Castle Kids Nursery is one of four early childhood centres in the Castle Kids Christian Early Learning Centres Group owned by Kay Walker.

Kay lives locally and is available to help the centre supervisor and staff as needed, as well as being resident “granny” to all the children.

This centre is licensed for 28 children and specialises in caring for infants and toddlers from 5 months to 2 ½ years old. A Christian programme is woven into the curriculum, which includes songs, prayers, bible stories and activities, and sowing seeds for God to grow.

Open:  Monday to Friday  7.30am – 5.30pm (50 weeks of the year). Open during the school term breaks.

Minimum and Maximum Hours of Enrolment:  The minimum hours a child may attend per week are 2 sessions (recommended to parents as a minimum) and the maximum are  45 hours.

Address:  352 Te Moana Road, Waikanae.

Online:  -

Children with Disabilities:  The centre is accessible for people with wheelchairs and carparking is provided close to the building.  The staffing team are committed to the philosophy that preschool education should be accessible to all and will go out of their way to ensure that everyone can participate and is welcomed.

Children with Medical Conditions:  The centre is all inclusive and staff happily undertake training or seek additional support as necessary to best meet the needs of the child and family.

Gifted and Talented Children:  On identification of a particular skill or ability, the teachers ensure that the child is offered a range of experiences to extend their skills.  Children transfer to the next Castle Kids centre – a Kindy - by stage when they show readiness for extension beyond the nursery programme.

Children with Special Learning Needs: The teachers work closely in conjunction with both the family and the Ministry of Education Group Special Education section, to create a programme specifically tailored for the child with special learning needs.

Staff Gender:  One male and five female staff.

Languages Spoken by Staff Fluently:  English (some Samoan and Maori also)

Range of Different Qualifications held by Staff:

• Diploma of Teaching Early Childhood Education

Parent Say:   With any change proposed there  is consultation with parents at Castle Kids. After consultation management makes the final decision.

Grouping Practices:  The children mix freely together during the day, and extension groups for different ages are offered at certain times of the day.

The Features Castle Kids Nursery Say They Are Proud Of: 

1. Our Children

• The Centre has a very warm, happy feel to it.
• Staff are always open and welcoming, and love, care and respect each other, the children and their families.
• We nurture strong relationships with the families in our centre.

2. The Indoor Environment

• Visitors to the centre comment on the lovely colours within our centre, our happy kids and staff.
• Visitors enjoy looking at the photos and art displays, and are surprised at the number of experiences on offer for such a young age group. 
• Our  Waka and Kapiti Island display bring our local heritage into everyday lives.

3.  The Outdoor Environment

• People walking in comment on the eye catching mural, painted by one of our teachers, on the outside of the Centre. 
• Visitors are amazed at all the animals, birds and insects that can be spotted in our “Garden of Eden”.
• The children love to watch the Fantails and Tuis, as they play in the bush and explore our wonderful environment.