The things parents ask us most. If your question isn't here, just call. We're happy to talk it through.
We enrol children from five months to five years old. If you need to enrol a younger child, please speak with us to see if we can help.
We would encourage you to get in touch with the centre as soon as possible. Spaces are worked out based on start dates, waitlists and availability in the centre. You do not need to commit completely until the space is offered to you by the centre, so please fill in an enrolment enquiry form and drop it in to your centre so we know the days and times you are looking for.
We provide all-day education and care. Children attend a minimum of 6 hours per day.
It is important that both you and your child are feeling settled before they have their first full day at the centre. For this reason we like a minimum of three transition visits before your child starts. It's ideal to spread this over a few weeks. Please discuss this with your whānau support teacher. Some children settle in immediately, and others take more time, but we make sure to give them the love and support they need to make it as smooth as possible.
Nappies up to 3 years old, sunscreen, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and late snack, nursery journal, child portfolio, online learning e-portfolio, and transport where applicable.
We offer 20 hours free early childhood education, which is subsidised by the Ministry of Education. Find out more at education.govt.nz.
While you're able to take holidays when you would like, our fees are calculated over 52 weeks of the year, for ease of payments. We are only closed on the statutory holidays.
Please have a plan for when your child is sick, as you will be asked to keep them away from the centre until they are well again. You will need to call the centre to let them know your child will be absent, and let us know if they have an infectious disease, for example chicken pox, conjunctivitis or measles. Any absent days are still paid for in full.
Infant rooms have an average teacher to child ratio of 1:4. Toddler rooms have an average teacher to child ratio of 1:8. Preschool rooms have an average teacher to child ratio of 1:8.
Infant rooms have a maximum group size of 12–15 children. Toddler rooms have a maximum group size of 15–20 children. Preschool rooms have a maximum group size of 15–20 children.
We aim to keep our qualified teachers over 80%.
Our meals are wholesome, nutritious and yummy. We provide a balanced diet rich in whole and raw foods. Our menus are reviewed each term and are changed according to seasonal supply. Enquire for more about our menus.
We have a range of pre-school programmes that are designed to complement play-based learning. We include language, literacy and numeracy concepts with fun associated craft activities, incorporating story-telling and music into our small group lessons. Our rooms offer all the literacy and numeracy tools for children to be successful in their learning as they head into school.
Our pre-school programmes also teach children independence and how to care for their belongings. Each child is given their own bag, workbook and pencil that they will use each week in class. We also focus on the dispositions that set a child up for lifelong learning, for example problem solving, perseverance, resilience, curiosity, and social and emotional intelligence.
Children are encouraged to play outside all year round. Our outdoor environment is designed specifically to cater for this. Children and teachers are dressed appropriately to ensure your child will have lots of fun, while still keeping warm and dry.
Yes, we cater for children with allergies. Please talk to our head teacher about your child's specific needs.
It's a good idea to supply two or three changes of clothes, a sun hat or winter hat, a warm jacket and gumboots in winter. If your child has an allergy to regular sunblock please provide your preferred brand. If your child requires formula, please supply this.
We'd rather answer your question properly than have you guess. Call or send us a message.
