20 Hours ECE at
Pakuranga Learning Centre

Heard about "20 free hours" of childcare? Here’s what it means, who qualifies, and how it works with your child’s booking.

What it is

20 Hours ECE is a New Zealand Government-funded programme that helps cover the cost of early childhood education for children aged 3, 4 and 5.

It can cover up to 20 hours a week, up to 6 hours a day.

Does my child qualify?

Yes, if your child is 3, 4 or 5 and enrolled at a licensed early childhood centre like Pakuranga Learning Centre, they are eligible from their 3rd birthday.

Your income, work situation and visa status do not affect eligibility.

Is it really free?

Yes, for the hours covered by 20 Hours ECE, the Government funds those hours directly, so they are at no cost to you.

Many families choose days or sessions around work and family routines. If your booking goes beyond the funded hours, the remaining care is included as part of your weekly fee.

What do I have to do?

Almost nothing. When you enrol, we complete a short attestation form with you. This confirms how many of your child's 20 ECE hours you would like to use at our centre.

You do not need to apply through the Government yourself.

How does it work with my child's booking?

20 Hours ECE is built into your child’s booking, not handled as a separate application. If your child attends within the funded hours, those hours can be covered by 20 Hours ECE.

For longer or additional days, the funded portion helps reduce your overall weekly fee. At enrolment, we show you clearly how 20 Hours ECE applies to your child’s booking.

Is there any other help with childcare costs?

Yes, we are a WINZ-approved childcare centre, and families may also be able to use FamilyBoost.

WINZ Childcare Subsidy can help eligible families with childcare fees, depending on their situation, while FamilyBoost is claimed directly through IRD. Eligible families can claim up to 40% of childcare fees, capped at $1,560 per quarter, using their childcare invoices.

These supports may be used alongside 20 Hours ECE to reduce out-of-pocket childcare costs. We can provide the invoices and information you need, and help point you in the right direction.

For the government's full detail on this programme, visit the Ministry of Education's official page

To find out what you'd actually pay, tell us your child's age and the bookings you're after.

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20 Hours ECE at Pakuranga Learning Centre