Information for Parents

What ages do you accept?

We look after children from the ages of 2 through to 6.

Do you offer half days?

We do offer half days for younger children, as it often helps with settling them into the centre if they are able to go home in the afternoon. As the child becomes more comfortable, we recommend extending this to a full day.

How do you transition children into your centre?

It is important that your child feels settled and comfortable at our centre. We work closely with families to ensure transition into the centre goes as smoothly as possible for each child. There are no fees during transition.

Do children need to be toilet trained before starting at the centre?

No, we don’t require children to be fully toilet trained before starting. We will fully support you and the child during the toilet training process.

What are your opening hours?

We are open Monday – Friday from 8am to 4pm. We close for two weeks over the Christmas period with no fees being charged.

Do you close during school holidays?

No, we are open during school holidays except public holidays. Unlike most centres we do not charge for public holidays.

Can I change my child’s attendance days?

If we have space, we will try to cater for one-off changes. If you need longer term changes then please talk to us.

WHAT IS THE COST?

While our school does receive some government funding, it is not sufficient to provide the staffing levels and resources needed for a Montessori preschool like ours. We offer the 20 hours ECE subsidy for our 3, 4, and 5 year old children, however, to ensure we maintain the excellent standard of our teaching staff and resources we also charge an additional fee. There is a $50 enrolment fee, this is refundable if the position is not taken (notice must be given a month before proposed start date). If the position is taken up, the enrolment fee will be taken off the first invoice. Below is our current fee structure but please contact us to discuss your individual needs.

What happens if my scheduled day falls on a public holiday?

Unlike a lot of other centres we do not charge if this is your child’s scheduled day.

Do I still need to pay for a scheduled day if my child is sick? / What happens when we go on holidays?

Like most centres, normal fees apply for all absences that fall on a usual day of attendance unless the family provides written consent two weeks in advance to apply 50 per cent discount on the full fee. Holiday discount is available for a single block of two weeks of care per calendar year. Under exceptional circumstances, holiday discount may be applied outside these requirements at the discretion of the Centre Manager. Fee payments must be up to date to receive holiday discount.

Do we provide our own food for our child?

Yes your child brings their own lunchbox. This allows you to have control over what your child eats during the day. At present we do not ban nuts as we have no children with a nut-allergy. You will be informed if this changes.

What food does the centre provide?

Families are encouraged to add fruit and vegetables to our sharing basket. This is made available at morning and afternoon tea. With changes made by the Ministry of Health we are guided as to what we as a centre give to the children and the form it is in. More information can be found here. 

Where can I find the latest Education Review Office (ERO) report for your centre?

The Education Review Office | Te Tari Arotake Mātauranga (ERO) is the New Zealand government’s external evaluation agency. They evaluate and report on the education and care of learners in schools, kura, kohanga reo, puna reo, and early childhood services. Our latest report can be found here.

What is the curriculum?

In New Zealand we have an Early Childhood Curriculum called ‘Te Whāriki’. Underpinning Te Whāriki is the vision that children are competent and confident learners and communicators, healthy in mind, body and spirit, secure in their sense of belonging and in the knowledge that they make a valued contribution to society. More information can be found here.