Better leadership
Astute Leaders Circle
Strategic ECE Business Coaching, Mentoring and Accountability
for Ambitious Centre Owners
The Astute Leaders Circle is an exclusive coaching, mentoring and accountability programme
designed specifically for ambitious childcare centre owners and senior ECE leaders who want to build stronger, more sustainable and higher-performing services.
Launching 13 July 2026, the programme combines strategic business coaching, operational support, compliance guidance, financial analysis and peer collaboration within a trusted network of growth-focused ECE operators.
This is not generic business coaching. It is practical, execution-focused support built by experienced ECE operators and consultants who understand the realities of leading childcare services in New Zealand.
Express your interest
13th
July 2026 Launch
20
ECE Memberships
13
Spots Available
Strictly Limited Membership
Membership is intentionally capped at 20 ECE services nationally. Prior to launch, 7 places have already been confirmed.
Only 13 of 20 places remain
To protect the integrity and openness of the group, competing services within the same geographic catchment area will not be accepted. This allows members to discuss occupancy, staffing, financial performance and operational challenges openly within a trusted environment.
Entry is Selective and Based On
Leadership mindset
Commitment to improvement
Operational standards
Desire for growth and accountability
Willingness to actively participate
This Programme is for ECE Owners and Leaders Who
Want to be part of a high-performing leadership network
Value accountability and measurable progress
Want expert guidance from experienced ECE operators
Are prepared to execute and improve continuously
Want stronger operational and financial performance
Are serious about long-term business success
This is not designed for passive operators. It is built for leaders who want to operate at a higher standard.
Investment
$420 + GST per week
The Astute Leaders Circle is structured as an ongoing leadership and operational support partnership, designed to create measurable improvements in performance, compliance, systems and profitability over time.
What is Included
Financial Analysis
Fortnightly Financial and Operational Analysis
One of the major differentiators of this programme is ongoing financial and operational review. Members receive regular analysis and guidance around:
Occupancy and enrolment trends
Wage percentages and staffing efficiency
Revenue performance
Profitability indicators
Operational KPIs
Emerging operational risks
Benchmarking against sector standards
Strategic improvement priorities
The focus is not simply on producing reports. It is on helping owners understand what their numbers are telling them and what actions should happen next.
Coaching & Mentoring
Monthly Coaching, Mentoring and Strategic Guidance
Members receive structured support and ongoing guidance including:
Regulatory and sector update briefings
Annual planning and goal-setting guidance
Budget and forecasting support
Quarterly business reviews
Quality Improvement Planning (QIP)
EC3C progressive auditing
Health and Safety systems and accountability support
Frameworks for policy and operational review
Q&A & Peer Support
Monthly Q&A and Leadership Support
Running an ECE business can be isolating. The Astute Leaders Circle provides access to an experienced network of ECE owners and leaders who openly share ideas, challenges and practical solutions, including:
Q&A and problem-solving sessions
Leadership discussions and facilitated forums
Real-world operational support
Shared best practice and ideas
Collaborative peer learning
Members gain access to a genuine sounding board from people who understand the realities of the sector.
Resource Library
Resource Library and Tools
Members receive access to a growing library of practical ECE business resources including:
Policies and procedures
Operational templates
Toolkits and checklists
Leadership resources
Videos and webinars
Compliance frameworks
Planning templates
Practical implementation tools
Everything is designed to be practical, executable and relevant to New Zealand ECE services.
What Members Achieve
The Astute Leaders Circle is designed to help ECE owners build stronger, more compliant, more profitable and more sustainable businesses through structured coaching, accountability and expert guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Astute Leaders Circle?
The Astute Leaders Circle is an exclusive ECE business coaching and accountability programme for ambitious childcare centre owners and senior ECE leaders in New Zealand. It combines strategic coaching, financial analysis, compliance support and peer collaboration within a capped group of 20 services nationally.
Who is the Astute Leaders Circle designed for?
The programme is designed for ECE centre owners and senior leaders who want to operate at a higher standard. It suits people who value accountability, want expert guidance from experienced ECE operators, and are committed to ongoing improvement across leadership, operations and financial performance.
How many members are in the Astute Leaders Circle?
Membership is intentionally capped at 20 ECE services nationally. This ensures meaningful access, genuine accountability and a high-quality peer group. Competing services within the same geographic catchment area are not accepted, so members can discuss their business openly.
When does the Astute Leaders Circle launch?
The Astute Leaders Circle launches on 13 July 2026. Prior to launch, 7 memberships have already been confirmed. Only 13 places remain. Expressions of interest are open now.
What does the Astute Leaders Circle cost?
Membership in the Astute Leaders Circle is $420 + GST per week. This includes fortnightly financial and operational analysis, monthly coaching and mentoring, monthly Q&A and peer support sessions, and access to the full resource library and tools.
How do I apply for the Astute Leaders Circle?
To apply or register your interest, complete the expression of interest form on this page or contact the Astute Education team directly at jo@astuteeducation.com or gavin@astuteeducation.com. Places are selective and based on leadership mindset, operational standards and commitment to growth.
