Welcome to In Our Garden
In Our Garden is a small, locally owned early learning centre in Hastings for children from infancy
through to five years old.
Since opening in 2015, the centre has focused on creating a calm, welcoming environment where children feel welcome, comfortable, and genuinely known. Designed to feel like a natural extension of home, In Our Garden encourages children to learn through play, creativity, exploration, and connection with others.
At In Our Garden, childhood is valued for what it is:
messy, curious, creative, energetic, emotional, and full of discovery.
Our Story
In Our Garden was created with the belief that early learning should feel warm, personal, and connected.
As a smaller mixed-age centre, children of different ages learn and grow alongside one another naturally throughout the day. Older children develop confidence, empathy, and leadership, while younger children learn through observation, connection, and everyday experiences.
Over the years, many families have come to see In Our Garden as a familiar and welcoming part of everyday life, with children building strong relationships with both teachers and one another.
Rather than rushing children through routines or overly structured learning, the focus is on creating an environment where children feel comfortable to explore, play, create, and grow at their own pace.
Driven by curiosity and built on purpose, this is where bold thinking meets thoughtful execution. Let’s create something meaningful together.
Our Philosophy
We believe children learn best when they feel secure, supported, and free to explore the world around them.
At In Our Garden, learning happens naturally through play, creativity, conversation, movement, relationships, and hands-on experiences. Children are encouraged to follow their interests, express themselves confidently, build friendships, solve problems, and learn through both success and mistakes.
We believe the process of learning is often more important than the finished result. Whether children are building, creating, exploring outdoors, getting messy, or discovering something new, every experience helps build confidence, resilience, independence, and curiosity.
Nature and outdoor play are also an important part of everyday life at the centre. Children are encouraged to explore the environment around them, care for living things, take healthy risks, and develop a strong connection with the natural world.
Our Approach to Learning
Our learning approach is child-led, relationship-based, and grounded in play.
Teachers work closely with children and families to support each child’s each child’s interests, confidence, and development, while supporting creativity, exploration, communication, and social development throughout the day.
Some days are muddy, noisy, imaginative, and full of movement. Other days are quiet, thoughtful, and creative. Both are equally valuable.
Children are supported to develop confidence in their own abilities while learning alongside others in a calm, mixed-age environment that encourages belonging, connection, and respect.
Strong relationships with families are an important part of life at In Our Garden.
We believe children thrive when parents and teachers work together through open communication, trust, and genuine partnership. Families are encouraged to feel involved in their child’s experiences at the centre, whether through conversations throughout the day, learning stories shared through Storypark, or simply spending time within the environment.
Working Together with Our Families
Learn More About In Our Garden
Want to learn more about daily life at the centre?
Or get in touch to arrange a visit and get a feel for In Our Garden in person.
We’d love to welcome you into the centre and show you what everyday life at In Our Garden looks like.
