Free Kindergarten 20 Hours ECE

Summerhill Early Learning

Palmerston North, Summerhill-Palmerston North
5|
Ages
0–5 years
Roll Size
67 children
Subsidies
20 Hours
Rating
5/5

About Summerhill Early Learning

Summerhill Early Learning is a free kindergarten in Summerhill-Palmerston North, Palmerston North, with children currently enrolled aged 0–5 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 Summerhill Early Learning, it is best to ask the centre directly how they apply 20 Hours ECE.

Community Profile

Roll & age distribution

Summerhill Early Learning currently has a roll of 67 children tamariki , with most children enrolled in the 0–5 years age band.

Ethnicity profile

European tamariki are the largest group (60% 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
VP
Vanessa Pitt
April 2025

“My grandson has thrived at Lollipops Ruapehu. The staff there are amazing; they are extremely caring, provide great communication and always endeavour to offer fun, educational experiences and activities. When he turns 5, I know that my grandson and all of his whanau will miss the kids, parents and staff, but we also know that he’s been given a great foundation not only in learning but also in how he views the world.”

AW
Abby Whitley
April 2025

“I have loved sending my boy to Lollipops Ruapehu Drive. He started when he was 8 months and he is about to turn 5. Despite moving out of the area, we kept him there because the teachers are incredible, the day to day activities are incredible and the learning my son has had along the way has been incredible, and their patience with him having hearing and speech difficulties to begin with, they were so patient and worked with us and actually had an invested interest in him. They definitely have community and whanau as a core value and my son has loved going there and the bond he has with all the teachers. I highly rate Lollipops Ruapehu Drive ♥️”

BM
Bev mcIntosh
April 2025

“Lollipops Ruapehu have been very supportive of me as a grandmother careing for family members. Especially when dealing with a traumatized child. The children LOVE going to Lollipops. And I love Lollipops providing the food for kids. Thankyou.”

DH
Danielle Halcrow
April 2025

“We love Lollipops Ruapehu. I have 2 toddlers there, they have been since 6 months old. Everyone is so welcoming to the whole family. All of the teachers make such a big effort with each child, and to always have a safe, caring and fun environment. I highly recommend.”

IM
Indiana Metcalfe
April 2025

“We love Lollipops Ruapehu Drive! The staff are lovely, the play environment is great with heaps to do both inside and out, and the food is always nutritious and tasty. Our daughter looks forward to coming here everyday, and she has formed great relationships with both students and teachers. :)”

Interested?

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Contact Details

203 Ruapehu Drive, Summerhill-Palmerston North, Palmerston North

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