Ngaio early learning centre

Back to nature, holistic early childhood education centre in Ngaio

Infants, toddlers and young children, to six years

Full-time enrolments only

Ngaio Childspace is nestled within the beautiful area of Tarikaka Settlement in Ngaio, Wellington.

We believe in care and education that fosters reciprocal and respectful relationships with tamariki and whānau. It is through this partnership and our continuity of care approach that children are supported holistically within our space.

We endeavour to have enriching and engaging environments that encourage exploration, autonomy, and trust while upholding the values that are important to us as a centre, and those that are important to our whānau.

Childspace Ngaio early childhood education centre

Ngaio Manager
Bridget McBride

Waiting list

Get on the waiting list now to secure your place
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Age, freedom and care

Our passionate team of qualified teachers work across two neighbouring spaces: one villa is dedicated to children up to the age of around two years old and the other villa up to the age of five years old.

Whilst each age group has their own freedom of space, there is a caring culture where all children spend time together and learn from one another.

Ngaio Childspace is a full time centre, committed to fostering love and care in Early Childhood Education.

Respect and inspiration

Ngaio Childspace runs a relationship based programme focusing on the utmost respect for every child and family that we work with.

Our thoughtfully planned out spaces offer opportunity for exploration and investigation, and also spaces for sanctuary and retreat.

Inspired by the work of Emmi Pikler and Magda Gerber, we have created a peaceful environment which allows children to discover as much as possible on their own with the support of familiar and consistent teachers.

Trusting relationships

This respectful approach is supported by our key caregiving system which ensures one person within the environment is committed to building a close trusting relationship with each child and their family.

This creates consistent communication with families on a daily basis and a secure base for children spending time away from their family during the day.

Our whole-team approach to key caregiving ensures that all teachers form loving and respectful relationships with children.

Celebrating interests and strengths

We offer an innovative programming system which celebrates individual children’s interests and strengths in their journey of learning and development.

Each child has a profile book which their teacher adds to with stories about their interests and development.

With an established philosophy embedded within the heart of the centre, Ngaio Childspace strives to create a gentle, loving atmosphere that is a home away from home for children and their families.

Ngaio ECE Childspace photo gallery

Important documents

Excerpts from ERO reports

The curriculum is based on the centre philosophy which prioritises relationships between tamariki, whānau and kaiako. The indoor and outdoor areas are specifically designed to encourage nature exploration, including the option to sleep outdoors.
Education Review Office Report2022
Infants and toddlers benefit from kaiako who respond to their verbal and non-verbal cues. Kaiako support infants and toddlers to explore the curriculum at their own pace and develop their oral language, physical skills, and emotional wellbeing. Older tamariki make choices about their learning and are supported to engage deeply in the curriculum. Kaiako add complexity to learning by expanding ideas through conversations with tamariki as they play.
Education Review Office Report2022
Tamariki have regular opportunities to learn about the dual cultural heritage of Aotearoa/ New Zealand. Aspects of tikanga Māori are visible in the learning environment and there is variable integration of te reo Māori within the curriculum.
Education Review Office Report2022

Meet the Ngaio team

Meet our dedicated team of caring and professional specialists, who strive to provide the best possible service for you and your children.

Bridget

Kaiwhakahaere / Centre Manager

Kia ora, I am born and bred in Nelson, so grew up with a love of the outdoors and especially the beaches. This love for nature was one of the first things that drew me to Childspace back in 2005 and it is something that I am still passionate about today.

I love living in Wellington and at the moment I am enjoying both teaching and bringing up my own small people both of which I love and am quite glad that I can combine the two.

I have been lucky enough to travel to some amazing places and learn off some of the most knowledgeable people. This, combined with all the knowledge that Toni and Robin bring back from around the world, keeps us fresh and up to date on what is the most current research around young children’s learning and we are then able put this in practice for your children here at Childspace.

This constant learning and reflection, and the sense of family that we create is what keeps me here and I hope that you enjoy it as well.

