FAQ
Do you offer sessions or half days?
We provide all-day education and care. Children to attend a minimum of 6 hours per day.
How will my child settle in?
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 whanau 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.
What age can my child start?
We enrol children from three months to six years old. If you need to enrol a younger child, please speak with us to see if we can help.
How far in advance should I enrol my child?
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.
What are your teacher to child ratios?
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.
What is included in your fees?
Nappies up to 3 yrs old, sunscreen, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and late snack, nursery journal, child portfolio, online learning e-portfolio, transport (where applicable).
Do you have holidays?
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.
Do you offer 20 hours free?
We offer 20 hours free early childhood education, which are subsidised by the Ministry of Education. Find out more at www.education.govt.nz
How big are your classes?
Infant rooms - maximum group size of 12 – 15 children. Toddler rooms - maximum group size of 15 – 20 children. Preschool rooms - maximum group size of 15 – 20 children.
Are your teachers qualified?
We aim to keep our qualified teachers over 80%.
What food will my child eat?
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 more about our menus.
My child has allergies, can you cater for this?
Yes, we cater for children with allergies. Please talk to our head teacher about your child’s specific needs.
Do the children play outside all year round?
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.
Do you have a school readiness programme?
We have a range of pre-school programmes that are designed to complement play-based learning. We include language, literacy, and numeracy concepts with a 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 e.g. problem solving, perseverance, resilience, curiosity, social and emotional intelligence.
What happens if my child gets sick?
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 e.g. Chicken Pox, conjunctivitis, measles, etc. Any absent days are still paid for in full.
What do I need to bring?
It’s a good idea to supply 2/3 changes of clothes, sun hat/winter hat, a warm jacket and gumboots in winter. If your child has an allergy to regular sunblock please provide your preferred brand for your child. If your child requires formula, please supply this.