Frequently Asked Questions

Popular Questions

• What are the operating hours?

  We are open Monday to Friday 7.30am till 5.30pm. We are closed all statutory holidays and for two weeks over the Christmas and New Year period.

• Does Little Acorns offer 20 hours ECE?

  We do offer 20 hours ECE and have topped it up to 24 hours ECE. This is for children aged 3 to 6 years old. You can use up to 6 hours ECE a day.

• How do I settle my child into Little Acorns?

  We have experienced teachers who will help you and your child to feel comfortable and settled at Little Acorns.

  We encourage parents/whānau to bring your child in for at least four pre-visits before your child’s starting date. Your child’s key teacher will work with you to organize visits. They will get to know you and your child, their routines, and their interests. Your child is supported and encouraged to get to know the other children in the room. Your child may choose to stay with one teacher until they are fully settled and that is okay.

• What do I need to bring for enrolment?

  • Your child’s Birth Certificate or passport
  • Immunisation Record (In your child’s Plunket book)
  • Completed Enrolment Form (available from the centre)
  • Any funding forms that may apply to your family (i.e. WINZ childcare subsidy application form)

• Does my child have to start school at five?

  No, your child does not have to start school at five, unless they are ready to do so; the legal requirement for starting school is six years old. Our kaiako work in partnership with whānau to decide the best time for tamariki to start school. Our Māhuri room kaiako help tamariki to feel confident and prepared to take the step in their learning journey.

Class Questions

• What does my child need to bring in the Kākano Room (3 months – 2 years)?

  • Named changes of clothing (at least 2 sets of each please… We often explore sensory experiences which can be a bit messy! In summer, we have lots of water play so feel free to add some togs)
  • Named sunhat (Term 1 and 4)
  • Named cuddlies, dummy, blankets, sleep sack etc for comfort/sleeping
  • Nappies (if required – you can either bring in enough nappies each day or bring in a bag and we will let you know when they are running low)
  • Bottles and breast milk/formula if required (you can either bring in bottles each day, or leave with us a tin of formula and we will let you know when it is running low)
  • A well packed, fulfilling lunch and snacks
  • A named drink bottle
  • A Wet bag (you will receive one as part of the admin fee)

• What does my child need to bring in the Paiaka Room (2 – 4 years)?

  • Named changes of clothing (at least 2 sets of each please)
  • Named spare underwear if toilet training
  • Named Sunhat (Term 1 and 4)
  • Named Warm jacket and beanie (Term 2 and 3)
  • Named Cuddlies, blankets etc for comfort/sleeping
  • Nappies (if required)
  • Named lunchbox with a fulfilling lunch and snacks
  • A named drink bottle
  • Wet bag (you will receive one as part of the admin fee)

• What does my child need to bring in the Māhuri room (4 – 6 years)?

  • Named changes of clothing (at least 2 sets of each please)
  • Named spare underwear if toilet training
  • Named Sunhat (Term 1 and 4)
  • Named Warm jacket and beanie (Term 2 and 3)
  • Named lunchbox with a fulfilling lunch and snacks
  • A named drink bottle
  • Wet bag (you will receive one as part of the admin fee)