Limited spaces available in our Fantail Room for under twos.Request a Tour
Growing Minds Early Childhood CentreGrowing MindsUnsworth Heights, Auckland

Under-2 childcare in Unsworth Heights

Care for your baby that feels personal from the very beginning

Leaving your baby with someone else is a big decision. Growing Minds is a small, family-owned early childhood centre where familiar teachers, individual routines and a 1:3 under-two ratio help every child feel known, secure and cared for.

  • 1:3 teacher-to-child ratio for under twos
  • Around 90% fully qualified teaching team
  • Trusted by local families for 25 years
  • Individual sleep, feeding and settling routines
A sleeping baby wrapped snugly in a soft blanket

Request a Tour

12

See the Fantail Room, meet the teachers and ask anything you like. Our team will contact you to confirm availability and a suitable time.

Takes about one minute. Fields marked with * are required.

Step 1 of 2 · Your details

  • 25 years in our community

    A long-established local early childhood centre.

  • 1:3 under-two ratio

    More opportunities for individual attention and responsive care.

  • Around 90% qualified

    An experienced teaching team focused on quality care.

  • 5-star parent reputation

    Real feedback centred on trust, care and communication.

  • Family owned

    Personal relationships rather than a corporate-chain experience.

Small centre, big heart

We understand how hard it is to leave your baby

Choosing care for a baby is about more than a polished building or a special offer. It is about knowing who will comfort them, who will notice their cues, and whether their day will still feel like their own. Growing Minds combines low ratios, familiar teachers and individual routines to help children and parents settle with confidence.

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A Growing Minds teacher sitting on the floor reading to babies and toddlers

Why parents choose Growing Minds

What matters most when your child is under two

Ratios, familiar faces and respect for your child's routine make the difference between a day your baby endures and a day they enjoy.

  • More individual attention

    Our 1:3 ratio for children under two gives teachers more opportunity to notice cues, respond quickly and build close, trusting relationships.

  • Familiar, qualified teachers

    A stable team and a high proportion of fully qualified teachers help create continuity for children as they settle and grow.

  • Your child's routine matters

    Sleep, feeding, comfort and settling are approached in partnership with your family rather than forcing every baby into the same schedule.

  • Learning led by curiosity

    Children are encouraged to explore their interests through play and experiences grounded in Te Whāriki, New Zealand's early childhood curriculum.

A Growing Minds teacher supporting a toddler with painting at the table

Have a look for yourself. A short tour tells you more than any brochure.

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The Fantail Room at Growing Minds, a calm space for babies to learn and grow
A toddler reading a picture book with a teacher in the Fantail Room at Growing Minds
Open play space in the Fantail Room with cushions, a low bed and tree stump tables

The Fantail Room · Ages 0–2

A calm, caring start for babies and toddlers

The Fantail Room is designed around the physical and emotional needs of children from birth to two years. An individualised orientation is developed with parents, and familiar teachers provide continuity as each child becomes comfortable in their new environment.

  • Individual orientation planned with parents
  • Consistent teachers and close relationships
  • Individual sleep and feeding routines
  • Responsive care in a 1:3 ratio
  • Play and learning based on each child's interests
  • Communication and partnership with families
Ask About Fantail Room AvailabilityCall 09 444 6060

Honest answers

The questions most parents ask us first

Choosing care for a baby raises real worries. Here is how Growing Minds approaches each one.

  • Will my baby receive enough individual attention?

    With a 1:3 under-two ratio, teachers have more opportunity to respond to each child's cues, comfort and interests.

  • Will the same people care for my child?

    A stable teaching team supports familiarity, continuity and stronger relationships as your child settles.

  • Will their home routine be respected?

    Growing Minds works with families to understand each baby's sleep, feeding and comfort routine.

  • How do I judge the quality of care?

    Look beyond a building's appearance. Teacher ratios, qualifications, stability, communication and the way teachers interact with children all matter.

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Simple and low pressure

How a tour works

Three steps, no pressure, and no commitment at the end of it.

  1. 1

    Send a quick enquiry

    Tell us your child's age, the days you need and anything you would like us to know.

  2. 2

    We arrange a suitable time

    Our team will contact you to discuss availability and arrange your centre visit. Growing Minds generally welcomes booked tours at 10am or 1pm.

  3. 3

    Meet the teachers and explore

    Visit the Fantail Room, see the centre in action, ask questions and decide whether Growing Minds feels right for your family.

