Babyspace

Welcome to BabySpace Nelson based in Richmond providing quality Early Childhood Education 

BabySpace is Richmond’s Early Childhood Centre specialising in care for Infants, Toddlers and young children from birth to 5 years.

BabySpace opened in 2008 and is family owned and operated by Lynda Richards and Chris Barnett.  Lynda is a qualified and experienced teacher with over 35 years’ experience in Early Childhood Education.  

We acknowledge that choosing the right place for your children is one of the most important decisions you will ever make, come and visit us and you will see why so many families speak so highly of their experience with us.  

The BabySpace team of teachers have a high level of qualifications, experience and most importantly share a genuine passion and commitment to working with families to provide the best for their infants and toddlers.  

BabySpace offers a small group size, great ratios a stable teaching team and a warm homely environment that supports the diverse needs, abilities and interests of young children. 

Leaders and teachers have created a caring environment for children and their families. It is characterised by teachers who respond very effectively and respectfully to children's needs and interests and who incorporate whānau aspirations into planning and teaching.

Teachers use a range of communication strategies to ensure that parents and family are informed and engaged in their children's learning.

Transitions into the centre are well managed and tailored to the needs of individual children and their families.

Staffing is thoughtfully managed to ensure that primary caregivers build relationships with children and their families, know children well, and are able to provide continuity and consistency of routines. These practices create a positive environment for infants and toddlers.

Teachers thoughtfully organise and use the centre's resources to promote children's freedom of movement, challenge, curiosity, creativity and self-management. They work alongside children, responding to emerging interests as well as offering suggestions to challenge and extend learning without unnecessary intervention.

Teachers use language intelligently to empower children, to extend thinking, to encourage children to describe their feelings and to promote curiosity and  confidence.

The deliberate use of natural materials, reading resources that reflect te ao Māori, and the use of te reo reflect the centre's value of bicultural practices and support the language, culture and identity of Māori children.

The indoor and outdoor spaces are well designed to offer a very good range of activity and learning opportunities. They include areas for children to spend time quietly as well as to mix with other children.

Landscaping makes the area attractive and interesting as well as providing physical challenge. There is a very good range of equipment available for children.