The Children's Garden Childcare

“A recent change in ownership and day to day management has had a devastating impact on culture and flow on impact to well-being. Billing is a mess, manager is a difficult personality, and I can only hope staff find a better center to work for before burning out. The teachers are wonderful, however given how the new management treat customers, I would be deeply concerned at the impact on their staff and subsequent impact on the well being of children. Many parents have found care elsewhere, and I would suggest carefully evaluating any other alternative before engaging The Children's Garden so long as the current management culture persists.”

“The staff here are extremely caring and nurturing!! After having to move daycares over 1.5 years ago I was worried about both of my children not being able to settle. However, my daughter who is extremely introverted, began to thrive within weeks here as they picked up on the things that helped her feel safe and comfortable straight away. I have always felt so supported by the team, including the owner shaz and management team. Everyone has been so flexible with our changing routine and shared custody arrangement between both me and the kids dad. Very grateful for the aroha that pours from this centre.”

“I changed my daughter to this centre last year as she was not settling into the previous daycare very well (she was in home care for 2 years). The staff were so friendly and catering to my daughters needs. She never cried when I left (HUGE bonus) and always talks about how awesome her day has been. The kaiako there understand the children and their individual needs. My eldest has developed so well since starting here, and gaining so much confidence! I enrolled my youngest here this year and are so thankful to the staff who look after my children so well.”

“We absolutely love The Children's Garden. We moved to Welcome Bay a year ago, and I was very nervous about starting my children at a new centre after coming from one We loved. And the Children's garden was so loving and supportive. My two children, (one in the under 2s and one in the preschool) have thrived and thoroughly enjoy coming to the centre every day. The teachers are so nurturing and loving. And all the learning, resources and activities follow the interests of the child. We love the Children's garden.”

“The Children's Garden in Welcome Bay is exceptional. There are two different centres around the corner from one another - one catering for the little ones, and one catering for the bigger preschoolers. We have had the joy of experiencing both centres, and our children are thriving. After trialling two previous childcare centres and two home-based setups, The Children's Garden is the first childcare centre where our little ones have settled and found their home away from home. The teachers are all qualified and are exceptionally caring and compassionate - we have a great relationship with every team member and every team member knows my children's unique ways, preferences, strengths, issues, routines and quirks - and they nurture that all whilst helping them to have fun, to learn boundaries, to try new things, to create friendships, to gain confidence, to get creative and to thrive. Their priority every step of the way is the happiness of the children. The settling in process is fantastic and as parents you can take as long as you need to help your child settle with full support from the teachers. Every day the teachers will make time to update you on how your child's day has been, and on any concerns they may have (be it picky eating, constipation, mood swings, tiredness, signs of an impending virus etc). Our little girl has a dairy allergy and the teachers have all been amazing at supporting us through this, ensuring even on "cheese day" my daughter doesn't come into any contact with dairy products. This takes total dedication to achieve. Communication is very open and honest. The facilities are ideal for little ones. I would highly recommend The Children's Garden to any parents looking to find that "family" and "home away from home" feel. I've had bad days when I turn up to pick my kids up and they don't want to leave, and I'm struggling to gather their things together and get them in the car without having my own meltdown. On these days, the teachers are quick to pick up that you need some extra support and there've been numerous times where a teacher has helped me out to the car with the kids and given me a hug to show their support. The teachers have become friends to me, and my children love attending. Please don't miss this absolute gem of a daycare if you're doing the rounds to try to find one that suits your little one - it really is gold-star.”