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The Centre
We recognise that each child develops at his or her own pace, therefore the age ranges in our rooms are an approximation only.
PIPI ROOM: Babies and Infants, Birth to 22 months
Natural Steps provides a safe and comfortable environment where babies and infants can feel "at home". We believe it is important to follow each child's particular routine and we work together with parents to ensure your child has a happy and fun day at the centre with caring teachers taking care of their needs.
KINA ROOM: Toddlers, 22 months - 3 years
With outstanding child to teacher ratios, our caring and knowledgeable teachers support our toddlers with their developing emotional and physical skills while providing a fun learning programme. To support their self-regulation skills we have a lot of space in the room for them to move and multiples of the same toys (sharing is a learnt skill) so everyone can play together.
WAHANUI ROOM: Preschoolers, 3 - 5 years old
Our Preschoolers learning programme focuses on building each child's unique interest, dispositions, strengths and key competencies which will support them to become lifelong learners. Children's natural curiosity about the world and interests are strengthened through in-depth project work and our nature programme. All of which enable children to develop questioning and problem solving skills, to reflect and develop a deeper love for learning.
Fees and Hours Attending
Our fee schedule is included in our enrolment pack which is available at the centre and also online. All childcare fees must be paid one week in advance and are to be paid weekly by AP or direct credit or bank debit. We do not provide eftpos or banking facilities at the Centre. A registration fee of $50.00 is due when enrolment is confirmed.
The fee structure is based on school hours (a 7 hour day rate) and a daily rate from 7.00am to 5.30pm.
New Enrolments Discount
Early childcare is a new environment for the child and for parents and families. To support families we offer all new enrolments a 50% discount for 3 months from the normal fee. We hope this supports families as they move into a new financial commitment for their child's care and education.
Holidays and Christmas
We recognise that holidays are important, and we offer 50% off fees for three weeks per annum. Holidays apply to standard weekly bookings. If your child is booked for 3 days per week then you will be eligible for 9 days holiday per annum.
The centre is open 52 weeks of the year. Should the centre close for Christmas break parents will be notified in November. No fees will be charged. The last working day before Christmas the centre closes at 3pm.
Statutory Holidays
We close for statutory holidays. Normal fees apply.
Teacher to Child Ratios
We maintain quality ratios.
Pipi Room, 1:4 for infants; Kina Room, 1:5 for toddlers and Wahanui Room, 1:8 for preschool children.
The Centre has three child rooms
Pipi Room. Our nurturing nursery.
Our environment surrounds your child with beauty and wonder. With professional teachers who plan a day of fun, love and learning and keeping your precious one safe while you are away.
We believe that to understand and know the child there must be consistency of care. Therefore, we practice whānau care. This is when one teacher will take the lead role in caring for the child during the day, with the other teachers working in a support role. This approach is based on a stance of utmost respect for the child.
Kina Room. Our adventurous toddlers.
We have outstanding teacher to child ratios in this room. 1 teacher to 5 children when the Ministry of Education state a 1/10 ratio. We recognise that this age group display a range of emotions – such as happiness, sadness, anger and fear and the best care and education this age group can receive is caring knowledgeable adults to support there emotional and social development.
To support our toddlers to grow self-regulation skills we also have a lot of space in the room for them to move and multiplies of the same toys (sharing will be learnt) so everyone can play.
Wahanui Room. Our big preschoolers.
Children are now provided with age specific activities that are designed around developmental stages. The program supports independence, group and individual learning experiences. A range of indoor and outdoor activities and resources are available throughout the day. We have a strong focus on assisting children in discovering who they are, so they can express their own opinions and nurture their own ideas.
Nutrition and Meals
We have received a GOLD Healthy Heart Award from the Heart Foundation for the amazing things we do to promote healthy food and physical activity.
Our aim is to encourage healthy eating habits. Cooked by our in-house cook we provide morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and a late snack. The current menu is displayed on the Parents Notice board and is on a 4 weekly rotation.
With assistance from teachers children are taught to self-serve their food and use real crockery, glassware and utensils. We are helping our children to develop healthy habits and healthy hearts for life.
Allergies, Food Intolerance and Special Dietary Requirements
This is a shared responsibility of the child’s family and the centre. It is recorded on the child’s enrolment form and in our computer software package. Our chef and your child’s teachers are well informed of your child’s requirements while at the centre.
Please let your child’s teacher know if you send food in with your child. No chewing gum, lollies or food that contains peanuts are permitted into the centre. We are a NO NUT Centre.
Preschool Healthy Lunch Box Day
The last Friday of every month the Preschool room (Wahanui) do a lunch box day. This is to help prepare children and parents for school. Please name your child’s lunch box and ensure that it is a healthy lunch box which includes morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea. The lunchbox should be left in your child’s bag; just as it would be at school. Upcoming lunchbox day will be recorded in the classroom and online though Educa calendar.
Nappies and Toilet Learning
To help our busy parents all disposable nappies are provided for children in the centre. If you wish to provide your own nappies please let the centre know.
As your child starts the journey from nappies to underpants, please don’t worry. We are here to support your child - it is all a learning process.
Centre Security
Natural Steps security consists of automatic sliding entrance doors, cameras in operation 24/7 and a monitored alarm system. The automatic sliding entrance doors remain locked at all times and can only be accessed via the use of a code, or a member of staff allowing you access.