Wildspace Programme

Nature-based excursion programme for Childspace tamariki

Childspace in Wildspace

Welcome to our Wildspace programme! We have created this ongoing sessional programme to give ngā tamariki the chance to explore our Wildspace Base and the wider Wellington community with greater accessibility and frequency.

Wildspace is a complimentary part of your child’s journey at Childspace, and prior to going to primary school they will have the opportunity to attend at least one 6-week programme to be fully immersed in nature one day a week.

Our Wildspace Base is on acres of wild land that includes the Childspace Workshop, ‘Dopamine Forest’, and endless opportunities for play and discovery.

The Wildspace programme is included as part of our regular curriculum.
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Our Innovative Programme

Our Wildspace programme is an ongoing sessional programme for Childspace Wilton, Northland, and Ngaio’s 10 eldest children. The sessions are 6-week blocks, and each centre will have one consistent day per week that they attend. This programme is included in your enrolment fees, so there is no extra charge to participate in this programme.

We have a Wildspace van (named Wanda) that we will use for our little wanda-rers and wildlings! Participation in this programme is optional, and all meals are provided. 

The Wildspace Base

Our home base is a tipi where we can play, create, eat, and rest in between wild adventures.

Just on the other side of the fence is ‘Dopamine Forest’, a small playground nestled in the pine trees next to the Childspace Workshop, which includes ropes, nets, a rotating barrel swing, tractor-tyre inner tubes, giant musical instruments, and a trampoline.

Imagine the fun! 

Qualified Kaiako

Each centre sends one kaiako alongside our Wildspace programme lead, Bobbi-Jo. This ensures that tamariki have the presence of safe and consistent kaiako so they can truly explore!

Bobbi-Jo is a fully certified kaiako with a passion for nature education and adventure. In nearly a decade of being part of the Childspace whānau, Bobbi-Jo has held teaching and management positions across our centres and head office, as well as presenting professional development and training sessions for other ECE teachers.

When she isn’t out at Wildspace, Bobbi-Jo enjoys tramping, painting, photography and adventures!

Childspace photo gallery

The Wildspace programme is included as part of our regular curriculum.
Join the Childspace Waiting List

Important documents

Excerpts from ERO reports for Childspace centres

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 Ngaio Report2022
Tamariki are settled and engaged in the curriculum. Infants are given space and time to explore by kaiako who are attuned to their individual cues and provide continuity of care. Toddlers have good opportunities to challenge themselves and experience the breadth of the curriculum. Transitions into the centre are well supported, often involving home visits that foster strong relationships with parents and whānau.
Education Review Office Karori Report2022
They intentionally empower tamariki to independently make choices, be curious, lead their own learning and develop their learning in more complex ways, including opportunities for mathematical, science and literacy learning.
Education Review Office Wilton Report2022
Tamariki experience an environment that has been intentionally planned by kaiako to promote the service values of respectful practice, beauty, and empowerment. Tamariki under two years are nurtured through unhurried caregiving routines in their dedicated indoor and outdoor learning spaces. Older tamariki explore a natural outdoor setting where kaiako provide for a range of physical challenges to support curiosity, creativity, and risk-taking.
Education Review Office Northland Report2022

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

Childspace Conference 2025!

October 10-12, 2025

Join us in Wellington for our national conference, Creativity & Joy! October 10-12, 2025.

Celebrating 20 years of Childspace conferences with a weekend of learning, networking, and fun!

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