Childcare options in Shirley

Shirley has a few daycare, childcare and early childhood education options. Book a visit or enquire at any one of them with Kindello. We're here to help you find the perfect fit for you and your child.

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Top-rated childcare in Shirley

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A picture of BestStart Marshland Road

Shirley - Christchurch

BestStart Marshland Road

"Ko te ahurei o te tamaiti arahia ō tātou māhi" | "Let the uniqueness of the child guide our work."

Here at BestStart Marshland Road, this underpins everything we do. What does this look like for you and your tamariki?

In the Nursery (3 months to 2 years) we pride ourselves on providing individual care catered to your child. We work closely with you to develop and support a routine which works for you and your child. We provide a daily record/communication book that keeps track of everything your child does during their day here with us.

In our Preschool (2 years to approx. 3.5 years) we provide an environment where your child is encouraged to be themselves. Here they develop a stronger sense of who they are. They can explore their environment using all their senses. Children are encouraged to take risks, while being supported to achieve the tasks they set out to do.

Our Prepschool (3.5 years to school) supports children to make their own decisions. The planned programme is child led and allows for children to take the learning to areas that are of interest to them. This provides opportunities for children to learn at a level and rate which works for them. They are encouraged to strive to learn new things every day.

Our wonderful Kaiako are here to nurture your child and support tamariki in developing new skills. Our aim is to provide care and education that gets your child ready for their next learning journey at Primary School. This looks different for each child, so come and talk to us about what we can offer for you and your child.

Who is BestStart?

BestStart is for families who want more from early-childhood education. Safe, nurturing and educationally focused, we’re committed to growing caring people with curious minds.

Together we teach, learn and nurture.

Our vision is to work in partnership with families, whanau and communities to enable children to achieve their learning potential.

Ko tō mātou tirohanga hei mahi ngātahi i te taha o ngā whānau me ngā hāpori, kia āwhinatia ngā tamariki, kia tū pito mata ai rāatou, hei rangatira mō āpōpō.

We are committed to being a progressive and responsive leader in early-childhood education. We do this by enhancing our services, investing in our people, developing our support structure and continuously improving the educational outcomes and experiences of our children, families and the communities we serve.

Some facts:

  • We’re licensed to educate and care for 15,000 full-time children daily.
  • 18,000 families use BestStart services annually.
  • We have over 270 centres nationwide located from Whangarei to Invercargill.
  • Each centre is managed by a Centre Manager who is supported by a local Area Manager. This gives our centre teams ongoing quality training and support.
  • Te Whāriki, the world-wide acclaimed national early childhood education curriculum, is used in all centres.
  • We have over 4500 permanent teachers nationally. Over 90% of our permanent teaching staff are either fully qualified with a diploma or bachelor of teaching (ECE) or higher, or are in training. These figures are very high by national standards within the ECE sector.
  • We provide a two-year Advice and Guidance Programme for all recently certified teachers, providing further mentoring and training. This gives strong support for teachers from provisional registration to full teacher registration with the NZ Teachers Council.
  • We regularly spend around $4 million on teacher training per annum.

We’re for children

At our heart is our commitment and passion for children. Central to this belief is our focus on the holistic development of children. We support children to explore the world around them, learning through relationships, creating a love of learning in an ever-changing world. Exploration, friendship and fun are part of the journey.

We’re for good

BestStart is a registered charity owned by the Wright Family Foundation. We support initiatives and programmes within BestStart and the wider early-childhood education sector (ECE) that support good outcomes for all children. We do this because we want to make a positive difference to the lives of all children.

Innovation leads us

At BestStart, innovation guides our thinking. We advocate positive change for learners through our research and practice. We’re proud to be thought leaders within ECE, openly challenging ourselves to think differently to provide the best for our children, families and staff.

We’re responsive

Our centres reflect their children, staff and communities. We celebrate individuality, uniqueness and diversity, encouraging a spirit of empathy, understanding and collaboration. Through our responsive relationships and our curriculum, we support learners to choose their own path.

Our people matter

At BestStart people come first. When we grow and develop our people, everyone benefits. We strive for whakamana/empowerment, nurturing a culture of excellence with engaged, talented professionals. Their commitment, skill and passion light our way.

Licensed for

75 children

A picture of Barnardos Early Learning Centre Te Puna Oraka

Shirley - Christchurch

Barnardos Early Learning Centre Te Puna Oraka

Te Puna Oraka Early Learning Centre is a safe, nurturing and welcoming environment with spacious areas to stimulate and develop your child’s natural curiosities.  

Our spacious outdoor area has a deck area, swings, slides, climbing rope, a new bike track and our very own playhouse! Indoors, your child will be inspired and stimulated by our rich array of play-based experiences and resources. We embrace and celebrate the uniqueness of every child that walks through our doors.

