Welcome to Small Oaks Early Learning Centre!
Small Oaks Early Learning Centre – formerly known as Original Kids – has been an integral part of the Manurewa community for over 30 years. Nestled close to the heart of Manurewa township, our childcare centre operates from a charming converted bungalow, thoughtfully renovated to create a warm, home-like learning environment.
We are licensed for 30 children, from 3 months to 6 years of age, and embrace a mixed-age setting where tamariki learn together. This unique approach fosters the values of tuakana-teina — where older and younger children learn from and support each other in their development.
At Small Oaks, we pride ourselves on offering a personalised programme that nurtures both the individual interests and developmental needs of every child. Our commitment is to create a space where every tamaiti feels seen, supported, and inspired to grow.
Get in touch to learn more.
Our Philosophy
We strive to provide tamariki with a high-quality environment that is warm, accepting, safe, and welcoming. We value the concept of tuakana-teina, where an older or more experienced tamaiti supports and guides a younger or less experienced peer.
Our philosophy is grounded in Te Whāriki, New Zealand’s Early Childhood Curriculum, and is inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, particularly the belief that the environment is the third teacher.
We are committed to supporting each tamaiti to grow as a socially and emotionally competent individual, who values their own contribution to our programme and feels confident in their identity. We honour each whānau and their aspirations, working together to nurture their child’s confidence and sense of belonging.
We encourage tamariki to develop independence, imagination, and creativity, and offer meaningful opportunities for problem solving and risk-taking.
We recognise and value bicultural practices within our centre. We respect the dual heritage of Aotearoa, embracing the mana of both Māori and European cultures and acknowledging our shared historical background. We also celebrate the multicultural richness of our wider community.
We deeply value the contribution of parents and whānau, and are committed to building reciprocal, responsive, and open relationships.
E Tipu E Rea – “To Grow and Thrive”
Sir Āpirana Turupa Ngata
Our Programme
Children are at the heart of our curriculum planning.
At Small Oaks, our planning process is deeply collaborative. Our kaiako work closely with tamariki and their whānau to ensure each child’s learning journey is meaningful and personalised. Through these partnerships, we identify children's interests, understand the aspirations of their whānau, and design learning experiences that best support each child's development.
Our programme encourages and nurtures what we see as essential life skills: environmental awareness, academic knowledge, listening, curiosity and inquiry, fine and gross motor development, as well as self-help and self-care abilities. These areas of focus are closely aligned with Te Whāriki, the New Zealand Early Childhood Curriculum, supporting a holistic approach to early learning.
We’d love to hear from you!
Feel free to reach out to Linda directly using the details below, or simply fill out our contact form. We’d be happy to chat about your child and how Small Oaks Early Learning Centre can support their learning journey.
Email: smalloaks@xtra.co.nz
Phone: 021 116 7397