PARENT INFO
Helpful Info for Parents
We hope you’ll find the answers to all your questions here. If not, please give us a call, we’d love to hear from you.
WHY CHOOSE US
Why Parents Choose The Children's Garden
We understand that choosing childcare is one of the most important decisions a parent can make. At The Children’s Garden, we provide a safe, nurturing environment where your child will thrive through play-based learning and nature exploration.
Our qualified teachers, small centre sizes, and strong focus on whānau connections ensure every family feels welcomed and every child feels valued.
WHAT TO PACK
Getting Ready for the Day
We love to let the children explore and learn through play, which often means getting messy or wet. Here are a few things we suggest packing in your child’s bag each day:
Changes of Clothes
Two or three changes of clothes for the day
Sun Protection
Rash shirt and hat in summer
Wet Weather
Beanie and raincoat in winter
Nappies & Bottles
Nappies, bottle and formula if needed
Lunch & Drinks
Drink bottle and lunchbox
Sleep & Comfort
Cuddly, comforter, sleep aids
DAILY ROUTINE
A Day at The Children's Garden
Meal Times
Before every meal, each child washes their hands. We use glasses and crockery to reduce environmental impact. Morning tea 9:30am, lunch 11:30am, afternoon tea 3pm.
Mat Time
Mat time brings all children together. We read books, sing songs and celebrate special occasions such as birthdays.
Bush Kindy
Our tamariki enjoy weekly Bush Kindy excursions in the Johnson Reserve. Our Babies and Toddlers go once a week, Preschoolers on Tuesday and Thursday.
HEALTH & SAFETY
Sun Safety & Sleep Routines
In summer, please sunscreen your children before drop-off. We reapply throughout the day. Please pack a rash shirt with long sleeves and a wide brim hat.
We have a dedicated sleep room with cots for babies, kept warm and dim with white noise. For toddlers, each child has their own mattress with named bedding washed weekly. Sleep times are recorded on a chart you can check at pickup.
SCHOOL READINESS
Transition Visits
We visit the new entrant class at Selwyn Ridge Primary School during school terms. Our oldest preschoolers visit every Wednesday from 10am – 11am in preparation for heading off to school.
FAMILY TESTIMONIALS
This is an amazing, loving centre that treats the tamariki as their own. I have had 3 of my children here at The Children’s Garden over 10 years and still keep in touch with a couple of teachers who take real joy in seeing children grow and develop.
Emma-Jane Jones
Parent at The Children’s Garden
Ready to Join The Children's Garden?
Enrol your child today and give them the best start in a nurturing, natural learning environment. 30 free ECE hours available for ages 3-5. Limited spaces — get in touch now!