Who We Are

Hello there

We are a collective of educators, parents, children and extended community members who are passionate about the shared responsibility of raising kind, resilient, creative and confident children who know the importance of staying connected to their heart, their unique aspirations and the community that holds them.


We believe in truly child-centred care, grounded in genuine relationships and authentic experiences. We are Just Like Home.


Proudly, we are a locally-owned and operated family business. That means, when you join Just Like Home, either as a family or an educator, you are lifting up and supporting our shared community.

CONTACT US CONTACT US

A Bit About Us

Just Like Home Childcare, established in  2020, reflects founder Jeanette Fotheringham's vision rooted in and informed by both  her extensive experience in Health & Social and Education Sectors and the burgeoning research into the health of the whole child.

Recognising the need for a locally-owned childcare service that truly prioritises children's holistic well-being, Just Like Home focuses on re-simplifying childhood. JLH educators, although each one unique, are all committed to creating peaceful environments, grounded in a reciprocal relationship of trust between the teacher and the child. With a small ratio of 4 children to 1 educator, our little ones can experience a truly child-led day; days where our natural free thinkers can create, imagine, play, learn and enjoy this most sacred time of childhood.

The level of care your whānau will receive with Just Like Home mirrors the love and nurturing of parents, held within the safe container of our collective educators, families and larger community. 

No matter what educator or programme you sign up with, we offer daily opportunities for children to engage with the local community, explore nature, experience real-world connections and deepen their friendships
ENROL MY CHILD

Our Philosophy



At Just Like Home, we are committed to nurturing tamariki in environments that respect their development and natural curiosity. We seamlessly support the needs of infants, toddlers, and older children, creating spaces where they can grow, explore, and thrive at their own pace.


For Under 3s – Nurturing Natural Rhythms (Pikler Approach):

Our youngest tamariki are cared for in calm, nurturing environments inspired by the Pikler approaches. By following their natural rhythms, we create opportunities for tamariki to explore freely and develop their unique abilities at their own pace.


For 3–5 Year Olds – Empowering Exploration through Nature and Play:

For older tamariki, we focus on fostering independence, curiosity, and confidence through child-led play and nature-based experiences. Free exploration and risk-taking are encouraged, providing opportunities for tamariki to follow their interests, solve problems, and build resilience.


With a child-led approach at the heart of everything we do, we trust tamariki to guide their learning journeys with joy, empathy and trust. Small group ratios allow for strong, connected relationships that support both their emotional and physical well-being.

Just like a seed nurtured into a mighty tree, tamariki blossom into their full potential when given the time, support, and care they need. By fostering trust, joy, and wonder, we celebrate the unique strengths and abilities of every tamariki in our care.