Thorndon Quay
Childcare Centre
Welcome to Co Kids, Wellington
Nestled on 170 Thorndon Quay in the historic and vibrant suburb of Thorndon, our centre offers spacious and thoughtfully designed early childhood education for tamariki aged 0 to 5 years. Set in the heart of Wellington’s inner-city community, our space is warm, welcoming and built with children in mind.
OUR WELLINGTON CENTRE
At Co Kids Wellington, we draw on the principles of Emmi Pikler and RIE, shaping a teaching philosophy built on respect, calm interactions and responsive, unhurried care. Our kaiako take the time to observe, support and truly understand each child, allowing them to lead their own learning with confidence.
Our centre is organised into three distinct learning areas, each thoughtfully designed to meet children where they are developmentally. These spaces create a sense of flow while still giving tamariki the security, freedom and room they need to explore, grow and form strong relationships.
Meals are freshly prepared onsite each day using wholefoods and no refined sugars, reflecting our commitment to nourishing kai and overall wellbeing. Children share in a calm, predictable meal routine that supports independence and healthy habits.
Our dedicated Babies Room, with its own indoor and outdoor spaces, provides a peaceful and secure environment for our youngest learners. This separate area allows us to tailor care, routines and experiences to suit their stage, supporting everything from early movement and motor skills to gentle exploration and discovery.
Each step through our centre is designed with purpose, warmth and connection in mind — giving every child the space and support to flourish.
Why Parents Enroll with Us:
Learning Environment: Bright, open-plan learning spaces. Philosophy: We follow the RIE philosophy for children under three and the Reggio approach for children over three.
Teacher-to-Child Ratios: We maintain excellent ratios:
- Under 1: 1:3
- Under 2: 1:4
- Over 2: 1:6
- Over 3: 1:8
Nappies and wet wipes are provided. We offer a fresh, naturally sweet (refined sugar-free) menu for Morning Tea, Lunch, and Afternoon Tea.
Our Team: We have passionate, experienced staff, with 80% qualified teachers. Several team members have been with us for over 5 years or more.
Financial Support:
- We offer guidance and support with Family Boost, which can help reduce fees.
- We assist parents with the WINZ subsidy application process by completing our portion of the form.
Flexible Fee Options: We offer full-day, 8-hour, and 6-hour fee options.Transition to School: We run a Transition to School program for all children over four years old.
Discount: 10% sibling discount is offered. Please ask about our current promotions with Centre Manager
In our Babies Room, you’ll find:
• A calm and soothing atmosphere that gives little ones the confidence to grow and develop at their own pace.
• Experienced, caring kaiako who provide personalised attention and build strong, responsive relationships with each baby.
• A range of thoughtfully chosen toys and activities to support early movement, sensory play and gentle exploration.
• A safe and secure space set apart from the older groups, allowing babies to explore freely without the noise and pace of the larger areas.
For our Toddlers and Preschoolers, you’ll find:
We have thoughtfully designed individual classrooms, along with two spacious shared play areas that allow children to come together throughout the day. This setup keeps transitions calm and predictable, helping to reduce anxiety and support smooth routines.
These shared spaces encourage:
• Siblings to spend time together and share parts of their day.
• Older children to mentor and care for younger peers.
• Younger children to learn from and emulate positive role models.
• A strong culture of empathy, kindness and community among both children and teachers.
Join us in our supportive and inclusive environment, where every child can flourish and grow
What the parents think
Contact Us
Get in touch with us or click on the frequently asked questions to find out more.