Childcare options in Ilam

Looking for safe, loving childcare in Riccarton?

Kindercare in Riccarton is just the place. Here, we’re all about starting and ending every day with nurturing care in a safe, loving environment. Led by our passionate Centre Director, Jeannie Steer, our experienced team will gently support your child and family from the start. We’re here for you - offering both full time and part time enrolment options.

Our childcare centre was once a beautiful family home and that’s exactly how it will feel to you and your child. Licenced for just 50 tamariki, our small, intimate environment ensures your little one will receive warm, attentive care and fun-filled learning within our culturally diverse setting. 

We look forward to being there for you and your precious child, throughout their time at Kindercare.

Why choose our centre?

Since 2004, our culturally diverse, cosy centre in Clyde Road has been providing safe, loving care and learning for children from infancy until they are ready for primary school. Your child will be cared for with tamariki of a similar age and stage of development, in fun-filled play and learning areas – both indoors and out. Each space is intentionally planned to provide individualised care, learning and social opportunities for your child.

We’ll embrace the heritage of your family, and actively build a supportive, communicative relationship with you. It’s our way of providing care and education that meets your child’s unique needs. And when it’s time for your child to take the next step on to school, we’re conveniently located near both St Theresa’s School and Fendalton Primary School.

Welcome to Te Whare Kohungahunga o UC | Early Childhood Learning Centre (ECLC), the University of Canterbury’s childcare and early learning centre. We accommodate children from zero to six years old and accept enrolments from students, staff and members of the wider community.  

We are uniquely placed at the heart of the UC campus and are conveniently located for you to see your child at any time during the day. The campus environment allows our children to explore their surroundings in a safe and calm way. Often you will see groups of excited children walking through places like the Ilam Gardens and surrounding fields as well as visiting departments such as Zoology and Geology, the libraries and the University Bookshop.

The UCSA's Ilam Early Learning Centre provides high-quality early childhood education that puts your child first. We care for the children of UC students, enabling parents to attend their own lectures, tutorials and employment. Where places are available, we also cater to the children of staff and the community.   

Our philosophy

The child is the seed, the origin of all things / Ko te tamaiti te kākano, te pūtake o ngā mea katoa

• We believe every child is important and deserves a quality early childhood education.
• Our qualified, friendly teachers build great relationships with each child and their family, supporting them to grow as confident, successful, lifelong learners.
• We pride ourselves on high-quality teacher/child ratios that you will not find in many other centres.
• We provide a fun, safe and nurturing environment that supports children in their learning.
• We have a large outdoor environment, and value the importance of play and physical challenges.
• Our passionate, knowledgeable teachers use effective teaching strategies to encourage children to learn through their own individual strengths and interests.
• We value the diverse range of cultures that contribute to making our centre a dynamic learning environment.