Marcia

Kaiwhakahaere Tuarua

I am a qualified kaiako and have been at Childspace since 2008.

My core values that guide my teaching are love and empathy, respect and creativity. I am passionate about creating engaging beautiful spaces, a home away from home. One that sparks the creative brain and where it is engaging and supporting children to flourish.

Heather

Kaiārahi Marautanga / Curriculum Leader

Kia ora, my name is Heather and I am a kaiako and kaiarahi of the Kaukau room teaching team at Ngaio Childspace. I have worked at Ngaio Childspace since 2015.

In 2014 I returned to university and gained my early childhood teaching qualification. Prior to this I was a self-employed graphic designer combining work with parenting three daughters with my partner Peter.

I love being a teacher and ensuring that tamariki experience an engaging, caring, and respectful learning environment. I am passionate about offering rich learning experiences through trips and excursions out in our Ngaio and Wellington community. I also enjoy my role as a kaiarahi, head teacher, and being part of a teaching team.

I grew up the youngest of six children on a sheep farm in Mount Somers, Canterbury – my turangawaewae. I like being outdoors and enjoy gardening, home decorating, and sewing. Friday is my day off and I go to golf – and am endeavouring to improve my golfing handicap!

Cushla

Kaiako / Teacher

Kia ora, my name is Cushla and I am a kaiako at Ngaio Childspace. I have worked at Ngaio Childspace since January 2010. I discovered my love of working with tamariki when I did my big OE to England in 1982.

There I worked and lived in a family home caring for tamariki. I continued working with tamariki in their home when I returned to New Zealand three years later. Another of my passions is that every child should have the opportunity at achieving to the best of their ability on their learning journey. I have spent time supporting teachers and tamariki in the classrooms at Crofton Downs primary school and Kimi Ora, a special needs school in Wellington.

I took time out to have my own three tamariki, and they are my greatest achievement. I am so fortunate to work in a profession where I can follow my passion, the love of tamariki and their journey to lifelong learning.

I grew up the second to youngest of four children in beautiful Marlborough. I enjoy running, crochet and sewing. My sewing mostly involves adjusting clothes I have purchased at an op shop. Another of my loves is storytelling and I love to listen to the stories of our tamariki too.

Tamsin

Kaiako / Teacher

I’m Tamsin and have been working at Childspace Ngaio since 2018. My first experience of working with children was back in 2006 when I worked at an outdoor education centre all the way over in the UK.

My favourite part about working at Childspace is watching children conquer life… don’t know how to walk, I’ll will let myself keep falling until finally those feet take one step after another…. If I haven’t got something to laugh about, I’ll make myself laugh until I find it hilarious….

I love observing and sharing in these moments as our little friends grow.

Suki

Kaiako / Teacher

Ko Suki (Huirong) Yi tōku ingoa, Nō Haina ahau.

Kia ora, I am Suki (Huirong) Yi.

S for smile
U for understanding
K for kind
I for imagination

I was born and raised in China. Before studying towards my qualification, I travelled and worked in Australia and New Zealand for four years. Working and living with people from multiple cultural backgrounds gave me the concept of being culturally responsive and changed my inherent assumptions about what they do and who they are. It made me an open-minded, fun, people-person who has naturally positive and happy energy. I love singing karaoke, reading, hiking and occasionally bouldering.

Living with families having children aged from 2 to 12 across New Zealand for two years and spending time with them uncovered my passion and true calling. Having qualified from the University of Canterbury, I can use my knowledge and skills to serve more tamariki and whānau. I love taking every opportunity to try out what I have learned and really enjoy seeing how empowering that was for the children. Starting my first teaching job with Childspace at Ngaio is an absolute dream coming true. I am so excited to teach and learn alongside with tamariki, whānau and the team.

