Childcare in Cromwell | Now Enrolling for 2027

Q: How do I enrol for 2027?

Fill in the form on this page to book a tour. We'll call you to arrange a visit and talk through the days you need. You can also call us on 03 445 8100.

Willows Early Learning Centre, Cromwell

A place to explore, play and grow

Willows is a purpose-built early learning centre at 20 Pinot Noir Drive, Cromwell, for children aged three months to six years. Our curriculum is grounded in Te Whāriki, and our kaiako value a child's play as their work. We're now taking enrolments for 2027.

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3 months – 6 years

Three age-based rooms

7:30am – 5:30pm

Monday to Friday

Cooked on site

Every meal, by our chef

Pathways to School

Ready for primary school

The Willows outdoor area in Cromwell with gardens, shade sails and green lawn

A kaiako digging in the sandpit with tamariki

Tamariki working on an activity at the table with their kaiako

Fresh baking being cut in the Willows kitchen

A toddler exploring at a low table at Willows

Our rooms

5 months – 2 years

Seedlings

A warm, nurturing home away from home. Key teaching helps every baby and toddler feel safe and loved, and our free movement approach lets them explore at their own pace.

2 – 3 years

Saplings

A thoughtfully prepared space for curious toddlers to explore and take safe risks, with sensory play that builds thinking skills in a culturally inclusive classroom.

3 – 5 years

Willows

Project-based learning shaped by each child's interests, te reo and tikanga Māori through waiata, and our Pathways to School programme for literacy and numeracy.

Why whānau choose Willows

Wholesome kai every day. Our chef Heidi cooks lunch, morning tea and afternoon tea on site from a seasonal menu, with no refined sugar and menus for allergies and under-ones.
Big outdoor spaces. Green lawns, shade trees, climbing frames, mud pits and mounds keep tamariki busy learning through play.
Connected learning spaces. Three large rooms separated by half walls help tamariki and kaiako build strong relationships.
Ready for school. Pathways to School builds the literacy and numeracy skills tamariki need for a smooth start at primary school.

“Our daughter started in the Seedlings room at age one, and from the very start all the staff have been extremely supportive and caring. She loves it so much she even asks to go on weekends.”

Emma & Sam

Meet the owners

Owned and led by James and Paige

We see Willows as more than a place of learning. It's a whānau, where tamariki and their families feel a true sense of belonging.

James Westgate

Owner

James has spent over a decade teaching and leading in secondary schools across Aotearoa as an English teacher, Dean and Head of Department. He has completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education and is passionate about tamariki growing with confidence, joy and aroha.

Paige Phillips

Owner

Paige is the friendly face at the heart of Willows. With a background in youth support, law and administration, she works alongside our kaiako, supports families at the front desk and keeps the centre running smoothly every day.

Our focus at Willows is on whanaungatanga, manaakitanga and whakaute: building relationships, caring for one another and showing respect.

Common questions

What ages do you take?

Willows cares for tamariki from three months to six years, across our Seedlings, Saplings and Willows rooms.

What are your hours?

We're open Monday to Friday, 7:30am to 5:30pm, and closed on weekends and public holidays.

Is food included?

Yes. Morning tea, a cooked lunch and afternoon tea are prepared on site each day, plus a late snack for tamariki staying after 5pm.

How do I enrol for 2027?

Fill in the form below to book a tour. We'll call you to arrange a visit and talk through the days you need. You can also call us on 03 445 8100.

Childcare in Cromwell, now enrolling for 2027

Early learning and daycare in Cromwell for tamariki aged 3 months to 6 years