A purpose-built early learning centre on Cholmondeley Avenue in Opawa, Christchurch, for babies from 3 months up to 6 years. The centre has run since 2007, and it has a sister centre at Styx Mill in Casebrook. The company says its focus is on play and development, not on the label "kindergarten" or "daycare".
The outdoor area is a large part of the appeal. It has canopies, creative stations, places to climb, slide and jump, a sandpit, water play and plant beds, all meant for natural play. Inside, the building has wide, well-lit hallways, bespoke murals and hand-crafted equipment, and a separate room where the teachers can regroup.
The centre's approach is free play, with children encouraged to lead their own learning and make their own choices. The centre states its staff ratios as 1:8 for children over two and 1:4 for children under two, which it says is often lower than the usual standard in New Zealand.
The centre is working towards a largely paper-free office, with most admin done digitally.
Open Locally's figures show five other childcare centres within a kilometre. Little Cubs Early Learning Centre is 0.5 km away and rated 5.0 from 14 reviews. Kidsfirst Kindergartens Ōpāwa-St Martins is 0.7 km away and rated 5.0 from 4 reviews. BestStart Huntsbury is 0.8 km away and rated 4.9 from 19 reviews. Fingerprints Christian Preschool, also 0.8 km away, has no rating.
The centre is at 36 Cholmondeley Avenue, Opawa. Our pick in Opawa for a family whose baby or toddler will spend the day outdoors.