3 months to under 2 years
Nursery
We learn each infant’s routines, cues and comforts from their whānau. Care is unhurried, with time to watch, move, rest and explore at their own pace.
Book a VisitEarly Learning Centre in Māngere Bridge, Auckland
A nurturing place where every child is known.
Welcoming children from 3 months to 6 years, with care that responds to each child’s routines, interests and whānau.
Welcome to The Miller Nest
A place to belong, learn and grow.
At The Miller Nest, we provide nurturing care for children aged 3 months to 6 years.
Our centre offers a calm, home-away-from-home environment where every child feels safe, loved, respected and valued. There is a dedicated Nursery for children under 2, and a combined Toddler and Preschool space designed to support children as they grow, explore and develop.
Being a close-knit community means we know each child and family individually. Our caring team of qualified and in-training teachers has the time to truly understand each child's interests, personality, strengths and developing needs, allowing us to build meaningful relationships and tailor learning experiences around the children in our care.
Inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach and guided by Te Whāriki, New Zealand’s Early Childhood Curriculum, we believe children learn best through curiosity, exploration, relationships and meaningful experiences.
At The Miller Nest, every child has a place to belong, learn and grow.
Our Philosophy
Love, Respect and Belonging
Love, respect and belonging are at the heart of everything we do.
Inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, we see every child as capable, curious and full of potential. We value children’s ideas and interests, giving them time and space to explore, create, question and discover in their own ways.
Our environment is an important part of learning, thoughtfully designed to act as a third teacher, with open-ended materials and experiences that encourage curiosity, creativity and connection.
Strong, trusting relationships with children and their whānau are central to our philosophy. By listening, observing and learning alongside each child, we create a calm and welcoming place where they feel safe, valued and confident to be themselves.
Why The Miller Nest
Care begins with knowing your child.
We take time to understand each child, their routines, interests and the people who know them best.
- 01
Personal care
Kaiako notice each child’s cues, preferences and ways of communicating.
- 02
Learning that responds
Children’s interests and ideas help shape what comes next.
- 03
Working with whānau
Regular conversations help home and centre understand what matters for each child.
- 04
A familiar place
Calm, home-inspired spaces give children a familiar setting for play, care and rest.
Our Programme
Care and learning for each stage.
At The Miller Nest, we believe children learn best through play, exploration and meaningful relationships.
Our programme is guided by Te Whāriki, New Zealand’s Early Childhood Curriculum, and shaped around each child’s interests, strengths and individual learning journey, with respectful care, strong relationships and time to explore their own ideas at the heart of each day.
Our teachers provide a wide range of open-ended resources and experiences that encourage children to explore, create, problem-solve and discover. We take time to notice what interests each child and provide opportunities that help extend their learning in natural and enjoyable ways.
Ages 2 to 6 years
Toddler and Preschool
As language, movement and independence grow, children make choices, join play and revisit ideas that interest them. Kaiako notice what draws them in and offer ways to explore further.
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Before starting school
School Readiness
Our school readiness programme supports children to become confident, capable and independent learners as they prepare for their transition to school.
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School Readiness in Practice
Familiar experiences for the next step.
Each week, we visit our local primary school, helping children become familiar with the school environment, routines and wider community.
At the centre, children take part in a range of school readiness experiences, including early writing, sharing and reading books, baking, gardening and other hands-on activities.
We also weave school readiness naturally into everyday play, encouraging communication, problem-solving, early literacy and numeracy, independence and positive relationships with others.
Through these experiences, children build the confidence, curiosity and practical skills they need to feel comfortable and excited about taking their next step into school.
Spaces for making, moving and being together.
Books, creative work, open-ended materials and shared play sit side by side, with children’s languages and cultures visible around them.
Our Community
Growing connections in Māngere Bridge.
We are proud to be part of the Māngere Bridge community and enjoy giving our children opportunities to connect with the world around them.
Our children enjoy local walks, visits to the library, connections with our local school and Play Gym each term.
These experiences help children build confidence, develop a sense of belonging and form meaningful connections with their wider community.
Inside The Miller Nest
Everyday moments of learning and belonging.
Explore real moments from centre life, from nursery care and open-ended play to local outings and community celebrations.
Showing 12 of 70 photographs.
Kai and Mealtimes
Confidence and connection around the table.
At The Miller Nest, kai is about more than providing healthy food. It is also an opportunity for children to develop independence, confidence and an awareness of their own needs.
Our wonderful onsite chef prepares fresh, nutritious meals, with a rotating menu offering children plenty of variety throughout the weeks.
Serving themselves
Children are also encouraged to serve their own meals, developing practical self-help skills, confidence and responsibility. These everyday experiences naturally support our school readiness approach by helping children become more capable and independent as they prepare for their transition to school.
