Welcome to Small Wonders Childcare
Small Wonders is a purposefully small early childhood centre in Raumati Beach, dedicated to high-quality care and meaningful learning.
Our small size allows us to build strong, responsive relationships with tamariki and their whānau. We focus on creating a calm and respectful environment where children feel safe, supported, and confident to explore and grow.
Sustainability is an integral part of our daily practice. Children are actively involved in caring for the environment — from gardening and composting to learning about their role as kaitiaki (guardians of the natural world).
We are committed to fostering a sense of belonging, curiosity, and responsibility through thoughtful teaching and genuine connection.
Me mahi tahi tātou, mo te oranga o te katoa.
We work together, for the wellbeing of everyone.
Our Philosophy.
We are a small boutique centre that offers a respectful, calm and nurturing environment, where children will develop to their full potential, as unique individuals.
We will foster curiosity, exploration and independence in our centre by giving children plenty of unhurried time, space and open-ended resources that can be
used in different ways. Encompassing holistic learning within a social community of learners and supports kotahitanga and whakamana.
We empower all to value their identity and culture and we recognise the unique place of Māori as Tāngata Whenua. We embrace and celebrate cultures that make up the diverse nature of Aotearoa, New Zealand.
We believe that children learn through play and by doing. As teachers we are here to observe, follow, guide and extend children’s learning based on their individual interests and strengths.
We value whanaungatanga, through building strong relationships and partnerships with families. We aim to provide a strong foundation for children’s learning and developing a sense of belonging.
We understand the various ways children learn and the dispositions for learning such as taking an interest, persisting with difficulty, being involved, developing
empathy and taking responsibility as these dispositions support lifelong learning.
As teachers we are positive role models to children and parents. We are here to teach and support children in developing relationships with others as these are again lifelong skills. The concept of manaakitanga is important to us.
We will teach children importance of treasuring our environment through
kaitiakitanga and will engage in activities or projects to promote sustainability.
We will keep up to date with all current theories that will benefit our teaching
practice and the learning outcomes for children.
What Parents Are Saying
Discover why families trust us—read their testimonials!
“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.”
Thank you.
Nicole G.Parent.
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 S
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
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