Te Ruma RuruAge group 0 to around 2 to 2.5 years with up to 15 children. A nurturing and calm space where our youngest children are lovingly cared for and supported as they begin their early journey of discovery.
Nau Mai, Haere Mai
Welcome to Peanuts
WINTER SPECIAL - LIMITED TIME OFFER - 6 WEEKS FREE*
WINTER SPECIAL - LIMITED TIME OFFER - 6 WEEKS FREE*
Welcome to Peanuts, a privately owned and operated
Early Learning Centre located in Whitianga
We offer high-quality care and education for children aged 0–6 years in a warm, nurturing environment.
Our centre is licensed for 40 children and includes dedicated spaces for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, supporting each child’s growth through personalised care and learning.
Our purpose is to provide a nurturing and enriching early learning experience that celebrates the uniqueness of every child
We prioritise holistic development, fostering curiosity, creativity, and well-being. We do this through strong relationships with families and our community. We create an inclusive environment that values cultural diversity and prepares children for lifelong success.
Our Philosophy
The mana, mauri, and wairua of the tamaiti shall be the first and greatest consideration, with care and education from kaiako enhancing each tamaiti full learning potential.
We aim to create an environment built on trust, care and respectful relationships, which embrace both tamariki and their whānau. We strive to build strong connections and relationships that are nurturing, meaningful and valued.
Our educational approach is one of play based learning including a combination of daily rhythms and routines. Our goal is to encourage natural curiosity in learning; to investigate, use open ended resources and loose parts for discovery. A place where tamariki can enjoy social interactions, problem solve, learn perseverance, risk taking and become increasingly independent at their own pace. We recognise and value the importance of a calm, unhurried, safe and secure environment which is respectful and empowering for all to enjoy.
We are committed to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and a bicultural approach to learning and we welcome, value, and respect the diversity of all cultures within our centre. We value the Early Childhood Curriculum, Te Whariki, which guides and inspires our work with children. Kaiako acknowledge and recognise Māori as tangata whenua, and assume a shared responsibility for protecting Māori reo and tikanga within our centre.
Poipoia te kakano kia puawai
Nurture the seed and it will grow
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I enrol my child at Peanuts?
The best way to get started is to submit an online enquiry. We will organise opportunities for you to visit the centre and meet the team. While visits aren’t mandatory, we highly recommend attending so you can feel confident the environment is the right fit for you and your child.
What is the minimum enrolment requirement?
We have a minimum enrolment of two days per week. This allows tamariki time to settle into our routines, build secure relationships with kaiako and friends, and get the most from our learning programme. Consistency helps children feel a strong sense of belonging and confidence.
Are public holidays included in fees?
Our fees are structured to include public holidays. Therefore, no discount is applied when a public holiday falls on your childs usual booking day. This ensures consistent staffing and operational costs are met so we can maintain high-quality care all year round.
Is there a sibling discount?
Yes, we offer a 10% sibling discount for the second and subsequent tamariki enrolled from the same whānau. Please speak with us on how this is applied.
How do I pay the childcare fees?
We suggest setting up a weekly automatic payment through your bank. We also offer a direct debit option, which incurs a small additional transaction fee. Fees are due one week in advance — invoices are emailed each Monday and due by Thursday for the week ahead. We appreciate prompt payment to ensure your account remains up to date.
What Government support is available?
We offer the 20 Hours ECE subsidy for children aged 3–5 and accept WINZ Childcare Subsidies for eligible whānau. The Early Learning Payment (ELP) is also available to those who meet its eligibility criteria.
Whānau may also be eligible for FamilyBoost, a government payment introduced to help with the cost of early childhood education. FamilyBoost provides a partial refund on childcare fees, depending on household income.
Our team is happy to help you understand these options and complete any paperwork needed to access the support you’re entitled to.
Can I change my child's enrolled days?
Yes, we understand that family circumstances can change. Requests to increase or change booked days can be made directly with our centre administrator and will depend on space availability. We appreciate at least two weeks’ notice for any permanent changes to ensure consistency for staffing and planning. Please see the Resource Hub tab for the form.
Where can I access your centre policies?
Our full set of centre policies and procedures are available for whānau to view in reception at the front desk. These include enrolment, fees, health and safety, curriculum, and wellbeing policies.
How do you communicate with parents/caregivers?
We communicate with parents & caregivers through email, phone calls and in-person discussions. We use the Storypark our online learning platform, to share updates on your child’s learning and experiences and what is happening in centre.
How early do I need to enrol my child to Peanuts?
Please click on the enquiry form tab. We recommend enquiring about enrolment early to ensure you secure a space in our centre. We may be able to have children start very soon after enrolment but at times we may have a wait list. We have fewer infant spaces than for over 2 year olds, so we advise contacting centres while you are pregnant to ensure your baby can start when you believe you will need this. If you enrol but your circumstances change, you are not obliged to start with us.
What do I need to bring?
Children should be dressed in old or play clothes and a spare change should be packed every day. In winter, rain attire and gumboots are essential, and in summer, sunhats are to be provided for outdoor play and we recommend you apply sun block to your child before the start of every day. Nappies are provided.
Under Twos
Breast Milk or Formula – enough for the day
Complete spare set of clothes and extra singlets
Items the baby is attached to i.e. dummy, teddy bear, etc.
Sunhat / warm waterproof outside clothes in winter
Over Twos
Complete change of clothes (more when toilet learning)
Special items for sleep i.e. cuddly, doll etc.
Sunhat / warm waterproof outside clothes in winter
.
Great place for any child especially those who would thrive in nature based learning with low ratios and a real homely, safe, peaceful environment. It doesn't have the glimmer and shine that other centre's use as their focal point, but thats not whats important for parents who want quality care, humble and wholesome teachings, and encouraging children to move at their own pace, self lead and to feel comfortable and secure in their own skin whilst supporting healthy friendships and social interactions. We chose this centre for all of the above reasons, we want the best foundation for our child to begin their journey and develop characteristics that we all could be proud of, definitely moving along in the right direction.
Autumn Simon