Welcome to Small Wonders Childcare
Welcome to Small Wonders, a boutique early childhood centre in the heart of Raumati Beach, where quality relationships, calm spaces, and sustainable practices are at the heart of everything we do.
As a small centre, we pride ourselves on truly knowing our tamariki and their whānau. Our size allows us to build strong, trusting relationships and provide responsive, individualised care and learning. Children feel seen, heard, and valued every day.
We are passionate about nurturing a deep respect for Papatūānuku (Earth Mother) through daily sustainable practices and hands-on experiences with nature. From composting and growing kai in our garden to caring for our natural world, we teach children to be thoughtful kaitiaki (guardians) of the environment.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHOmBV4js_E
What Parents Are Saying
Testimonials from Our Families
“My son has been with Small Wonders Daycare since he was just 6 months old, and now at 3 years old, we continue to be incredibly grateful for the care he receives. The educators are not only warm and nurturing, but also extremely knowledgeable about child development. Their support has made such a positive impact on our son’s growth and confidence. Communication is always open and reassuring, and I have complete peace of mind knowing he’s in such wonderful hands every day. We truly feel like part of a caring community at Small Wonders.”
Nicole.GParent
Our family have been with small wonders for 2.5 years now & we have two children there.
They are the most family friendly, lovely team & our kids love it! The kids genuinely like all the teachers & you can tell the teachers like them back it’s not just a front which makes the kids feel warm & welcomed!
They’re always happy to try accommodate any changes in hours, days etc you might need despite being super busy generally!
Highly recommend 🙂
LizzieParent
Both of our children have been at Small Wonders since they were 11months old and from the very beginning, the staff have been welcoming, caring, and incredibly supportive. Ali and the wonderful team of teachers make a genuine effort to connect with each child, recognising and nurturing their individual needs and personalities. Our girls have loved attending Small Wonders, making some very special connections with the teachers and we’ve felt nothing but trust and comfort knowing they’re in such capable and loving hands.
KellyParent
A nurturing, thoughtful start to our son’s journey.
Our son started at Small Wonders when he was just 10 months old and is now nearly two. He has grown into such a confident, curious little boy and we truly believe a big part of that is thanks to the care, attention, and research-based approach of the amazing team.
As a first-time parent, I found the regular updates and open communication incredibly reassuring. It made the transition into care so much easier, and I always felt confident he was being supported and thoughtfully cared for.
The small group sizes and generous teacher-to-child ratios mean every child gets meaningful time and attention. You can see the warmth and connection between the kaiako and tamariki — it’s a beautiful environment to be part of.
We feel so lucky to have found Small Wonders.
Lauren SParent
We have had all three of our daughters at Small Wonders each starting at age 1, and we feel so lucky to have been a part of this community. The teachers are calm, kind, knowledgeable and truly support each child’s individuality and needs. They create a warm, nurturing environment where our daughters have felt safe, cared for, and confident to explore and learn. We love that communication is always open, and the kaiako are always responsive, often going above and beyond to help. Over the years, we’ve felt supported both as parents and as a family. We will be forever grateful for the care and attention our girls have received at Small Wonders, we couldn’t have asked for more.
ClaireParent
Small Wonders has been a wonderful part of our journey. My daughter loved her time there, and now my son is attending too. Both of my kids have been so well looked after—the care and attention they receive is truly reassuring. I really appreciate the warm, spontaneous communication from the team; it makes us feel involved and supported every step of the way. I also deeply appreciate the teachers’ efforts to learn about Punjabi culture and language to connect with both of my kids.
Simar and DevinderParents
We’ve been with Small Wonders since their early days. Our eldest went right through the centre, and our youngest has one year to go. We’ll be very sad when our Small Wonders journey comes to an end.
The teachers are kind, gentle, and nurturing. They’re perceptive to each child’s needs, and it’s clear how much they genuinely care for our girls. Many of the teachers have been there long term, which we’ve really valued for the consistency it brings—something that speaks volumes about what a special place it is.
We couldn’t have asked for a better start for our girls.
HannaParent
The team at Small Wonders are so amazing. The transition to daycare as a new Mum was very difficult for me and I was always welcomed with grace and kindness during our settling visits – I even shed a tear or two and received only care and understanding.
I love that there is one main carer for my son, but that the rest of the team remain well informed for when they take over. The team are constantly working with me, letting me ask their advice and never make me feel like I am a burden – I see how happy my boy is at Small Wonders through photos, videos and regular updates and I think he really enjoys the environment they provide.
My son absolutely loves his daycare days and I feel kept up to date every day. The team are also working with me through his transition to solids and are always so kind when I am fretting and asking a million questions.
Thank you SW team, being a new Mum is already a big deal, but you make me feel so reassured and like my boy is in great care when I am having to work. Thank you for all you do not only for my baby, but for me!!!
LaraParent
Get in touch.
At Small Wonders Childcare, we provide a nurturing environment that encourages your child’s growth and learning. Our experienced staff are dedicated to fostering curiosity and creativity. We look forward to meeting you and your tamaiti
Play Based Learning
At Small Wonders, we believe that play is how tamariki learn best. Through play, children explore their world, build relationships, and develop the social, emotional, and thinking skills they’ll carry through life.
Our kaiako (teachers) observe and respond to each child’s interests and strengths, using these to guide and extend their learning in thoughtful and meaningful ways.
We offer a calm and well-resourced environment where tamariki have the time and space to follow their curiosity. Open-ended resources and natural materials invite creativity, problem-solving, and imagination.
Our play-based approach is grounded in Te Whāriki, Aotearoa’s early childhood curriculum, and reflects our commitment to manaakitanga, whanaungatanga, and supporting each child’s unique potential
Amazing Kaiako
At Small Wonders, our team of kaiako (teachers) are committed to providing a calm, nurturing and responsive environment for all tamariki.
We believe strong, respectful relationships are at the heart of early learning. Our kaiako take time to build whanaungatanga — deep, trusting connections with children and their whānau — creating a sense of belonging and emotional security.
Each kaiako brings their own strengths, knowledge and passions to the team. We work collaboratively to support children’s interests, extend their learning, and foster a love of discovery.
As reflective practitioners, we regularly engage in professional development and stay informed by current research and best practice. We are proud to uphold the values of Te Whāriki, and honour the unique identity, culture and language of every child.
Morning Tea
At Small Wonders, we provide a nutritious morning tea every day to support our tamariki’s wellbeing and energy for learning and play.
Our kai is thoughtfully prepared and reflects our values of manaakitanga (care and hospitality) and hauora (holistic wellbeing). We offer a variety of seasonal fruits, healthy snacks, and options that support children’s growing bodies and minds.
We are mindful of allergies and dietary needs, and work closely with whānau to ensure that all tamariki feel safe and included at mealtimes. Shared kai is also a chance to foster independence, social skills, and a sense of community.