A place where tamariki flourish.

Little Owls, a nurturing, play-based early childhood education centre for tamariki in Otautahi Canterbury.

Enrolment enquiries

A nurturing place for tamariki to grow and thrive

Little Owls Preschool is a licensed early childhood education centre run by Waipuna Youth Services. We provide a warm, inclusive, and culturally responsive environment where tamariki aged from birth to school age can learn, explore, and build strong foundations for life.

Little Owls has a particular focus on supporting young parents and their tamariki, offering flexible and subsidised enrolments. Our kaiako bring a blend of professional expertise and genuine warmth, and our programme is grounded in Te Whāriki and the principles of mana-enhancing, whanau-centred practice.

What we offer

A licensed early childhood education centre with a focus on connection, culture, and each child’s unique journey.

Play-based learning

A rich curriculum grounded in Te Whāriki, where tamariki learn through exploration, imagination, and relationships.

Whanau-centred practice

We build genuine partnerships with families, welcoming whanau into the life of the centre and respecting each family’s values and culture.

Subsidised enrolments

We offer subsidised and equity-funded places to ensure access for all tamariki, with a focus on supporting young parent families.

School transition support

Preparing tamariki for the step into school with confidence, social skills, and a strong sense of their own identity and capability.

Young parents group walking together with prams

Supporting the whole family from the start

Little Owls is more than a preschool. For many of the young parent families we serve, it is a gateway to connection, confidence, and community. Our early childhood programme works hand in hand with Waipuna’s Young Parents support service to walk alongside families during one of the most important chapters of their lives.

Read about our young parents work