About Us

At Backyard Kids we foster an environment that is the next best thing to home.

Backyard Kids is a purpose-built early childhood centre in Ōtaki. With a strong focus on nature, exploring the outdoors and messy play, it’s a great place for children to develop their curiosity, individuality and confidence.

With capacity for 48 students under six years, and 12 under two years, the centre has been carefully designed to accommodate the needs of these two age groups. Under twos have their own quiet space for sleeping and rest, a dedicated playground and sandpit, while the older children have a separate playground and two distinct outdoor areas for messy play and nature exploration. We have also allowed space for quiet time and sleep if needed.

Sheltered outdoor spaces have been developed to ensure children have the ability to be outside in all weather. With a native bush path, and safe playgrounds, Backyard Kids’ philosophy is all about discovery.

Each child will be linked with their own staff member, and a strong plan will be developed alongside parents to ensure each child’s needs and interests are being met during their time at Backyard Kids.

The centre has a higher ratio of teachers than most other day care centres, this is to allow for quality teaching and to build strong relationships. Prices will be slightly higher to reflect these increased care costs. 

We are an approved early-childhood centre and align with the NZ Curriculum.

Who we are.

“I strongly believe that positive relationships are at the heart of education and successful learning. Building a relationship between teacher and child takes time and needs to be well nurtured. Achievement looks different for each individual and all children have the ability to be successful with the right support and motivation.” 
- Alice Pritchard, owner

Alice Pritchard set-up Backyard Kids because she saw a need for pre-school age children to develop at their own pace and follow their own interests. A primary school teacher for ten years, she has a wealth of experience with children aged from 4-7 years. After becoming a mum herself, and reflecting on  the lack of skills many new entrants arrived at school with, she realised there was a need for early-childhood education that helped children develop a love of learning, while also giving them strong self-management skills. 

Spending a lot of time researching children’s needs, brain development and the benefits of play-based learning, Alice believes that play is a crucial and natural pathway to education; encouraging children to follow their passions and explore the world teaches them an enduring love of learning. 

Growing up on a farm in Ōtaki, Alice has experienced the joys of a roaming outdoor childhood and wants to share the benefits of that with as many tamariki as possible.