The Ark Preschool
About The Ark Preschool
About Education & Care Service
Education & Care Services are mainstream early learning centres that offer full-day or part-day care with a structured curriculum, qualified teachers, and a focus on learning through play. They cater to families needing flexible childcare options and wanting a balanced approach that supports social, physical, and early academic development in a diverse environment.
What Is 20 Hours ECE funding?
20 Hours ECE is a government-funded initiative that helps reduce the cost of early childhood education for families with tamariki aged 3–5. Eligible children can receive up to 20 hours of funded care and education each week at participating services. Centres can set their own enrolment patterns and may ask for optional charges, but the funded hours themselves should be free of compulsory fees. If you are unsure how this works at The Ark Preschool, it is best to ask the centre directly how they apply 20 Hours ECE.
Community Profile
Roll & age distribution
The Ark Preschool currently has a roll of 49 children tamariki , with most children enrolled in the 2–5 years age band.
Ethnicity profile
European tamariki are the largest group (67% of the roll), alongside māori, pacific, asian, other children.
Roll and demographic figures are based on data supplied by the Ministry of Education and were last updated on 01/07/2024.
Parent Reviews
“Fantastic place. My boy started here when he was 2.5 years old and stayed until he was ready for primary. He loved here and still has happy memories of the Ark. The teachers were amazing, patient, and caring and they all were so serious about giving my boy (and all the other children) the best they could. It has a lovely outdoor space too where children were monitored but free to run about and enjoy themselves. I would highly recommend this preschool to everyone.”
“We absolutely love The Ark Preschool and would highly recommend this for your kids. When we first moved to Nelson a year ago, we were unsure about sending our 3 and 4 year old to preschool, but The Ark put all our fears at ease. The staff are so friendly and caring and the facility is amazing for play and learning. My girls are always asking to stay longer to play when I pick them up!”
“My wife found this wonderful preschool for our 3 year old to attend and I'm so glad she did. It is very deserving of a 5 star rating, all of the teachers we interacted with for over a year were both kind and well-trained. Our son loved the many activities he could participate in as well as the friends he made there. We highly recommend it!”
Interested?
Contact the centre directly to check for availability or arrange a visit.
Getting ready for daycare?
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