NatureSpace Early Learning is a fully licensed early learning centre on Tutaki Road in Kelvin Grove, Palmerston North, set on what the centre describes as farmland. It takes children from 3 months to 6 years old, and it is licensed for 72 children, including up to 27 under two. The centre opened in February 2022 after running as The Secret Garden Childcare for seven years. Its programme is based on the Reggio Emilia approach, and the website calls the environment the third teacher. The centre has two learning spaces: Pata for under twos and Tupu for children over two.
The centre says its philosophy rests on three values: relationships, the environment and identity. It describes itself as bi-cultural, identifies Māori as tangata whenua, and says it upholds Te Tiriti o Waitangi and uses te reo as a living language. The website says the centre is inclusive, that it encourages strong partnerships with parents and whānau, and that visitors are welcome to come and see the centre by arranging a time to visit. Outdoor and nature-based play runs through the programme, which the centre describes as learning in nature's educational backyard.