Free Kindergarten 20 Hours ECE

Discovery Kindergarten

Porirua, Whitby

Ages

2–5 years

Roll Size

50 children

Subsidies

20 Hours

Rating

5/5

About Discovery Kindergarten

Discovery Kindergarten is a free kindergarten in Whitby, Porirua, with children currently enrolled aged 2–5 years. It’s well suited for parents seeking community-based, not-for-profit early education led by qualified teachers, usually with sessional hours. This centre offers 20 Hours ECE funding.

About Free Kindergarten

Free Kindergartens typically offer sessional or part-day early learning programmes led by fully qualified teachers, following Te Whāriki and emphasising learning through play, social interaction, and community involvement. These centres cater to families seeking high-quality education in a not-for-profit, community-based setting with strong ties to local whānau.

What Is 20 Hours ECE funding?

20 Hours ECE is a government-funded initiative that helps reduce the cost of early childhood education for families with tamariki aged 3–5. Eligible children can receive up to 20 hours of funded care and education each week at participating services. Centres can set their own enrolment patterns and may ask for optional charges, but the funded hours themselves should be free of compulsory fees. If you are unsure how this works at Discovery Kindergarten, it is best to ask the centre directly how they apply 20 Hours ECE.

Community Profile

Roll & age distribution

Discovery Kindergarten currently has a roll of 50 children tamariki , with most children enrolled in the 2–5 years age band.

Ethnicity profile

European tamariki are the largest group (39% of the roll), alongside māori, pacific, asian, other children.

Roll and demographic figures are based on data supplied by the Ministry of Education and were last updated on 01/07/2024.

Parent Reviews

Google Verified

Macklin Thistoll

October 2023

“og as kindergarten i went here its the best. its the place next to it that screwed my life over.”

The Watcher5000

December 2019

“My review a few months back was going to be a 2 stars, only because the place felt dis-functional & tense. NOW Something has change drastically within the Discovery Kindergarten Team/Community , but i cant seem to put my finger on it, the place feels much more friendlier and calming. The Teachers have a great attitude and are happy to be there, i only notice this because my child is coming home happy most days, and if my child is happy, I'm happy. Speaking to other parents within the Discovery Kindergarten Community they have also expressed there thoughts and feelings, and feel the same way! I would recommend this place to anyone who is in the area, great attitudes and great leaders to teach our Tamariki. Keep up the great work TEAM”

Amy Robinson

November 2016

“Amazing kindergarten”