Free Kindergarten 20 Hours ECE

Somerset Kindergarten

Palmerston North, Highbury

Ages

3–5 years

Roll Size

31 children

Subsidies

20 Hours

Rating

5/5

About Somerset Kindergarten

Somerset Kindergarten is a free kindergarten in Highbury, Palmerston North, with children currently enrolled aged 3–5 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 Somerset Kindergarten, it is best to ask the centre directly how they apply 20 Hours ECE.

Community Profile

Roll & age distribution

Somerset Kindergarten currently has a roll of 31 children tamariki , with most children enrolled in the 3–5 years age band.

Ethnicity profile

European tamariki are the largest group (29% of the roll), alongside māori, pacific, asian 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

Alice Clayton

October 2018

“This kindy rocks! The outdoor area is a kids natural type playground and they often have a small fire pit with marshmallows. The teachers are so dedicated and relaxed as people which I appreciate as I am a rather chilled parent. I highly recommend this centre, they did wonderful work with my son who flourished into a confident boy before school because of their support.”

Aleisha Arani

June 2016