Licensed for

36 children

A picture of Shirley First Learners

5.00 (1)

Shirley - Christchurch

Shirley First Learners

The First Learners centre that will remind you of home.

Some of the reasons to choose First Learners Shirley for your child's early childhood education

  • Lower than Ministry ratios Nursery 1:4, Preschool 1:7
  • Experienced, caring staff, over 80% are ECE qualified
  • Homely environment which focuses on sustainability
  • Cooked nutritious lunches if required, morning and afternoon tea included in the fees
  • Large outdoor play area which consists of many movable, engaging pieces of equipment.
  • 4 year old extension programme
  • Vegetable gardens which the children are involved in planting, harvesting and eating the produce
  • 20 hours ECE where the hours really are FREE!
  • Handy to schools, Palms shopping centre, and easy distance to CBD

At Shirley First Learners we pride ourselves on...

  • we value and promote sustainable practices within our centre community
  • we recognise and acknowledhe Deaf culture and New Zealand Sign Language as an official language of New Zealand. This is included into our curriculum and daily programme.

Our Philosophy

First Learners are homely centres which off tamariki, their families/whanau and our teachers/staff a place that empowers them to make choices that suit their individual needs and requirements.

A place that enables each individual to develop at their own pace, to be unique, and have their individuality recognised and celebrated. A place that is rich in wonder, curiosity, excitement and fun. A place where there is no distinction between learning and play.

Licensed for

39 children

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Other great childcare options in Shirley

A picture of Kidsfirst Kindergartens MacFarlane Park

Shirley - Christchurch

Kidsfirst Kindergartens MacFarlane Park

Located in Mairehau, right next to Macfarlane Park and surrounded by community amenities, Kidsfirst Kindergartens MacFarlane Park offers a supportive and inclusive learning environment for children aged 2-5 years. The dedicated teachers prioritize each child's interests, strengths, and capabilities, fostering relationships that help them succeed in their learning journey. The kindergarten provides a homelike atmosphere indoors, with carefully selected resources that encourage thinking and exploration at the child's own pace. Tamariki are encouraged to be mindful of the world around them, fostering a sense of awe and respect for their environment. Active engagement in rich learning experiences extends beyond the kindergarten, involving tamariki, whanau, and kaiako in the wider community. The spacious backyard serves as an expansive and well-developed playground, offering ample opportunities for active exploration and self-challenge, even in rainy weather. Gardening is also a cherished activity, with regular visits to the community garden as part of the learning experience.

Licensed for

30 children

A picture of Kidsfirst Kindergartens Shirley

Shirley - Christchurch

Kidsfirst Kindergartens Shirley

Located in Shirley, Kidsfirst Kindergarten Shirley is a hidden gem accessed through a long drive, marked by flags. The kindergarten offers a vibrant and inclusive learning environment for children aged 2-5 years. With a focus on place-based education, the curriculum connects children to the local heritage, landscape, cultures, and experiences, reflecting the diverse and multicultural community it serves. Inside the kindergarten, there is a warm and light-filled space that provides an open and inspiring learning environment. Children have the freedom to explore and engage in play experiences alongside their peers, with a wide range of resources and areas for quiet, creative, and imaginative play. The kindergarten's big backyard encourages children to interact with nature and provides ample space for physical exploration and development. The outdoor area features grass, barked areas, gardens, and specially designed equipment to support children's physical growth. It offers an environment that stimulates curiosity through natural discoveries, seasonal changes, and the presence of various insects and birds.

Licensed for

30 children

A picture of Shirley Playcentre

Shirley - Christchurch

Shirley Playcentre

At Shirley Playcentre, we still believe that it takes a village to raise a child – and we would love to be your village!  

We work together with you to find ways to support your child’s learning and find their place in our centre.  

We fervently believe that a parent is the best first teacher a child can have, so we will help equip you to teach your child through play – the most fun way to learn.

Licensed for

27 children

A picture of Montessori STARS

Shirley - Christchurch

Montessori STARS

At Montessori STARS we strive for excellence within the Early Childhood sector.

The philosophy of Maria Montessori is weaved together with the Ministry of Education Curriculum (Te Whāriki).

We believe that your child is unique, and will be treated with respect as an individual, inclusive of their culture and identity in order to develop to their full potential.

Responsive, reciprocal and respectful relationships between children, teachers and parent/whānau underpin what we are here for.

We provide a child focused environment that creates a love of learning, fosters independence and nurtures your child’s mana and growth.

Our team are passionate about working together in a cohesive manner to provide a warm, nurturing environment that creates a culture of genuine care for each other’s and your child’s wairua and wellbeing.

We are committed to biculturalism and believe in ako, a co-constructive approach that connects us together with the beliefs and values of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Our philosophy

We strongly believe in building partnerships with families and we will try to share as much information as possible during the day. We believe in teachers and parents working together to give your child the best possible start. We encourage a collaborative approach to education and value your input and support.

Licensed for

24 children