About Us

Located between Heretaunga and Trentham, on the corner of Fergusson Drive and Sutherland Ave, Children First Early Childhood Centre is a kaiako (teacher) and tamariki (children) led centre with a strong focus on learning through play. We aim to provide quality care and education for tamariki and their whānau in our community.

At Children First we have large spacious areas and a dedicated team of kaiako. There are two separate buildings: the Kiwi room for infants and toddlers, and the Pukeko room for our preschool-aged tamariki. We offer a hot, nutritious lunch every day, as well as morning and afternoon teas.

We are open weekdays from 7.30am to 5.30pm, and offer the 20 hours ECE subsidy. Our centre is licensed for 20 tamariki under-2 years old, and 29 tamariki over-2 years old.

Click HERE to read our latest ERO report

A young child wearing a beige hat, gray shirt, and yellow shorts sitting on a white playground structure outdoors.

Our Philosophy

At Children First, we believe each tamaiti is precious, unique, valued and must be accepted and respected no matter their cultural heritage, background or abilities and will be treated with respect, dignity and love by all kaiako, kaimahi and whānau in our whare.

We will provide exceptional care and education for all tamariki and their whānau.

Two young children, a boy and a girl, are engaged in a baking activity at a kitchen table. The boy is using a metal measuring cup, and the girl is observing intently. There are various cookie cutters, a rolling pin, and dough on the table.

Our Mission

Children First will ensure we provide a place of learning that is safe, inclusive, and free from racism, discrimination, and bullying for tamariki, kaiako mātua (adults), and whānau.

We want to prepare tamariki to be life-long learners through quality interactions with kaiako, whānau, mātua and other tamariki. 

A woman and a young child looking at a book together, with the woman smiling and the child pointing at the pages, in a classroom or playroom setting.

Our Vision

Children First encourages tamariki to reach their full potential through respectful, responsive relationships in a play-based environment.  

We will whakamana (empower) tamariki to be confident learners and effective communicators, with a great sense of mana atua (well-being) and mana whenua (belonging).

Young girl with curly red hair smiling and crawling outdoors, wearing a pink floral hat and a red shirt, on a bright sunny day.

Why Choose us?

  • “The big reason we chose this daycare is the staff. We looked at almost every other daycare around but as soon as we met the lovely staff here we knew our children would be well looked after. Care and love is our most important thing.”

  • “We have watched our child thrive in the care of Children First. Your centre has been amazing and we couldn’t be more thankful.”

  • “Our daughter has been attending Children First now for just over 4 months. In this very short period of time her speech and communication has taken massive strides, her love for music, songs and dance is encouraged and she is totally toilet trained thanks to the guidance and encouragement she’s received there!”

Book a Visit