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Daily LifeMeals, sleep, clothing & more
The everyday details that keep tamariki nourished, rested and ready to explore — inside the centre and out in the community.
Meals
Atawhai Kids provides nutritious food for both morning and afternoon tea. This includes sandwiches or toast, porridge, fruit and vegetable platters, and crackers with hummus — and sometimes baking such as pikelets, muffins and scones.
Please let staff know about any dietary restrictions or allergies. Families provide their child's lunch; we have a fridge for chilled food and a microwave for heating. Children are encouraged to enjoy the food in their lunchbox and to understand how different foods fuel their growing bodies.
Sleep
We believe in maintaining children's natural sleep rhythms, keeping things consistent with their routine at home. Comfortable, hygienic sleeping facilities are available for children of all ages in a separate sleep room.
A familiar teacher stays with children as they settle and drift off. We want sleep to feel like a welcome, relaxing part of the day, so children are comforted and reassured as they prepare to rest.
Clothing & toileting
Please provide a named bag with at least two labelled, complete changes of clothes. We encourage outdoor play in all but extreme weather, so pack weather-appropriate clothing — rain jackets and gumboots on wet days are ideal. In summer we often enjoy water play, so togs and a towel help keep clothes dry.
Children at every stage of toileting are welcome. We provide disposable nappies, wipes and balm for those who need them; if you'd prefer your own cloth or disposable nappies, just let staff know and provide a good supply.
Transitioning out of nappies is an exciting milestone. We'll create a toileting plan with you for consistent, predictable practices that work alongside what's happening at home. Wet or soiled clothing is bagged separately for pick-up, so please pack plenty of spare changes for any accidents.
Excursions
We offer an exciting, stimulating physical environment — but we also value the rich learning that happens beyond the preschool fences, so regular outings are a core part of our programme.
We take regular walks to local parks and organise excursions to events and facilities across the Nelson community. We also welcome visitors to the centre to perform for, and speak with, our tamariki on all sorts of interesting topics.
- Local park walks
- Community excursions
- Visiting performers
- Nature & outdoor play
Ready to find out more?
Our open-door policy means you're welcome to visit anytime. To check availability, add your details to our waiting list and we'll be in touch.