Testimonials
Central Childcare & Education Centre has been a special part of my family’s life for over 20 years. As a parent of three children who attended the centre, it is wonderful to hear them still talking about the friendships, experiences, and memories they made there. We regularly pull out their learning portfolios and storybooks, and they always bring back fond memories of their time at Central.
The staff consistently went above and beyond to create a warm, caring environment where my children felt safe, valued, and encouraged to learn and grow. They genuinely live the centre’s values every day and, over the years, have become like an extended family to me.
I continue to support the centre through my involvement on the committee because I believe so strongly in what they do. Central is a place where children thrive, families feel welcomed and supported, and lifelong memories are created. I am incredibly grateful for the positive impact the centre has had on our family and would highly recommend it to others.
— Fern, Past Parent
“The staff consistently went above and beyond to create a warm, caring environment where my children felt safe, valued, and encouraged to learn and grow.”
Absolutely love Central Childcare ❤️
Both my boys really enjoy being there. We hear the names of their Koka and kaiako over and over again at home!
Something particularly special is that the centre operates with a tuākana-tēina way of being. There is a strong sense of reciprocity, care, respect and shared knowledge, with everyone in the centre community teaching and learning from one another.
I love that my boys have been together every day, side by side, rather than being separated into different aged rooms.
The centre has had such a genuine approach to welcoming our whānau, and the learning has been truly learner-centred. Lots of experiences woven into the wider community. We’ve noticed a strong focus on all children developing a sense of belonging - knowing who they are, where they come from and their place within the Gisborne community and world.
We feel really lucky that our boys are growing and learning in a place where relationships, whānau, belonging and community are so clearly at the heart of everything they do. It’s a pretty special small little place. I highly recommend it to other families.
— Nikolai and Kylie, Current Parents
“I love that my boys have been together every day, side by side, rather than being separated into different aged rooms.”
“We couldn’t recommend Central Childcare enough. It has such a lovely, homely feel, and from the moment you walk in, you know your kids are in caring and capable hands. Our two are so well looked after, and there is always a kind, calm and caring kaiako there to greet them and make them feel welcome.
One of the biggest compliments I can give is that even on days when they are not at daycare, my kids will still ask if they can go! It is so comforting knowing they genuinely enjoy being there and feel happy and secure.
The kaiako are amazing — warm, attentive and genuinely invested in the children. There are always fun, engaging and age-appropriate activities happening, with plenty of opportunities for the tamariki to learn, explore, create and just have fun.
We couldn't be happier with Central Childcare and would absolutely recommend it to other whānau. It really feels like a second home for our kids, and we are so grateful for the wonderful care they receive.” ❤️
— Clare, Current Parent
“One of the biggest compliments I can give is that even on days when they are not at daycare, my kids will still ask if they can go!”
“Love Central! The kaiako are caring, patient and thoughtful, and take the time to notice little things… what each child is interested in, where they’re thriving and where they might need a bit of extra support or encouragement. I always feel that my boys are valued and genuinely cared for. Highly recommend it to other families in Gisborne.”
“I couldn’t speak more highly of this centre and its staff. Both of my boys have attended here and have loved it! The staff are kind and nurturing and helped my children feel safe and loved. It was great having my two boys together and not separated into different age groups. This really helped my youngest settle in and helped my oldest learn leadership skills. Highly recommend.”