Education & Care Service 20 Hours ECE

Step Ahead

Whangarei, Kamo
5|
Ages
2–5 years
Roll Size
23 children
Subsidies
20 Hours
Rating
5/5

About Step Ahead

Step Ahead is a education & care service in Kamo, Whangarei, with children currently enrolled aged 2–5 years. It’s well suited for families needing flexible full-day or part-day childcare with a balanced, mainstream early learning programme. This centre offers 20 Hours ECE funding.

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

Google Verified
AF
Abi Frame
February 2025

“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!”

LM
Lee-Ann McCartney
April 2024

“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!”

SM
Sheridan Mellor
February 2024

“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!!”

CF
Cowley Family
October 2020

“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.”

JG
Jane Gamble
September 2020

“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?

Contact the centre directly to check for availability or arrange a visit.

Contact centre for availability

Contact Details

13 Grant Street, Kamo, Whangarei

Getting ready for daycare?

See what your child will need for their day: labels, drink bottle, lunchbox, spare clothes, sunscreen and more.

Daycare Essentials Checklist

ERO Report

Education Review Office verified. Check the latest quality evaluation.

View Report

Other centres nearby

Explore other options in your neighbourhood.