Curious Minds Island Bay
Coastal childcare, let your child learn, develop, and inspire on the coast of Wellington. Curious Minds Island Bay incorporates the south coast salt spray connecting children with nature during their childcare experience
Contact Us
Email
islandbay@curiousminds.co.nz
Phone
+64 4 383 8348
Address
112 The Parade, Island Bay, Wellington
Opening Hours
Open:
Monday to Friday
7:30am - 6:00pm
Closed:
Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays
Our Rooms
Tūi
6 Months to 2 Years
Kiwi
2 to 3 Years
Pūkeko
3 to 6 Years
ERO Report
Have a look at our ERO report from The Education Review Office
Te Whariki - Our Core
Te Whāriki is New Zealand's early childhood education framework, guiding children's development from birth to age five.
At Island Bay, we embrace this curriculum, using its principles to shape our approach. The name Te Whāriki, meaning "woven mat," reflects the interconnected strands of learning that foster each child's growth. We value children as confident, capable learners, than can take charge of their own learning journey.
Wellbeing (Mana Atua)
Children's health and emotional well-being are paramount. Our safe, supportive environment ensures each child feels secure and valued, laying the foundation for their overall development.
Belonging (Mana Whenua)
Embracing each child's unique background, we foster strong connections with families and the community. Our inclusive practices help children feel at home, encouraging confident engagement in all activities.
Contribution (Mana Tangata):
Active participation is encouraged, valuing children's ideas and promoting collaborative experiences. This approach helps them recognise their significance, developing a sense of responsibility and respect for others.
Communication (Mana Reo)
Rich language experiences and diverse mediums of expression support the development of effective communication skills. Children learn to convey their thoughts and emotions, fostering strong interpersonal connections.
Exploration (Mana Aotūroa)
Curiosity and a love for learning are nurtured through diverse opportunities for exploration and discovery. Our stimulating environments and responsive teaching practices empower children to investigate, ask questions, and develop problem-solving skills.
Our Rooms
At Curious Minds Island Bay, our facilities include spacious 3 classrooms, well-designed outdoor play areas, and plenty of toys, sensory games and activities to enhance children’s learning through play.
Find a room for your child:
Tūi Room (6 months - 2 years): A nurturing environment for children, providing a safe space for exploration and growth.
Kiwi Room (2 - 3 years): Encouraging social skills, the Kiwi room offers a variety of activities promoting social development.
Pūkeko Room (3 - 5 years): Preparing children for school with a focus on creative exploration and cognitive development.
Ages 6 months - 2 years
Tūi Room
Ages 2 - 3 years
Kiwi Room
Ages 3 - 6 years
Pūkeko Room
Have a look
All Day Outdoor Access
Outdoor play is an essential part of the daily routine at Curious Minds Island Bay .
We believe that nature provides endless learning opportunities, which is why we guarantee that every child has continuous access to our outdoor areas.
We tailor outdoor activities based on children’s interests, ensuring they stay engaged while developing motor skills and a love for nature.
Children are free to explore, experiment, and learn in our safe, open outdoor environments. All day regardless of the weather thanks to our covered outdoor areas.
We utilise local natural resources, such as the south coast, where older children can participate in day trips, adding adventure to their outdoor experiences.
Why Curious Minds Island Bay?
At Curious Minds, we believe every child deserves a space where they can explore freely and grow confidently. Guided by the Te Whāriki curriculum, we make curiosity the heart of learning, using play to spark creativity, independence, and a love for discovery.
Our caring educators encourage children to follow their natural curiosity, helping them engage with the world around them and explore at their own pace. For parents who value curiosity and wonder, we provide the building blocks to inspire a lifelong love of learning.
Activities
We believe that learning through play is vital for your child's development. This is why our daily activities are carefully curated to encourage creativity, critical thinking, and social interaction. Some of the key activities include:
Arts & Crafts
Nature Outings
Sensory Play
Music & Movement
Outdoor Play
Story Time
Claim 20 Free ECE Hours
At Curious Minds, we offer the 20 Hours ECE scheme, giving your child aged 3-6 years up to 20 hours of free, quality early education.
