The Children's Garden, Aotearoa

When I found this place I was a first time mum full of anxiety and in shock still from my new life change so when I was looking for childcare to start my bubs part time from 8 months old I was in a vulnerable place. The team here are just incredible, walking into the centre you could feel the caring nature of everyone that works here and I knew it was right for us. They didn't just look after my baby, they helped me through one of the hardest times of my life. I was unsure about the mixed ages because I thought that 4 year olds might play too rough around babies but I was so wrong! I get so much joy watching my now 16 month old playing along with the older children and watching them take him under their wings. It makes for great learning interactions and my boy has developed the coolest personality attending the centre. My baby is a cuddly, snuggly boy who never took to a cot and that was totally OK with them. If he needed it they would hold him and snuggle him in the hammock for naps and then when he got comfortable he transitioned to a floor mat. I knew that with the great teacher ratios here that he would always get the cuddles he needed. It was very reassuring. The food is amazing - there are morning teas, hot lunches and fresh baking for afternoon tea. The kitchen is at the heart of the building so the children can see what's happening and the cook can chat away with them and interact. The inside and outside has a lovely, homely natural feel - no artificial grass or plastic play equipment. Instead the kids are free to build their own play space everyday with wood, bamboo, sand, water - it's a dynamic and creative space where the children are free to use their imagination. The teachers encourage messy play which I love and the children have an absolute ball. There's lovely mature trees and shrubs in the outdoor area for shade in the summer. The children spend a lot of time outside playing in nature year-round and you can tell they absolutely love it. I'll stop here because I could go on forever :

Both of my little boys have attended The Childrens Garden from around 6-8 months. All the staff are so caring and flexible. Both of the boys have been cuddled to sleep and this was no problem when joining the centre. The outside play for the kids is fantastic. All they need are warm clothes and they are outside playing in the sandpit year round. My eldest who has transitioned to school now is jealous that his younger brother still gets to go to The Childrens Garden. Love this place and it will always be part of the family.