Growing Wings
Early Learning Centre
Our mission is to create a secure, enjoyable, and enriching learning atmosphere at our Hamilton centres and Whangamata location, equipping your child with the best possible start to their academic journey.
Primary Carers
Tamariki will have a “go to carer” throughout their time with us.
Growing Wings
We help tamariki grow their wings so when they leave the home nest, they can take flight at school as their next chapter.
Child-led Learning
We offer a child-led, heart centred approach where relationships are at the core of our philosophy.
Growing Wings
Providing Quality Education in a Creative Environment at our Hamilton and Whangamata centres.
What We Offer
Primary Care
Your child will have a primary carer who creates a strong, respectful, reciprocal relationship with them.
Interactive Parent App
Our Parent App, keeps you up to date as it happens, all sleep checks, feeds, nappy changes and monthly learning stories all updated in the parent app.
Staff priority/wellbeing
Our kaiako are our priority. We aim to be the employer of choice.
Respectful Practice
All children are given choices in everything they do and empowered to lead their learning
Better than ministry ratios
We pride ourselves on having low ratios to ensure high quality care.
Home away from home
Our Hamilton and Whangamata centres provide a warm, welcoming environment where families are always welcome.
Grow their potential
We ensure your tamariki are recognised for all that they are. They are encouraged to grow their potential, ensuring they have the right tools to succeed at school and in life.
An inclusive team approach
Growing Wings aims to collaborate with parents and caregivers to ensure a team approach that embraces both individual uniqueness and community growth.
Why Families Choose Us
Posted on Google Micheala TTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 3 of my children attended growing wings on grey street. I would highly recommend! The staff at growing wings are highly attentive, showing so much love and support to families and their children. My children have grown so confident and school ready with the help of growing wings!Posted on Google Kaleb BTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’ve had the pleasure of dealing with the owners over the past few years and have been consistently impressed with how they handle themselves. They put incredible time and effort into the centre to ensure the children receive the highest level of care. I would happily recommend reaching out to learn more about their style of learning.Posted on Google Rebecca PTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Growing Wings is our son’s home away from home. The teachers are kind and patient and learning is led by child interests. We appreciate the gentle approach to learning where children are encouraged to explore at their own pace and teachers know when and how to engage to stretch their learning. Growing Wings fosters true connections between children, teachers, and families and makes it feel like an extension of your home and family. We couldn’t recommend them more.Posted on Google Sumnar STrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Incredible centre, incredible staff, incredible manager and incredible owners!! Couldn’t recommend them enough, kind and caring and you know your children are in safe hands 🙌🏻 wish we could stay with them forever!Posted on Google Ann-Kathrin BTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My daughter Quinn has been going here since the day it opened. Absolutely love it. The philosophy is so wonderful, especially the primary care. Knowing your child has a safe person definitely eases your mind! I can really see Quinn excited for Kindy each morning and happy to see her second family ❤Posted on Google Dilpreet KTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great Place for my child to learn and grow, where my child need’s fulfilled and home culture is respected and valued by teachers and give them opportunity to lead their own learning and extend by different techniques and activities. Highly recommended this place!!!Posted on Google Grace PTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My daughter Katie had about 3 months left before she started school in 2023. I was sceptical pulling her out of her old daycare as I didn’t think there was that much time left and would have been pointless. However, I heard about Growing Wings and how they specialised in getting kids ready for school. And I am SO glad I enrolled my daughter. She absolutely came out of her shell, had so much more confidence, was happy, there was no more crying at drop off at Growing Wings etc. The team at Growing Wings really got to know my daughter and our family. We had a meeting about things I would like her to get school ready for and they helped with it no hesitation. You can tell the staff really enjoy their jobs and getting to know the children. I’m a bit sad my daughter has left as now I won’t get to see/go to Growing Wings anymore! Thanks again Growing Wings for being so unbelievably awesome and welcoming.
FAQs
What makes Growing Wings a trusted Early Learning Centre?
Growing Wings is a family-owned Early Learning Centre focused on nurturing each child’s growth and development. We create empowering, supportive environments where tamariki grow in confidence and curiosity. Working closely with whaanau, our passionate team helps prepare children for a smooth, confident transition to school.
How can I enrol my child at your Hamilton centres?
Enrolling is easy, simply fill out our online form and we will be in touch.
Got questions? We’d love to show you around! Call us on 07 260 1909. And choose between Bankwood, Grey Street, Central
How can I enrol my child at your Whangamata centre?
Enrolling is easy, simply fill out our online form and we will be in touch.
Got questions? We’d love to show you around! Call us on 07 260 1909. And Press 3.
What age groups do you cater to?
We welcome Tamariki from as young as 4 months up to 6 years old. Our centre provides age-appropriate care and learning experiences tailored to support each stage of your child’s early development.
Do your Hamilton and Whangamata centres offer any free ECE hours?
Yes, we offer the standard 20 Hours ECE for all children aged 3 years and over.
Growing Wings is also WINZ approved, which means families may be eligible for additional funding or subsidies through the Ministry of Social Development (MSD). You’re welcome to apply for support to help with childcare costs.
What are your hours of operation?
Our Whangamata hours are 8am-4pm and all Hamilton Locations are 7.30am-5.30pm.