Haven Early Learning Centre is a small, privately owned early childhood education centre located just east of the four avenues in central Christchurch, in the Linwood/Philipstown area. It operates from two former family homes converted into spacious play areas, and is licensed for 14 children aged 0-2 and 37 children aged 2-6. The centre was formerly known as Lindisfarne.
Haven is owner-operated, with a Centre Manager who has over 25 years' experience in Early Childhood Education, supported by a teaching team with a range of qualifications and experience. In August 2024, Haven was awarded the Exceptional Centre (privately owned) Award by the Early Childhood Council at its national conference, recognised for 'demonstrating outstanding commitment and setting a benchmark for excellence.' The Early Childhood Council specifically highlighted Haven's support for the deaf and hearing-impaired community, noting the centre incorporates New Zealand Sign Language as a key part of its curriculum and employs the only deaf kaiako working in mainstream ECE, with other staff learning sign language at night school.
The centre's philosophy, 'Realising the Potential of Every Child,' focuses on teaching tamariki to negotiate life's barriers rather than removing them, encouraging children to get dirty, paint, climb, discover and develop. Haven has also been featured by the Early Childhood Council and in the Education Gazette for its work supporting diversity and culture through New Zealand Sign Language.
Just east of the four avenues in central Christchurch, in the Linwood/Philipstown area, Haven Early Learning Centre has built a reputation as a small, family-focused, privately owned childcare centre. Formerly known as Lindisfarne, Haven operates out of two former family homes converted into spacious, purpose-designed play areas, and is licensed for 14 children aged 0-2 and 37 children aged 2-6.
Haven's guiding philosophy - 'Realising the Potential of Every Child' - shapes how the centre approaches learning: teaching tamariki to negotiate life's barriers rather than removing them, and encouraging children to get dirty, paint, climb, discover and develop. That philosophy plays out across a set of dedicated learning spaces: a library room for quiet, reflective play and reading (with termly storytelling visits from the City Council Library), a whānau room for role play and imaginative exploration, a construction room for building and design, and an art studio for creative self-expression. There's also a separate sleeping space, a cafe used for kai times, and extensive playgrounds - complete with a sand pit, sawdust pit, climbing frame, swing, slide, monkey bars and woodwork bench, plus a dedicated nursery playground.
In August 2024, Haven was awarded the Exceptional Centre (privately owned) Award by the Early Childhood Council at its national conference, recognised for 'demonstrating outstanding commitment and setting a benchmark for excellence.' What set Haven apart, according to the ECC, was its dedication to supporting the deaf and hearing-impaired community: the centre incorporates New Zealand Sign Language as a key part of its curriculum, employs the only deaf kaiako working in mainstream ECE in the country, and has other staff learning sign language at night school. The centre has since been featured by the Early Childhood Council and in the Education Gazette for its work around diversity and culture.
Haven's environment reflects the diversity of its local community, with tamariki exposed to spoken and written English, Te Reo Māori and Sign Language. The centre also takes frequent outings - to nearby shops and the library, the park, and a community retirement village - helping strengthen local links and build children's social competencies.
For older tamariki, Haven runs a transition to school programme, led by a teacher qualified in both Early Childhood and Primary Education, to help children practise the skills they'll need for the move to school. Families can also stay connected through Storypark, which shares real-time updates, photos and videos of their child's day. All children aged 3 and over are eligible for 20 Hours Free ECE, with some conditions applying.
Haven is owner-operated, with a Centre Manager who has more than 25 years' experience in Early Childhood Education, supported by a teaching team with a range of qualifications and a dedicated support team. Parents can also read Haven's ERO review online for an independent look at the centre's practice.
New enrolments are welcome at Haven Early Learning Centre. Families can call 03 389 2483 or email [email protected] to enquire or request an information pack.