Policies at a Glance

Every kaiako is police-vetted, safety-checked, and re-checked every three years. Children are supervised at all times, with regulated adult-to-child ratios maintained throughout the day. Children are only released to people authorised on the enrolment form, and custodial arrangements are taken seriously when they apply.

With enrolment consent, we keep simple first-aid items on hand, including arnica cream, calendula cream, Anthisan cream, and Auscreen Ultra Protect sunscreen. Prescription medication and ongoing health needs, such as asthma or eczema, are managed through strict procedures so the right child receives the right dose at the right time, with everything recorded. A first-aid-qualified kaiako is on-site whenever children are present.

If a child becomes unwell, we contact their whānau so they can be collected, and care for them while they wait. We record the illness, follow public health guidance for infectious illness, and let other whānau know if an infectious disease is circulating.

We provide nutritious meals and snacks that include something from each of the four food groups, with fresh water always available. High-risk choking foods are excluded, the Food Allergy Chart is posted in the kitchen and kept up to date, and dietary needs are respected. Children are seated and supervised while eating, with kaiako seated alongside them and sharing the same kai as often as possible.

During daylight saving months, children and kaiako wear sun hats outside. Sunscreen is applied before outdoor play and reapplied every two hours, and time in the sun is closely monitored during the hottest part of the day. If a child needs an alternative sunscreen, whānau can provide it with written authority on the Individual Health Plan.

Excursions enrich children's learning by connecting them with the wider world. For regular community walks, whānau sight the risk assessment at enrolment and agree to minimum adult-to-child ratios: 1:2 for under-twos, 1:3 for two-year-olds, and 1:4 for three- to five-year-olds. For special excursions, whānau receive specific information and give written permission each time.

Information shared with us is stored securely and used only to care for each child, meet Ministry of Education requirements, and document learning. Whānau can ask to view or correct information we hold at any time by speaking with our Privacy Officer.

Starting somewhere new is a big step. We recommend at least three transition visits before a child's official start date, giving them time to become familiar with the environment, get to know their kaiako, and join the daily rhythm of the centre. A significant family member stays with the child during each visit, and there is no charge for transition visits. Transitions from the under-twos room to the over-twos room are also planned, gradual, and individualised.

With whānau permission, we use Storypark to share photos, learning stories, and development updates so families can follow their child's journey. Each child also has a Profile Book held at the centre.

We have a full Emergency Management Plan covering fire, earthquake, lockdown, shelter-in-place, and more. We practise emergency procedures regularly with tamariki. In any serious situation, we follow agreed procedures with emergency services and notify whānau as soon as it is safe to do so.

We review our policies regularly and invite whānau to contribute ideas through Storypark notices and direct conversations with our team. If a concern needs to be raised formally, our Complaint Policy sets out a clear and respectful process.