Across the day
For our early birds, breakfast is available from 7:30 am to 8:30 am, providing a relaxed and welcoming start to the day. Morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and a late snack for full-day children are also provided.
Food and dietary needs
We celebrate the diverse needs of our families by offering a variety of food options, including vegetarian meals. We cater to every whānau’s needs, allergies and individual dietary requirements.
Mealtimes at The Miller Nest are relaxed, social and meaningful, giving children opportunities to connect with others while developing healthy habits and lifelong independence.
Talk with usCentre Director
Meet Jawa Thakur
Kia ora, Hello, Namaste.
Jawa Thakur is the Centre Director of The Miller Nest. She has 17+ years of experience in Early Childhood Education. She began her career as a qualified registered teacher and later progressed to Area Manager, supporting multiple early learning centres.
Jawa holds a Master of Early Childhood Education. Her approach centres on respectful care, child-led exploration and partnership with whānau.
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Whānau feedback
What our whānau say.
Kind words shared by our whānau over the years.
Parent feedback 1 of 4
Mele has been blessed to spend the last four years here at The Miller Nest. There are no words to express how grateful we are for each and every one of you. Thank you for your guidance, love and support.
We have seen Mele grow into a beautiful, joyful and caring girl. She comes home with stories that always make her day. From Breakfast Club to all the excursions she has been a part of, we truly thank the Miller Nest staff for nurturing Mele.
The friends she has made have helped her grow in confidence, and we are extremely grateful. We look forward to her transition to MVS because of everything she has learnt from being here at The Miller Nest.
Vinaka vakalevu and God bless.
Lots of love, Mele, Chlan & Tane
The Miller Nest Early Learning Centre is a warm and loving environment. The teachers are like family, creating a nurturing space where children feel safe and happy.
It is always welcoming. It is a place where you can feel the warmth from the moment you enter until the moment you leave. The Miller Nest truly feels like home, especially for the children.
I do not regret putting my child here. I am actually so glad I chose The Miller Nest for her, where she built so much confidence and learnt a lot.
Thank you so much to the Miller Nest community for all the love and care. We will always support you.
From Lekati, Julieanne & Family
Being at The Miller Nest has honestly felt like a home away from home.
To the teachers: Thank you so much for going above and beyond to ensure not only that the girls had fun, but that they learnt and grew at their own pace and became confident in themselves and their abilities. Your time and patience have not gone unnoticed, and no words can describe how incredibly grateful we are. We will truly miss you all.
And to new parents: The first drop-off is always nerve-racking, scary and frightening. I cannot tell you that it will get easier, but I can tell you that you have chosen an amazing centre that will listen to you, guide you and honour you and your family’s values.
Enjoy this moment. Enjoy this time. And have fun.
Thank you again, Miller Nest whānau.
Love from, Michelle, Noma & Family
There truly are no words. My son, Rei, started at Miller Nest at three months old, and now, at five years old, he leaves for big school.
Miller Nest has been the best decision for Rei. He is confident and has learnt so many skills during his time here. Thank you so much to all the teachers, past and present, for investing in, nurturing and believing in my son. You have always encouraged him to believe in himself and never gave him any reason to doubt that he can be anything he wants to be.
You have all contributed to raising my boy, and I know he will never forget the kindness you have shown him and our family over the years. I have never worried when leaving Rei in your care and have always felt at ease knowing he was in such a warm, loving and supportive environment.
I pray that you all continue to flourish, both professionally and personally, and I know God will give back to you all tenfold. The work you do is not for everyone, and from us parents to all of you, thank you for choosing this line of work.
My son is the way he is today because of you all. He is happy, confident and has grown so well. He will never, ever forget you.
With all our love, Rei, Sophia, Raquel & Family
Parent FAQ
Questions before you visit.
What ages does The Miller Nest welcome?
The centre welcomes children aged 3 months to 6 years.
What are the opening hours?
Monday to Friday, 7:30 am to 6:00 pm
Where is the centre located?
The centre is at 64 Miller Road, Māngere Bridge, Auckland 2022. Open Google Maps.
How can I arrange a visit?
Call the Centre on (09) 636 0305, call the Centre Director on 022 04 23456, or email admin@themillernest.co.nz.
What can I discuss during a visit?
Your child’s routines, dietary needs, interests and anything important to your whānau.
How can I contact the centre?
Call the Centre on (09) 636 0305 or email admin@themillernest.co.nz. The Centre Director can also be reached on 022 04 23456.
Contact Us
Let’s arrange a time to meet.
- Phone
- Centre(09) 636 0305Centre Director022 04 23456
- Opening hours
- Monday to Friday,
7:30 am to 6:00 pm
Come and see The Miller Nest for yourself.
Meet the team, see the rooms and talk with us about what matters to your child.