Facilites
Curious Minds Island Bay is equipped with modern, child-friendly facilities designed to create a safe and engaging environment for learning and play.
Our facilities include:
Spacious Classrooms: Bright, airy rooms filled with age-appropriate resources that promote learning and creativity.
Outdoor Play Areas: Our outdoor play areas are bright and open offering sand pits, jungle gyms, winding pathways and more.
Learning Materials: A wide range of educational toys, books, puzzles, and sensory materials that encourage curiosity and hands-on learning.
Quiet Areas: Dedicated spaces for rest, relaxation, and quiet activities, helping children recharge during the day.
Our facilities are designed with the safety and well-being of your child in mind, creating an environment where they can explore, learn, and grow. See additional facilites below!
Dedicated Nursery
Hot Cooked Lunch
Out of centre trips
Secure & Privacy
ECE Hours Available
Morning & Afternoon Tea
Continuos Outdoor Access
School Transition
Video Tour
Take a child’s-eye tour of Curious Minds Island Bay! Explore our interactive walkthrough, designed to let you experience every corner from your little one’s perspective. Discover our vibrant classrooms, engaging outdoor play spaces, cozy dining areas, and our welcoming reception for easy drop-off and pick-up.
Centre Philosophy
At Curious Minds Island Bay, we have created a supportive, inclusive environment where every child is valued and respected. We believe in the power of child-led learning, allowing children to explore their interests at their own pace. Our philosophy emphasises respect, independence, and collaboration, nurturing your child’s natural curiosity and helping them build the confidence and skills they need to thrive in the world.
FAQ: Common Questions
Our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section provides answers to common inquiries about Curious Minds Centres. We understand that choosing the right childcare for your child is a significant decision, and we are here to help you make an informed choice.
All our centres operate from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday to Friday.
Yes, meals are included in the fees. We provide a nutritious hot lunch, morning tea, and afternoon tea each day, catering to various dietary needs to keep your child nourished and energized.
Yes, we have in-house relievers. This ensures your child is cared for by familiar staff, maintaining continuity even when regular teachers are unavailable.
We pride ourselves on excellent staff retention. By offering full pay parity, we attract and retain high-quality educators, ensuring a consistent teaching team for your child’s learning and development.
At Curious Minds Childcare, we prioritise your child's safety and development by maintaining adult-to-child ratios that surpass government standards. While regulations stipulate a 1:5 ratio for children under two, our nurseries operate with a 1:4 ratio, and in some cases, even 1:3. This commitment ensures that your child receives attentive care and the freedom to explore their world safely at all times.
We believe in a play-based, child-led approach to early childhood education. Our programmes are grounded in Te Whāriki, which are designed to promote cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development through engaging and hands-on activities
We hold bi-annual parent-teacher meetings to discuss your child’s progress and development. These meetings provide an excellent opportunity for in-depth conversations about your child’s learning journey.
Have More Questions?
Parent Resources
It's normal to have questions, lot's of them. This is why our teachers and staff have put together a range of articles to help new and returning parents make their experience run smoothly. Whether you want top tips, school transition ideas, or want to understand our programmes, we've got an article for you.
Ready to
look around?
Come experience Curious Minds Island Bay! Visit us to explore our spaces, meet our welcoming team, and get a sense of what makes us special.
Read our ERE Report
Take a look at our latest ERO report to see how we're doing! Each year, the Education Review Office evaluates us based on their standards, and we're proud to share the results with you. Read the report below.
Contact us
Open Hours: Monday to Friday: 7:30am – 6:00pm
Phone
+64 04 383 8348Centre Location
112 The Parade, Island Bay, WellingtonWhat Our Parents Say
We’re confident that you and your child will love Curious Minds Island Bay, but don’t just listen to us! Hear what our parents say!
Formerly Wellington Childcare
We are thrilled to announce that we have rebranded to Curious Minds as of November 20th 2024. This new name better reflects our commitment to fostering curiosity and growth in every child. While our name has changed, our dedication to providing exceptional care and education remains unchanged. Welcome to Curious Minds, where curiosity and learning thrive.
Our Childcare Locations
Island Bay Curious Minds
Johnsonville Curious Minds
Miramar Curious Minds
