Education & Care Service 20 Hours ECE

Te Whare Rama | Light House Early Learning Centre Balcairn Street

Christchurch, Halswell
5|
Ages
0–5 years
Roll Size
70 children
Subsidies
20 Hours
Rating
5/5

About Te Whare Rama | Light House Early Learning Centre Balcairn Street

Te Whare Rama | Light House Early Learning Centre Balcairn Street is a education & care service in Halswell, Christchurch, with children currently enrolled aged 0–5 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 Te Whare Rama | Light House Early Learning Centre Balcairn Street, it is best to ask the centre directly how they apply 20 Hours ECE.

Community Profile

Roll & age distribution

Te Whare Rama | Light House Early Learning Centre Balcairn Street currently has a roll of 70 children tamariki , with most children enrolled in the 0–5 years age band.

Ethnicity profile

European tamariki are the largest group (62% 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
RC
R. Collin
May 2025

“If you are looking for a daycare that is all about community, connection, respect and embracing diversity, then Te Whare Rama is for you. It really is a hidden gem, neither showy nor flash, but with plenty of space, an amazing outdoor area, and ever changing activities. There is a functional team of caring, approachable, and dedicated teachers who take their time to truly get to know each child and meet them where they are at as individuals. The teachers focus on building meaningful relationships with the kids and their families, and support the children to do the same with each other. The center takes pride in the diverse heritage of teachers and families alike, celebrating and honoring all the different cultures that come together here. The flexible hours (no set sessions) are a plus!”

RM
Roanna McGowan
November 2024

“We have been a part of the Te Whare Rama Balcairn St family for over 3 years and could not recommend them enough. The teachers are so caring and genuinely interested in sparking our child's imagination and supporting them to expand on their interests and learning journey. They have amazing facilities and are constantly making wee tweaks and changes to keep the environment engaging for the children and offering appropriate and differing levels of challenges, especially in their outdoor play area. All of the staff are very approachable and we have always felt well supported in our preschool years.”

K
Katie
November 2024

“Te Whare Rama nursery and preschool are both amazing. My two boys have thrived in both environments. The staff are incredible - so invested in the children, supportive and caring. They put lots of care and effort into their learning stories too. It has been our ‘village’. Can’t give it enough stars. 🌟”

J&
Josh & Natalie Down
August 2024

“Te Whare Rama nursery and preschool is a hidden gem! While they may not have all the flashy extras, what they do have is far more valuable: an incredibly nurturing and respectful team of people. The teachers here genuinely care about each child as an individual, taking the time to understand their unique interests and strengths. Guiding children through any challenges they may face, they are excellent at creating a supportive and encouraging environment. It's clear that the focus is on helping every child thrive in their own way. Highly recommend!”

MC
Missy Caughley
April 2024

“We are so happy with both the nursery and preschool. The teachers show such a genuine and caring interest in my children and are passionate about supporting their learning. My son initially struggled with friendships and the teachers did an amazing job at discussing this with me and supporting him to make friends. I will be sad for his time to end there when he goes to school, but am thankful my daughter can continue on there. I highly recommend Te Whare Rama Balcairn Street!!”

Interested?

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Contact Details

6 Balcairn Street, Halswell, Christchurch

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