Step Ahead
About Step Ahead
About Education & Care Service
Education & Care Services are mainstream early learning centres that offer full-day or part-day care with a structured curriculum, qualified teachers, and a focus on learning through play. They cater to families needing flexible childcare options and wanting a balanced approach that supports social, physical, and early academic development in a diverse environment.
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 Step Ahead, it is best to ask the centre directly how they apply 20 Hours ECE.
Community Profile
Roll & age distribution
Step Ahead currently has a roll of 23 children tamariki , with most children enrolled in the 2–5 years age band.
Ethnicity profile
European tamariki are the largest group (53% of the roll), alongside māori, 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
“We are incredible grateful for the learning space created by the team at Step Ahead. Since our eldest child started, we've seen a noticeable difference in his happiness and ease of settling. He often asks us when he can go back to ‘my Step Ahead’. The teachers are approachable, easy to chat with and we love the high level of communication. We appreciate that they are open and honest about our child’s day and any needs that arise. We are confident that he is in a safe environment. We love the homey feel - both indoors and out. Step Ahead is a rare hidden gem in Te Kamo and will be our choice for all our kids!”
“We absolutely LOVE Step Ahead ! Such a warm, welcoming environment for all, the centre has a cozy homely feel with an open deck (undercover) and beautiful outdoor area provides all the fun, adventure and connection to the outdoors. The teachers are an AMAZING group of ladies who we feel so lucky to have in our sons pre-school journey. I couldn't recommend this centre enough - we struggled to get our son to settle and be happy at other centres but once he started Step Ahead we have had no issues. He is so happy and loves all his friends and teachers. There is even a leadership programme for the older kids that allows for weekly trips out into the community. So cool!”
“Step Ahead has been an amazing small centre for our kids! It feels like home as soon as you walk in the door, and our kids have thrived here. The teachers are a great bunch of ladies who work so well together, and genuinely care about the kids. The Leadership program they offer has been awesome for my eldest, it’s really helped to prepare him for heading off to school!!”
“Our girls have been attending Step Ahead since it opened its doors just under four years ago. The venue itself has always been clean, intentionally laid out and tidy. But it is the dynamic of the wonderful team of women that has always made it feel like home. They are bright, cheerful and bubbly, and each bring their own spark of individuality to Step Ahead. They have paid attention to my girls interests and personalities, and intentionally set up play spaces, discussions, even books, with them in mind. They are honest, always open to communication from parents and pay specific attention to how our girls are, even knowing if they are ‘out of sorts’. Step Ahead is a wonderful home away from home and we cannot recommend them enough.”
“Step Ahead is a lovely small daycare with kind-hearted, enthusiastic and positive teachers looking after our precious babes! I found it SO hard leaving my son but the teachers at StepAhead are so lovely and take such good care of the kids - my son LOVES his days here! I would definitely recommend Stepahead.”
Interested?
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