A parent-owned, not-for-profit early learning centre in Newtown, Wellington, which began as a community crèche in 1985. Newtown Early Learning Centre is at 73 Daniell Street. It cares for children aged one to five, and the website says it is an incorporated society owned by the parents and whānau of enrolled children. The centre has qualified teachers, and the website says its fees are lower than those of private services, with any profit returned to the centre.
We hear there are no under-two places until mid 2027, with limited places for children over two. Parents and whānau take part in running the centre, through the governance committee, working bees, fundraising and policy review. The centre moved into new premises that opened in 2007, and was refurbished in 2012 with a wharenui and outdoor teaching and play areas. Reviewers describe kind, caring teachers, a warm and homely place with a good community feel, and a mix of families. Of the nearby centres with reviews, The Park Early Learning Centre, 0.5 km away, rates lower, on 15 reviews.