Request a TourCall 09 444 6060

Don't take our word for it

Our most recent reviews

Real feedback from Growing Minds families and teachers.

“I just want to take a moment to sincerely thank you for the wonderful care and attention you've given to my daughter. We are very happy that she is in such kind, capable and thoughtful hands during her time here. We've noticed how happy and confident she's become because of your patience and encouragement. Your team's hard work and dedication do not go unnoticed. We truly appreciate everything you do.”
A Growing Minds parent · July 2025

Names have been removed for privacy. Original reviews are available on request.

Learning environment

Space to explore, discover and grow

Growing Minds combines nurturing care with active, child-led learning. Experiences are adapted throughout the day around children's needs and interests, with opportunities for movement, creativity, outdoor play and exploration.

  • An upgraded outdoor playground with soft surfacing, shade and planting
  • Daily outdoor play, movement and messy, hands-on exploration
  • Music and movement, art and craft, and nutritious meals and snacks
  • A curriculum grounded in Te Whāriki, focused on wellbeing and belonging
  • Cultural diversity celebrated as part of everyday learning
  • Open, transparent communication and partnership with families
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The upgraded outdoor playground at Growing Minds with soft surfacing, shade sails and planting
A Growing Minds teacher playing outdoors with children under the shade of the trees
Growing Minds teachers and children exploring their own and other cultures together

Inside the centre

A look around Growing Minds

Real photographs of the spaces your child will spend their day in.

  • Children splashing and painting with water at the Growing Minds water play trough
  • A Growing Minds teacher painting outdoors with a group of children under the trees
  • A child at Growing Minds enjoying a flower tea party ritual at a low table
  • The Growing Minds outdoor playground with soft green turf, shade sail and stepping dots
  • A group of happy children sitting together and laughing
  • The Fantail Room at Growing Minds set up for babies and toddlers with low shelving, soft rugs and natural light

Good to know

Common questions

What ages does the Fantail Room care for?

The Fantail Room provides care for babies and children aged 0–2.

What is the teacher-to-child ratio for under twos?

Growing Minds operates a 1:3 ratio for children under two.

Can you follow my baby's sleep and feeding routine?

Yes. The team works with parents to understand each child's individual sleep, feeding, comfort and settling needs.

How do I arrange a centre visit?

Submit the short enquiry form or call 09 444 6060. The team will contact you to discuss availability and arrange a suitable time.

When can we visit?

Booked tours are generally welcomed at 10am or 1pm. The team will confirm a suitable time with you.

Do you offer 20 Hours ECE or subsidies?

The Growing Minds website references 20 Hours ECE and government/WINZ subsidy options. Contact the centre to discuss eligibility and what applies to your child.

Where is Growing Minds?

Growing Minds is at 72 Sunset Road, Unsworth Heights, Auckland 0632, convenient for families in Totara Vale, Bayview and nearby North Shore suburbs.

Does submitting the form reserve a place?

No. It requests contact from the team so they can discuss availability and arrange a visit.

Still wondering about something? The easiest way is to come and see us.

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Still deciding?

This letter from a Growing Minds parent might help

When one of our families recently said goodbye, their dad sent us this email. He kindly allowed us to share it with you.

A heartfelt thank you to the Growing Minds team

As yesterday marked our daughter's final day at Growing Minds, my family and I would like to express our deepest gratitude to each and every one of you.

Leaving Growing Minds is an emotional moment for us, because this has been much more than a childcare centre. It has been a second home. From her very first day, you welcomed her with warmth, kindness and genuine care. Your love, patience and encouragement have helped her grow into a happy, confident and curious little girl.

We truly appreciate the time, dedication and passion you have invested in her learning and development. Every smile, every new skill, every friendship and every precious memory she has made is a reflection of the wonderful environment you have created. These moments will remain with our family forever.

Your compassion and commitment have given us peace of mind every day, knowing she was safe, happy and surrounded by people who truly cared for her.

Although this is the end of this chapter, the memories and experiences she has gained at Growing Minds will stay with her as she begins the next stage of her journey. Thank you once again for everything you have done for our daughter and for our family.

With heartfelt appreciation,

A very grateful Growing Minds dad

Shared with permission. Names removed for privacy; the original letter is available on request.

Come and see it for yourself

One minute to enquire, no obligation to enrol. Our team will contact you to confirm availability and arrange a suitable time.

Request a TourCall 09 444 6060

Next step

Come and see Growing Minds in Unsworth Heights

Availability varies by age group and the days you need. Request a tour and our team will be in touch to talk through your family's needs.

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