Our Kids Early Learning Centre Papatoetoe is the newest of four Our Kids centres, at 170 Puhinui Road in Papatoetoe, Manukau City. The other three are in Glendene, Glen Eden and Onehunga. The network was founded in 2008 by Anita Kumar, and its approach draws on Reggio Emilia and RIE ideas, with the environment treated as the third teacher. Natural materials, real-life objects and time outdoors are part of the programme, and the centres use mixed-age groups alongside individual care. Children are encouraged to pursue their own interests.
The site lists 30 hours of free early childhood education for three-year-olds and over. A separate free offer of up to six hours a day, five days a week, is listed for the Onehunga and Glendene centres. Papatoetoe is not named in that offer, so it is worth checking the terms with the centre before enrolling.