Flexible childcare in Auckland CBD that fits around your week
City life rarely runs to a neat Monday-to-Friday script. Shifts change, projects run late, a grandparent helps out two days a week, and the plan you made in January is not the plan you have in June. At Sugartree Lane Preschool on Nelson Street, we keep our enrolment options simple and flexible so your childcare can bend with your week rather than the other way round.
Part-day or full-time, your choice
We offer both part-day sessions and full-time care, for tamariki from birth to five. Some families start with a few part days while a parent eases back into work, then move to more days later. Others need full days from the start. Either way, we talk it through with you and set up what actually works for your whānau.
We're open from 7:30am to 6:30pm, Monday to Friday, all year round except public holidays.
How many days, and can you change them?
We're flexible with booking times and work with families to find a schedule that suits them. We recommend three days a week as a good minimum, so children can build consistency and strong relationships with their kaiako and friends. But every family is different. If you need to add, remove or change days or hours, just let us know. Where we have space available, we can usually make changes at short notice.
20 Hours ECE for children aged 3 and over
Sugartree Lane is a registered provider of the Government's 20 Hours ECE for children aged three and over. That makes part-day and shorter weeks especially good value for preschoolers, and we're happy to explain how it applies to your child's days.
Nothing extra to pack, nothing extra to pay
Flexibility is not just about hours. It's also about making mornings easier. Our fees include all meals and nappies for children under three, plus excursions, community events and special music classes. No lunchbox to pack, no nappy bag to remember on the way to the office.
Families may also be eligible for WINZ subsidies and FamilyBoost, the government payment that helps with childcare costs for children under five. We also offer 10% off for siblings, and if you refer a friend you'll both get 10% off. If you'd like help working out what applies to you, just ask, or see our guide to childcare costs in Auckland CBD.
Settling in at your child's pace
Every child settles differently, so we don't use a one-size-fits-all start. We tailor a settling-in plan to your child, usually beginning with short visits alongside whānau and building up gradually until they feel secure enough to stay on their own. You can visit as many times as you need before independent days begin. More in our guide: A Happy Start: Settling Into Preschool.
A small centre that knows your family
Because we're a small centre, not a big chain, your child sees the same kaiako each day, in a small group. That consistency matters most when your schedule is anything but consistent. You'll also get daily updates, photos and learning stories through Storypark, so you stay connected to your child's day even when you can't be there.
Our kaiako also speak a range of languages, including Chinese, Taiwanese, Korean, Tamil, Spanish and English, which many of our city whānau appreciate.
When plans change quickly
Recently, one of our whānau had been relying on a grandparent to help with childcare. When the grandparent moved back overseas, their needs changed almost overnight. We were able to step in and increase their child's enrolment from part-time to full-time care, so the family could keep working without a gap. That's the kind of flexibility we aim for.
Come and see if we fit your week
We're at Unit 1/145 Nelson Street, on the ground floor of the Sugartree Lane Apartments. The best way to see whether we fit your family is to visit. Book a visit, check out our fees, or call us on (09) 216 4521.
Common questions
Do you offer part-time childcare in Auckland CBD?
Yes. We offer part-day sessions as well as full-time care for children from birth to five, with a range of booking options to suit your family.
Is 20 Hours ECE available?
Yes. Sugartree Lane is a registered 20 Hours ECE provider for eligible children aged three and over.
Are meals and nappies included?
Yes. All meals, and nappies for children under three, are included in our fees. Excursions, community events and special music classes are included too.
Can I change my child's days later?
Yes. We can add, remove or change booked days and hours when needed, subject to space being available. We try to make this as easy as possible for families.
What are your opening hours?
7:30am to 6:30pm, Monday to Friday, all year except public holidays.
