Oxford Early Learning Centre is a preschool, daycare and kindergarten at 166 High Street in Oxford, serving Oxford and North Canterbury. It takes children from infants through nursery and kindergarten age. The centre's curriculum follows Te Whāriki, and it describes its values as faith, hope and love. Its philosophy is that play is learning, and it offers a spacious indoor and outdoor environment for exploring, discovering and building school readiness.
Children aged three and over who do not receive 20 hours of free ECE elsewhere get 24 free hours at the centre, up to six hours a day. Beyond that, fees are paid within seven days of invoice by internet or automatic payment. Families may be eligible for a Work and Income childcare subsidy or FamilyBoost, which can cover up to 25% of weekly fees, to a maximum of $975 every three months. Booked holidays are free with one week's notice, and an absence attracts a full charge to keep the place. The centre closes for an extended period over Christmas. Parents who have written about the centre praise the caring and supportive kaiako, the way the staff get to know each child, and the welcome given to grandparents. For a family in Oxford or North Canterbury, the free hours and the subsidy options are the practical things to check.