Farm Friends Early Childhood Centre and Educational Services

Farm Friends Early Childhood Centre and Educational Services Nestled away in rural Swanson is a centre surrounded by 10 acres of land that tamariki are immersed in every day.

A tucked-away gem of animals, creeks, paddocks, and play-centred learning; a unique setting not commonly found in bustling Auckland. Farm Friends is located on a 10-acre lifestyle block in Swanson, only 5 minutes from Henderson. We have been open since 1997 and cater for a mixed age group of 36 children, 2-5years old. Our setting is very unique, allowing for the appreciation and care of our natura

l forest environment, hand rearing and hands on care of our pet animals – with the opportunity to learn about life cycles, active outdoor play and to experience the spacious country grounds. We strive in supporting our families and building a sense of community, where we provide a rich, social, family-like setting with a range of flexible sessions, offering to cater for the varied needs and aspirations of families today e.g. Six hourly session (e.g. 8am - 2pm, 9am-3pm, 10am - 4pm) and Full-days (8am-5pm – Friday, 5.30pm Mon-Thu) and 20 hours ECE for 3 & 4 year olds. Children are well supported in self-initiated, planned and spontaneous activities by providing a high teacher/child ratio of 1:7. Teachers work alongside children as positive role models and facilitators of learning, actively extending and scaffolding their play experiences. Children’s language is enhanced through quality, interactive and responsive communication, in a relaxed and nurturing atmosphere. Farm Friends maintains a small, stable staffing team, committed to ongoing professional development and building long lasting relationships with our Centre families based on trust, respect, open communication, consultation and collaboration. Outdoor discovery/forest/natural environment:

At Farm Friends, reconnecting children to nature is an important aspect of our philosophy and centre aspiration. We are lucky enough to be located on a 10-acre lifestyle block, with our farm environment, animals and centre forest. Our forest is a natural playscape and an affordance of nature, where children are free to explore, examine and reconnect to the wonders and experiences our natural backyard offers. Our forest offers endless learning opportunities:
Physically– gross motor development, risky play, safety for oneself and peers, tactile experiences. Socially – Imaginative/fantasy play, interactions with peers and teachers, assisting one another. Intellectually – extending cognitive development, problems solving skills, scientific development, small and large group discussions. Emotionally – Finding a place, a connection with nature, a place where we all belong.

08/09/2026
05/09/2026

Toddlers may not always listen, share, or keep their pants on—but when they hand you one of their prized stickers, you’ve officially been accepted into the tribe. 😂

In toddler culture, stickers are currency. If they give you one, protect it with your life. That is love, trust, and respect at the highest level.

What is the greatest “gift” your toddler has ever given you?

🌳 10 ACRES TO EXPLORE. A CHILDHOOD TO REMEMBER. 🌿✨Another epic week of adventures at Farm Friends! 🪾🍃🐑From exploring our...
29/08/2026

🌳 10 ACRES TO EXPLORE. A CHILDHOOD TO REMEMBER. 🌿✨

Another epic week of adventures at Farm Friends! 🪾🍃🐑
From exploring our incredible 10-acre backyard to learning, playing and getting wonderfully muddy, every day is an adventure! 🤎

🌿 Limited spaces available now 🌿
�Come and see what we offer at Farm Friends!
👇Book a tour via the link below👇

https://www.farmfriends.co.nz/book-a-visit

03/08/2026

Matariki 2026; one of our favourite events of the year simply because we get to connect with our whānau on a deeper level ✨

From our annual Matariki party on Friday. An evening of whānau, remembrance, wishes, delicious kai, warming kōrero, and ...
19/07/2026

From our annual Matariki party on Friday. An evening of whānau, remembrance, wishes, delicious kai, warming kōrero, and a whole lot of aroha ✨

Hands that are never empty. Hands that are pouring, mixing, digging, creating. Hands to hold. Hands to climb. Hands that...
17/06/2026

Hands that are never empty. Hands that are pouring, mixing, digging, creating. Hands to hold. Hands to climb. Hands that play turn into hands that can hold a pencil, put a fork of food into the mouth, hold a cup, and turn the page of a book.
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We have limited spaces available now and would love for you to join our Farm Friends whānau! We’re offering 1 month of free fees for any new enrollments that start with us between now and the end of June!

11/06/2026

Chilly winter days call for hot chocolate over the firepit; prepared and enjoyed by our tamariki ☕️

The genuine smiles of tamariki who go on nature hikoi daily, eat delicious home made lunches, engage in child-led free p...
08/06/2026

The genuine smiles of tamariki who go on nature hikoi daily, eat delicious home made lunches, engage in child-led free play all day, have secure and safe relationships with their kaiako, and are reminded daily that they are capable and valued humans who can make a difference in this world 🫶🏼
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We have limited spaces available now and would love for you to join our Farm Friends whānau! We’re offering 1 month of free fees for any new enrollments that start with us between now and the end of June!

Bits and bobs from this week on the Farm 🍂We have limited spaces available now and would love for you to join our Farm F...
04/06/2026

Bits and bobs from this week on the Farm 🍂

We have limited spaces available now and would love for you to join our Farm Friends whānau! We’re offering 1 month of free fees for any new enrollments that start with us between now and the end of June!

Address

51 Coulter Road
Auckland
0614

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 5:30pm
Thursday 8am - 5:30pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+6498323600

Website

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