Helen

Kaiako / Teacher
Kia ora, I live in Karori and came to New Zealand from the UK 27 years ago for a 6 week holiday! A husband and two beautiful daughters later I love my life here. At first I continued with my nursing career and then became involved in many roles associated with tamariki. One of my favourite experiences was being part of Playcentre for 7 years and the learning journey and friendships we made enriched our family life. Years ago I was fortunate enough to teach and co run a preschool in Mauritius where my love of teaching was born and the realisation of the importance of the early childhood years. I joined Childspace in 2020 and started as a reliever but became permanent last year as I found that the Childspace team at Ngaio was my sense of place. I have always loved creativity and storytelling and how it opens up the opportunities for a world of possibilities where tamariki are encouraged to communicate, connect and collaborate with the aim to grow in confidence, self-expression and ideas. I feel privileged to be part of a child’s journey and play a role in helping them thrive and like me ensuring they have a sense of place too.

Alanna

Kaiako / Teacher
I was lucky enough to have my first year placement with Childspace Ngaio while studying for a Bachelor of Education – Early Childhood (BEd(Tchg)EC). I have continued working part-time at Childspace Ngaio while undertaking my degree (completing in December 2024) and have loved every bit of it. I am passionate about music and creating opportunities for tamariki to express their fun, amazing selves. I’m a huge advocate for getting amongst the messy play with the children. Mud, water, paint, you name it and I wanna be there!

Rosie

Kaiako / Teacher

Kia ora,

I have worked at Childspace Home office for the last 15 Years.

I was given the opportunity to be a relief teacher in the rakau room a year ago.

I loved spending time with the tamariki so much I am now at the Ngaio centre 25 hours per week.

I really enjoy seeing the tamariki learning, playing, and being curious about everything they encounter.

I also love getting to know each child’s personality and what they are interested in and encouraging it.

I love going to work every day!

Ange

Kaiako / Teacher
Hi, I’m Ange. Over the past 10 years, I have taught and learnt alongside infants, toddlers and young children in Australia. I have presented and published on the topic of respectful care and relationships with children; led curriculum design; facilitated professional development; and supervised teachers towards proficiency in their accreditation.

I believe children deserve respect from birth, and adults who are willing to listen to them; so I teach with a sense of wonder rather than knowing. I want children in my care to feel heard, connected, joyful and strong.

Debbie

Kaiako / Teacher
Kia ora whānau, kō Debbie toku ingoa. Caring for and teaching our young ones is my absolute passion. Infants and toddlers have a very special place in my heart. I love watching each child’s individual personality and way of thinking about the world shine through from such a young age. Our tamariki deserve caring, respectful and responsive kaiako to develop deep relationships with them. I grew up in the Wellington region, and come from a long line of teachers in my whānau. I live in Johnsonville with my husband, young son (who also is at Childspace Ngaio), and our two golden retrievers. Arohanui, Debbie

Amber

Kaiako / Teacher
West Coast, Hokitika born and raised. Outside playin’ was where I spent most of my days. Rain, hail or snow I’d be out in nature, a good rain jacket and gumboots were my saviour. A couple of people inspired me to try teaching, so off to Ōtautahi for some knowledge increasing. I read and I wrote day after day, got my qualification and I was on my way. After travelling the world near and far, I moved back to Aotearoa. Te ao Māori is one of my passions, and learning te Reo is forever in fashion. I eventually decided to give Welly a try and definitely didn’t move here because it’s warm and dry. I easily decided Childspace is the perfect place for me, and when I’m not here teaching, I’m off adventuring all over the country.

Shamila

Kaiako / Teacher
Ayubowan and kia ora, my name is Shamila.

I moved to New Zealand from Sri Lanka, 2 years ago with my son Pamithu for a better lifestyle. In Sri Lanka I owned a nursery and day care centre for children aged 18 months to five years. I also conducted lots of handwork classes for children and adults. I love working with children and I love supporting the whānau as well and getting to know them. I am also interested in child psychology and have enjoyed studying this in Sri Lanka. I am passionate about art and enjoy painting and drawing in my spare time. I also love to cook and spend a lot of time cooking for my family. I love working at Childspace because the people here are so nice and friendly and I enjoy watching the tamariki grow.

