Nurturing & caring
A warm, supportive environment where every child is known, valued and cared for.
Learning through play
Children learn through hands-on experiences, exploration, creativity and play as well as our strong focus on teaching numeracy and literacy.
More to
explore
From baking, dance, sports and exploring the great outdoors, our weekly programme gives children something new to look forward to every day.
Experienced teachers
A passionate teaching team committed to supporting each child's individual development.
A welcoming kindergarten in Omokoroa, Tauranga.
At Minnows Kindergarten, we believe that children learn best when they feel safe, happy and supported.
Our centre provides a welcoming environment where children can build friendships, develop independence and explore the world around them through play and meaningful learning experiences.
We take the time to get to know each child as an individual and work in partnership with families to support their learning and wellbeing.
Explore Minnows
From imaginative play and creative experiences to outdoor exploration and quiet moments, our environment is designed to give children space to learn, discover and develop confidence.
A Week at Minnows
At Minnows, no two days are quite the same. Our children enjoy a balance of play, creativity, movement, adventure and opportunities to explore the wonderful environment right on our doorstep.
MONDAY
Paddock Adventures
We head next door to the paddock for plenty of space to run, explore and play, followed by a picnic together.
TUESDAY
Dancing & Baking
We get moving with our weekly dance class, then head into the kitchen for some hands-on baking and enjoy our delicious creations.
Wednesday
Sports Day
A day full of movement, games and active play, helping children develop confidence, coordination and a love of being active.
Thursday
Exploring Cooney Reserve
We venture out to nearby Cooney Reserve to discover our local environment, from birds and insects to the beach and everything in between.
Nirmala Madhavan
Owner and Centre Manager
Lucy Newbold
Qualified and Registered ECE Trained Teacher
Stephanie Leeves-Annan
Qualified and Registered ECE Teacher
Julia Liu
Qualified and Registered ECE Reliever
Diane Madgwick
Qualified and Registered ECE Reliever
Loved by our Minnows families
★★★★★ See our Verified Google Reviews here.
We recently moved our son to Minnows Kindergarten and couldn’t be happier with our decision. Nirmala and her team go above an beyond every day.
Fiona Sutherland
Minnows Kindergarten is really a second home to me. As a mother, of course you wanted the best for your child which I found at Minnows. All the teachers/staff is giving their best effort to every child.
Shirley Samson
Every morning my son runs up to Nirmala and gives her the biggest hug.
Her staff are fantastic and it is a relaxed homely atmosphere.
Kylie Banks
If you are looking for a new childcare centre I highly recommend them! I have recently enrolled my preschooler there and he so much happier then at his previous centre.
Melissa White
FAQ
Our centre accepts babies and toddlers from 0-5 years old.
Minnows Kindergarten is open Monday to Friday, 7:30am–5:30pm, excluding public holidays.
Minnows Kindergarten is located at 3 Margaret Drive, Omokoroa, Bay of Plenty, providing a welcoming early learning environment within our local community.
Yes. 20 Hours ECE is available for eligible children aged 3 and over. Our team can explain how 20 Hours ECE works at Minnows and answer any questions you may have.
We offer high-quality early childhood education with experienced teachers and strong teacher-to-child ratios. As every family's circumstances and booking requirements are different, we don't list our fees online.
Please contact us directly for our current fee information and we'd be happy to talk you through your options.
We'll provide you with everything you need to know before your child starts. Generally, we recommend bringing a change of clothes, a named water bottle, healthy lunchbox and any comfort items your child may need. Depending on your child's age and routine, we can also discuss what to bring for sleep times, nappies and other personal needs.
We understand that starting kindergarten is a big step for both children and parents. We take a gentle, individual approach to settling in, getting to know your child and supporting them as they become familiar with their new surroundings, teachers and friends.
We'll work closely with you to understand your child's routines, interests and needs and help them feel safe, comfortable and confident at Minnows.
Availability can change throughout the year, so please get in touch with us to discuss current spaces. We'd love to learn a little about your child, answer any questions you have and arrange a time for you to come and visit Minnows.