Childcare options in Nelson Central

We are an early childcare centre, providing excellent care & education for children in the heart of Nelson at 400 Hardy Street East. Our purpose built centre caters for children from three months to six years.

We have created a home-like environment within the Centre, so that children feel safe and comfortable here at Hardykids.

Hardykids Early Learning Centre has been designed by architects who have provided a natural and welcoming environment. The rooms are light and spacious, each with their own sleep, kai and nappy areas. Our in-house cook provides morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea where meal times are relaxed social occasions with an emphasis on healthy eating and good manners.

We are proud to offer a silver status menus approved by the New Zealand Heart Foundation. 

Our centre has four age appropriate rooms that flow through to their respective outdoor areas. Plenty of undercover space means children can be indoors or outdoors all year round. We promote the development of active and confident learners who think, question, seek information and apply knowledge to the best of their ability.

The centre also has an amazing outdoor garden environment for the children. We have created a lush native garden to provide stimulating and adventurous areas of play for the children to explore and relax. We encourage you to come and visit us to see the natural beauty at Hardykids for yourselves!

Welcome to The Y Early Learning Centre

Early education is an important step in your child’s life. It could be preschool, kindergarten or an early learning centre – making the right choice is important for you and your family.

Prepare your child for a quality future through nourishment and strength in a safe, caring environment. The Y (formerly YMCA) supports skill, social, emotional and cognitive development through three core themes – nature, nurture and being active, which will allow your child to connect with themselves, their environment and their community.

All of our centres have access to open spaces, greenery and trees. We believe that exploring nature builds curiosity and makes learning fun for our tiny curious explorers of Earth.

Nourishment starts from within as we support your child with social skills, courage and perseverance for their own development milestones – giving them a strong start to their best life.

The Y has been supporting Kiwi kids to live actively since 1855. We’re the experts in fundamental movement skills, leading to a lifelong love of being active. Y children jump, dance and have fun as they play and learn.

Why Choose The Y Early Learning Centres?

20 Hours Free

The Y Early learning centres offer 20 ECE hours free for all children aged 3 and over

Fully Licensed

Our centres are fully licensed childcare and education facilities under the Ministry of Education for children aged 6 months - 6 years

MOE Audited & Accredited

Our early learning centres are audited and accredited by the Ministry of Education

WINZ Subsidies Available

WINZ Subsidies are available for qualified families

Qualified Staff

Our staff are fully trained, professionally qualified and committed to on-going personal development

Safeguarding Accredited

YMCA North is Aotearoa’s first and only accredited organisation through the Australian Childhood Foundation (ACF) as a child-safe organisation