SeedlingsAge group 0 to around 2 years. A nurturing and calm space where our youngest children are lovingly cared for and supported as they begin their early journey of discovery.
OPENING SPECIAL - 6 MONTHS FREE FOR THE FIRST 20 ENROLMENTS
OPENING SPECIAL - 6 MONTHS FREE FOR THE FIRST 20 ENROLMENTS
Welcome to Orchard Buds, a locally owned and operated Early Learning Centre located in Parkvale, Hastings
We offer high-quality care and education for children aged 0–6 years in a warm, nurturing environment.
Our centre is licensed for 75 children and includes dedicated spaces for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, supporting each child’s growth through personalised care and learning.
Our Vision - to nurture confident, capable and independent learners who feel secure, valued and ready to take their next steps with curiosity and resilience.
Our Philosophy
At Orchard Buds, we believe early childhood is a time of growth, discovery, and connection. We combine nurturing care with intentional teaching to support each child to become a confident, capable learner.
Our approach is play-based and child-led, aligned with Te Whāriki, New Zealand’s early childhood curriculum. Children learn best through meaningful play, exploration, and strong relationships. Our teachers thoughtfully guide children as they follow their interests, build new skills, and grow in confidence.
We create a warm, calm, and secure environment where children and their whānau experience a strong sense of belonging, recognising this as the foundation for learning. We are committed to working in partnership with whānau, supporting and nurturing their aspirations for their children.
Our outdoor space is a key part of our programme. Inspired by the idea of an orchard, our garden offers rich, hands-on opportunities for children to explore, take considered risks, and engage with the natural world. Through planting and caring for the garden, children develop an understanding of where food comes from and a sense of kaitiakitanga—guardianship and respect for the environment. Daily opportunities for outdoor play are valued as essential for supporting physical development, creativity, and overall wellbeing.
We recognise that infants and toddlers have different needs. Our separate under-two and over-two spaces support each stage of development — from responsive, nurturing care to growing independence, social skills, and more structured learning.
We introduce school-readiness experiences in a natural and supportive way, helping children develop the skills they need for a smooth transition to primary school.
We honour Aotearoa New Zealand’s bicultural foundation through inclusive practices and meaningful cultural experiences.
Above all, we aim for children to leave Orchard Buds confident in who they are, capable in their learning, and ready for school and life beyond.
Passionate, caring, enthusiastic teachers make all the difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I enrol my child at Orchard Buds Early Learning Centre?
.The best way to get started is to submit an online enquiry. Our team will keep your details on file and be in touch closer to opening to discuss availability and next steps.
Once the centre is ready, 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?
As Orchard Buds Early Learning Centre is opening in Spring 2026, our full set of centre policies and procedures will be available for whānau to view once the centre is operational.
Closer to opening, you’ll be able to access these documents during your visit to the centre, where they will be available at the front desk. These include enrolment, fees, health and safety, curriculum, and wellbeing policies.
In the meantime, you’re welcome to get in touch with our team if you have any questions, and we’ll be happy to provide further information or discuss our approach with you.
How do you communicate with parents/caregivers?
We communicate with parents & caregivers through email, phone calls and in-person discussions. We use the Mana, 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 Orchard Buds?
Due to open in Spring 2026, 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