We now take under 2's, more over 2's and have extended our license from 7am until 6pm. Call us on (09) 8324740 or come visit us at 6 O'Neills Road, Swanson (behind the ITM)
Here is some information on aspects of the programme that we run. We look forward to working together with you and sharing this learning journey with you and your child and hope you enjoy your time with us.
General Information
whānui pārongo
PERSONAL BELONGINGS Anything and everything your child brings to Kindergarten must be named i.e. clothing, lunch boxes, drink bottles, hat etc. Clothing should be practical and appropriate for running, climbing, engaging in messy play and for the weather. Please bring at least one spare set of clothing and sufficient nappies where applicable.
TOYS Please keep your child’s special toys at home as staff cannot be responsible for any loss or damage sustained. They may however bring a favourite book or news item to share at mat time.
FOOD Sessional children need to bring either morning or afternoon tea and a drink (preferably water) in named containers. Day-care children need to bring enough food and drink for morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea eating. Please talk with staff about appropriate foods for your child’s lunchbox. We ask that lollies be left at home and we are a peanut free zone.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS We are closed for Public Holidays. Normal Charges apply
SETTLING IN We encourage parents to spend some time in the centre to help settle their child. This will allow time for your child to become familiar with the new environment and get to know the teachers. Children all take different amounts of time to settle, and together we will discuss what will work best for your child. At Kids Express we have an ‘open door’ policy which means you are welcome at any time in the centre to work and play with your child and we encourage you to do so.
PORTFOLIOS In addition to our normal programme we work individually with each child covering basic skills such as, colour/shape/name recognition and more. This is targeted at each child’s individual development. Each child has a portfolio which is a collection of observations, photos, milestones and artwork; a celebration of your child’s learning journey throughout their time at our kindergarten. Please take time with your child to enjoy looking at these portfolios and feel free to add anything you have observed or give feedback.
CREATIVE WORK Children are very proud of their work. Your recognition of their achievements will be appreciated by your child. Therefore please ensure you check drying areas and the art box before you leave the kindergarten for any work that belongs to your child.
Personal Information
EMERGENCY CONTACTS It is important that you keep us fully informed of any changes to your address and phone numbers. This also applies to your emergency contact numbers. Personal information other than that required by the Ministry of Education is not shared with any other party.
On Arrival / Departure
SIGNING IN AND OUT: Please sign in first thing on arrival and last thing on departure. Using the maximum of your booked hours enables us to receive the funding which we require to maintain our ratio of qualified teachers. Up to 10 minutes each side of booked hours is allowed by Ministry of Education without affecting funding.
GATE: Please ensure that the entry/exit gate is closed behind you. Never let any child out of the gate unless you are TOTALLY SURE they are accompanied by their parent/caregiver.
COLLECTION OF CHILDREN: If there are any changes at all in people collecting your child please let us know. Staff will only allow your child to go home with the people specified on the enrolment form.
NOTICE Two weeks notice must be given when your child is leaving.
ABSENCES It is a requirement and essential that you notify the kindergarten of any absences. Failure to do so resulting in continuous absences may result in your child being removed from the kindergarten roll.
SICKNESS Due to regulations and the risk of infection we are not allowed sick children at Kindergarten. Please keep your child at home if at all unwell. If your child becomes ill during the course of the day we will contact you to come and collect your child. Should your child be unable to attend their session for whatever reason, please contact us as soon as possible
IMMUNISATION AND MEDICATION Due to regulations we are required to keep immunisation records on each child. We will need to sight this information upon enrollment. Please advise us of any allergies your child may have. If your child is under medication from a Doctor which needs to be administered by a teacher, you will be required to sign a form daily authorizing this.
COMMUNICATION Communication is the key to success. Should you require any further information regarding the kindergarten or your child, please do not hesitate to talk to one of our friendly staff
FIRST AID All our permanent staff have current First Aid certificates and are trained to deal with accidents. Minor bumps and injuries are recorded in our accident book and are reported to parents / whanau. In the event of an emergency all efforts will be made to contact you. However, in your absence we will seek medical or other advice and act in the best interest of your child.