporting the children, the centre, and the community. Families may be eligible for fee and ECE subsidies, and the Centre Manager is available to provide further information.

The team of teachers at Petone Early Learning Centre follows Te Whariki, New Zealand's Early Childhood Curriculum. They closely work with each child, responding to their curiosities and creating an environment that reflects their individual needs.

The involvement of families and whānau is highly valued at the centre. Connecting with families through Storypark and celebrating festivals are just a few ways they include families in their children's learning. The centre constantly seeks ways for children to explore the connection between their community, environment, and themselves.

Storypark is used to record and communicate learning as it happens, using photos, videos, audio, and observations within a secure online environment. Parents can receive instant feedback and plan new ways to extend their child's unique interests and abilities.

Testimonials from parents praise the people, environment, and dedication to early learning based on research and experience. The location provides plenty of space for children to learn and play, and the attentive and helpful staff create a welcoming atmosphere for families to get to know each other. The teachers are described as wonderful, engaged, and nurturing, contributing to a great learning environment.