Choosing the Right Childcare for Your Family in Havelock North

Finding a childcare centre that feels right for your family can feel like a big job! You want your child getting the best care from the best carers in the best facilities, and that’s something that we strive for at Cherry Grove Childcare. We understand the importance of finding a nurturing and stimulating early learning environment where your little one can thrive.

Located on Napier Road in Havelock North, we cater to young children from infancy through to school age. Our centre provides a home away from home, designed to offer a safe, engaging, and peaceful atmosphere where every child feels safe and a strong sense of belonging. Choosing the right childcare in Havelock North is a significant decision, and we’re here to help you understand what makes a quality centre and why Cherry Grove might be the perfect fit for your whānau.

The early years of a child's life are crucial for their development. High quality early childhood education provides a foundation for lifelong learning, social skills, and overall wellbeing. In Havelock North and the wider Hawke's Bay region, parents have options, but understanding what constitutes excellent care and learning is key to making the best choice for your child.

A great early learning centre does more than just look after your child; it engages them in meaningful experiences, helps them establish positive relationships, and encourages their natural curiosity to explore the world around them. It’s about providing a rich learning environment that supports their holistic development.

When visiting childcare centres in Havelock North, consider these important aspects:

A high-quality early learning programme in New Zealand is typically guided by Te Whāriki, the national early childhood curriculum. This framework emphasises learning through play, encouraging children to explore freely and develop at their own pace. Look for a centre that demonstrates a clear understanding and implementation of Te Whāriki, fostering key learning areas like communication, wellbeing, belonging, contribution, and exploration.

Cherry Grove Childcare embraces a holistic approach, weaving the principles of Te Whāriki into our daily rhythms. We believe in intentional teaching within a play-based setting, ensuring tamariki are actively engaged and supported in their learning journey. Our experienced teaching team are passionate about creating stimulating experiences that nurture each child's potential.

The physical environment plays a vital role in a child's experience. Is the centre safe, clean, and well-maintained? Are there engaging indoor and outdoor spaces? Access to natural materials and opportunities for adventurous outdoor play are beneficial for a child's physical development and connection with nature. Separate spaces or rooms catering specifically for different age groups, such as a cosy nursery for infants and a dedicated toddler rooms, can provide age-appropriate stimulation and care.

At Cherry Grove, our beautiful grounds and facilities are designed with children in mind. We have age specific rooms, including a peaceful nursery for our youngest tamariki, ensuring that infants receive calm and dedicated care. Our outdoor areas are spacious and encourage children to explore freely and safely. You can learn more about our tailored spaces for different age groups on our Infants and Toddlers. page.

The teaching team are the heart of any early learning centre. Look for passionate, qualified teachers who demonstrate warm, responsive relationships with the children. Observe how they interact, listen, and engage with the tamariki. A strong teaching team creates a supportive and positive atmosphere, which is essential for your child's emotional security and learning.

Our teaching team at Cherry Grove is dedicated to building strong, caring relationships with every child. We pride ourselves on our large teaching staff, which allows for plenty of meaningful interactions and individual attention. We believe that secure attachments between children and their carers are fundamental to a positive early childhood experience.

Children thrive on predictability. Ask about the centre's daily rhythms and routines. How are transitions managed? When are meal times and nap times? Understanding the structure of the day can give you insight into how the centre operates and how well it might suit your child's needs and temperament. A good rhythm provides security and helps children feel settled and comfortable.

We establish consistent daily rhythms at Cherry Grove, balancing planned activities with opportunities for spontaneous play and exploration. We offer nutritious meals prepared on-site, ensuring children are well-nourished throughout the day. Our approach to routines is unhurried, allowing children the pace they need to feel secure and engaged. You can view our [daily menu on the white board.

A strong partnership between the centre and your family (whānau) is crucial. How does the centre communicate with parents? Are you invited to participate in your child's learning journey? Feeling heard and involved in your child's early education experience is vital for both you and your child's sense of belonging.

At Cherry Grove Childcare and Family Centre, we deeply value the partnership with our families. We believe that by working together, we can best support each child's development and wellbeing. We encourage open communication and invite whānau to be actively involved in the centre community.

Seeing a centre in action is the best way to gauge if it's the right fit. When you visit, take note of the atmosphere, the interactions between staff and children, and how children are engaged. Don't hesitate to ask questions about anything that is important to you, from the curriculum to staff qualifications and daily practices. This is your opportunity to see if the centre's philosophy aligns with your family's values and aspirations.

We warmly invite you to come in and meet the crew at Cherry Grove! Booking a centre tour is a fantastic way to see our facilities, observe our daily rhythms, and chat with our passionate teaching team. We'd love to show you why so many Havelock North families rate Cherry Grove so highly.

At Cherry Grove, we are committed to providing exceptional childcare in Havelock North. Our approach is rooted in providing the best care from the best carers in beautiful facilities. With age specific rooms designed to cater to the unique needs of infants, toddlers, and older children, a large and dedicated teaching staff, and expansive, beautiful grounds, we truly want your child to feel at home with us.

We focus on creating a warm, inviting, and nurturing environment where children feel safe to explore, learn, and flourish. Our programme is established to support the holistic development of every child, fostering creativity, curiosity, and a love for learning. We are located on Napier Road in Havelock North, serving families across the Hawke's Bay. Come and see the difference for yourself and book a centre tour today.

Choosing childcare is a personal journey, and we encourage you to research your options thoroughly. Consider visiting the Ministry of Education website for information on licensed ECE services and Te Whāriki curriculum. The Education Review Office ( ERO ) publishes reports on ECE services, which can also be a useful resource. Additionally, KidsHealth NZ offers helpful guidance on early childhood education for parents.

If Cherry Grove sounds like the nurturing, high-quality early learning centre you’re looking for in Havelock North, we’d love to hear from you. Our team is ready to answer your questions and help you take the next step in your child’s early education journey. You can find out more about our centre and philosophy on our Our Childcare page or simply enquire about enrolment today.

Finding the perfect fit for your child's early learning is a significant step, and we are here to support you. We believe Cherry Grove offers a truly special environment where tamariki can grow, learn, and play, surrounded by passionate teachers and a supportive community. Come and experience the Cherry Grove difference for yourself.