Jacquie

Kaiako / Teacher
Good day! Guten tag! Goeiedag! Molweni!

I am originally from South Africa, have lived in Germany and came to Aotearoa in 2023. I live in Porirua with my kind-hearted husband, three amazing young adult children, two cats and two dogs. I am a full time kaiaiko here at Childspace Ngaio.

Through raising my own children and my teaching experience, I have learned how important it is to know and understand each child and their whānau. I believe that children learn holistically by integrating who they are and what they already know with their quality experiences.

Ko te ahurei o te tamaiti arahia ō tātou māhi | Let the uniqueness of the child guide our work.

Each child is unique which leads to their own interest and direction of development, so I consider myself as a supporter who captures precious moments of each child showing their interests and supports them with my heart and knowledge.

Veronica

Kaiako / Teacher

Hi my mane is Veronica and I am the Kai creator at Ngaio 2-5s.

I love to cook and bake for my family in my spare time. We have a lovely rescue greyhound called Gracie.

I’m passionate about ensuring that our children get healthy nutritious kai.

Nidal

Kai Creator
I’m Nidal. I moved to New Zealand from Baghdad, and I have two children, ages 19 and 22. I have a diploma in accounting from my education in Baghdad, but in New Zealand I have been working as a nanny for over 10 years and it involved a lot of cooking! So I have been cooking for them and my household for a long time. I love being here at Childspace and I have a lot of fun cooking for all the children.

Becky

Tumuaki / Principal

I am a qualified kaiako with a Bachelors Degree in (Teaching) Early Childhood.

I am passionate about supporting tamariki on their individual learning journeys to explore and discover in a respectful and homely environment that views them as capable.

I aspire to empower tamariki to be their true self, and to feel confident in their abilities, knowledge, and self-expression.

Feedback from parents

Our daughter started in the nursery a few days after her first birthday and has had an extremely positive experience. The care structure is very well thought out to ensure children's emotional needs are taken care of by having a key teacher that stays with them during their childcare journey.

This has been of huge benefit to our daughter. She's now blossomed into an independent, social and chatty toddler! Everyday I am amazed at the new skills she comes home with.

Best decision we ever made was choosing Childspace and I am forever grateful to the teachers who look after her as if she was their own.
Annika
AnnikaParent
We’ve been a member of the Childspace whānau for the past 7 years, firstly with our daughter and currently with our son.

Whilst each child’s experience has been different, as it should be, we’ve had nothing but consistently high quality learning and support from everyone at Childspace.

The teachers really go the extra mile to support the individual needs of children, getting to know their interests and working really hard to create an environment where everyone can enjoy and get the best from their day.

Overall Childspace is a fabulous place for young people to learn and grow and we’ve always felt very secure in the knowledge that we’ve chosen an excellent centre for our family to be part of.

Ngā mihi nui, Rachel
Rachel
RachelParent
Hi Nicola and team,

I think the best testimonial you could get is Amaia saying to me every morning, I want to go home mummy while we are still home.

That's how happy and loved she is at Childspace. Aaron loves to tell us how he learns to be gentle with all living things at Childspace.

Great life lessons in love and belonging for our babies.

Love,
The DCostas.
The DCosta
The DCostaFamily
Before our daughter started at Childspace I had zero knowledge of, or experience with, ECE.

When we visited the Ngaio centre the positives which stood out to me were the homely non-clinical feel of the centre and the friendly relaxed nature of the staff. But what stood out to me the most that first visit was how happy all the children were and the nature environment they were being fostered in.

The centre is flexible and understanding. They are natural and holistic. Our daughter is loved and empowered by being at Childspace. I unreservedly recommend Childspace to all prospective parents.
Fran Roulston
Fran RoulstonParent

Contact our centre

Ngaio (up to 6 years)
Centre Manager: Bridget McBride

Waiting list

Our centres are very popular, so we recommend you get on the waiting list now to secure your place
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