Everything you need to know.
Our Parents Handbook covers what you’ll need to know while you’re part of our centre, and these are the essentials. Please ask us about anything you’re not sure of.
Keeping your child safe and well.
One teacher for every 4 children under two, and every 8 over two. We aim to do better than the Ministry of Education’s ratios throughout each day.
Fully qualified teachers and teachers in training, who all take part in professional development.
There is always someone trained in first aid on site, and certificates are renewed every two years.
Children are signed in and out every day, and only go home with adults you’ve named on the enrolment form.
Every visitor signs in at the office. Relievers, students and volunteers are screened, and a volunteer is never left in charge of children.
Safety devices are maintained regularly, evacuation plans are on display, and we hold regular fire drills.
Sandpits and outdoor equipment are checked for safety, chemicals are locked away, and children learn to keep themselves safe.
Children and adults who are unwell are asked to stay home, so illness doesn’t spread through the centre.
The everyday details.
Toileting times come before meals and naps. When you start toilet training at home, email us about your routine so we can support it, and pack plenty of spare clothes.
Please bring enough nappies for the day, usually 4 to 8. If you use cloth nappies, bring a sealed bucket or bag to take them home in.
If your child falls asleep, we won’t wake them unless you ask. The sleep room has cots for under twos and beds for over twos, and is checked every 5 minutes.
Our toys are for everyone to share, so please leave toys at home. Named cuddly toys are welcome, and so is music you’d like played at rest time.
If different cars collect your child, you can store their car seat inside the centre.
Unnamed items go in our lost property container. Please check it regularly, as anything left uncollected is given to a local charity.
Healthy kai, made here every day.
All food is made here in our kitchen: morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea. Our menu is vegetarian and nut-free, designed for the many cultures in our centre and guided by the Heart Foundation’s Healthy Heart programme.
- Tell us about any allergies when you enrol. They’re posted in the kitchen and strictly followed
- Water and plates are provided. Please bring a named drink bottle that can stay at the centre
- For babies, please bring bottles, and breast milk or formula for the day
- Our teachers can give your child warm water or warm milk during the day
- We’ll support you to keep breastfeeding if you choose to
Settling in, at your child’s pace.
It’s normal for children to cry when you leave in the first few weeks, and every child settles differently. Stay with them for their first visits, and bring a named cuddly or blanket if it helps.
Phone us at any time to see how your child is doing. If they can’t settle, we’ll call you.
- 1
Bring your child to a teacher in the morning and say hello
- 2
Help them put their bag and belongings in their locker
- 3
Take a few minutes to show them around and let them choose something to play with, indoors or out
- 4
When they’re playing happily, tell them you’re leaving and that you’ll be back in the afternoon
- 5
Smile (even if you feel like crying yourself), give them a hug and a kiss, say goodbye and go
- 6
If they get upset, take them to a teacher to say goodbye. We’ll cheer them up. We won’t let them cry all day
A named bag with everything for the day.
Under twos
- Enough nappies, bottles and nappy cream for the day
- Breast milk or formula for the day
- A complete spare set of clothes and extra singlets
- Anything your baby is attached to, like a dummy or a sleep toy
- A named sunhat and sunscreen in summer
- Named warm, waterproof outdoor clothes in winter
Over twos
- Nappies or pull-ups if they still need them
- A complete change of clothes (more while toilet learning)
- Anything special they sleep with
- A named sunhat and sunscreen in summer
- Named warm, waterproof outdoor clothes in winter
- A named drink bottle
Play can get wet and messy, so dress your child in play clothes, with gumboots and a raincoat in winter. In summer, put sunscreen on before you arrive and we’ll reapply it during the day. Please name everything, including shoes and bags. Toys are best left at home, but a named cuddly toy is always welcome.
Questions parents often ask.
Can’t see your question here? Call us on 09 826 8289 or send us a message.
What ages do you care for?+
We care for children from infancy through to school age, in two rooms: Under twos (0 – 2 years) and Preschool (2 – 5 years).
Do you offer free hours?+
Yes. 20 Hours ECE is free for 3 to 5 year olds, for up to 6 hours a day and 20 hours a week. Our free half-day sessions run 8:30am – 12:30pm or 12:30pm – 4:30pm.
What are your fees?+
Fees depend on your child’s age and the days you book. Please call us on 09 826 8289 and we’ll talk you through them.
Is food provided?+
Yes. Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea are made in our kitchen. Our menu is vegetarian and nut-free. For babies, please bring bottles and breast milk or formula.
How do I enrol?+
Visit with your child first, to meet our teachers and see the centre. When you enrol, we talk in detail about your child’s development, behaviour, sleeping and eating, and you’re welcome to stay with your child while they settle in.
What are your hours?+
Monday to Friday, 7:30am to 5:30pm. We are closed on weekends and public holidays.
Can I visit before enrolling?+
Yes, please do. Call us on 09 826 8289 or send a message and we’ll find a time that suits you.
How will I hear about my child’s day?+
We post daily updates on Storypark. You’re also welcome to email or call us during the day, and our door is always open.
What if my child will be away?+
Please email us as soon as you can. Fees still apply on sick days and public holidays.
What if my child is unwell?+
Please keep them home if they have a bad cough or cold, vomiting, diarrhoea, conjunctivitis, a rash or a temperature. If they become unwell during the day, we’ll call you to collect them. Let us know about infectious illnesses like chickenpox, so we can tell other families.
Can you give my child medicine?+
Yes, once you’ve filled in the medicine book in your child’s room. Medicine must be labelled with your child’s name and expiry date.
How do you guide children’s behaviour?+
With respect and dignity. We set clear, age-appropriate limits, redirect gently, praise positive behaviour, explain why something isn’t okay and offer better choices.
How do children move up to the next room?+
Gradually. When your child is ready, they spend a little time in the next room each day, building up until they’re playing, eating lunch and resting there happily.
What if you’re full?+
We keep a waiting list, and offer places as they come up in line with the Ministry of Education’s Priority of Access guidelines.
Who do I talk to about a concern?+
Our Centre Manager. Drop-off and pick-up can be busy, so you may want to book a time to talk. Our complaints policy is on the notice board.
The best way to get to know us is to walk through the door.
Visit with your child before they start, to meet our teachers and see the centre. Parents and whānau are welcome at any time.
