Little Footprints in Lower Hutt offers childcare with Christian values
Little Footprints first opened in 2011 before moving to purpose-built premises in 2024. Our goal with the children is to create meaningful and empowering learning experiences that encourage curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.
At Little Footprints we believe that every child is uniquely created by God, with individual gifts and potential waiting to be discovered and nurtured. It is our calling and responsibility to help children uncover these gifts and support their growth in a loving, respectful, and empowering environment.
Our centre is founded on Christian values that shape the culture and daily life of Little Footprints. These values provide a strong foundation for how we care for children and interact with families.
Creating a childcare environment based on Christian principles
Love, respect, acceptance, kindness, and good manners are at the heart of everything we do. These principles guide our interactions and help create an environment where children feel safe, valued, and supported.
Through everyday experiences and relationships, we aim to reflect these values in practical ways that help children develop strong character and positive relationships with others.
Supporting each child's learning and development
At Little Footprints, we believe children flourish in environments that are warm, secure, and fun — where learning is both stimulating and developmentally appropriate.
Recognising that every child develops at their own pace and in their own way, we offer a rich and diverse educational programme designed to support the holistic development of each child — socially, emotionally, spiritually, physically, and cognitively.
Our learning programmes are guided by Te Whāriki, New Zealand’s early childhood curriculum, supporting children’s wellbeing, belonging, communication, contribution, and exploration as they grow and learn.
Partnering with families and whānau
Little Footprints deeply value the partnership between our centre and each child’s family and whānau. We believe that a child’s learning and wellbeing are best supported when educators and families work together in open, respectful communication.
Our goal is to create an environment where families feel welcome, heard, and comfortable sharing their hopes, concerns, and aspirations for their children.
By working together, we aim to build strong, trusting relationships that support each child’s learning journey and celebrate their unique growth.
Seth & Esther Lewis – Founders/ Owners
Seth and Esther Lewis are the founders and owners of Little Footprints. When they opened the centre in 2011, their vision was to create an early learning environment grounded in Christian values, where children and families would experience a true “home away from home.” Esther brought many years of leadership experience to the role, having managed Little Footprints as Centre Manager as well as two other early childhood centres throughout her career. Today, Seth and Esther have stepped back from daily operations to enjoy a new season of life as proud grandparents to their ten grandchildren - a role they cherish deeply!
Debbie Tuiomanufili - Centre Manager
Debbie brings over 18 years of teaching experience to Little Footprints and has been part of the centre since it first opened, previously serving as Assistant Manager. She is passionate about supporting and encouraging each child’s learning, recognising how important these early years are in shaping confidence, curiosity, and growth. Outside of the centre, Debbie is married to Jesse and is a proud mum of four- Josh, Judah, Kobe & Leo - contributing to Seth and Esther’s ever-growing crew of ten cherished grandchildren!