A gentle start, at your child's pace

Settling your child into the centre is a carefully managed process. Your child is given the chance to explore the environment at their own pace and become familiar with our routines, while keeping a sense of security and attachment with their parents and whānau.

Settling visits

A minimum of three settling visits take place alongside a parent or whānau member. Some children need a longer transition, decided together with you during the process. It's best if settling visits happen as close as practical to the planned start date.

On at least one visit — ideally the last — we ask the attending parent or whānau member to leave the child with us for a short period. It helps to prepare your child in advance: explain that you're leaving and will return, say a warm farewell, and let staff know your contact details before you go. This is an important part of building a relationship of trust with your child.

If we feel a child isn't quite emotionally ready for preschool life on their start date, we'll create an extended settling plan tailored, with you, to their individual needs.

Your child's first days

On your child's start date, please allow time for them to settle before you leave, and explain gently in advance that you won't be staying. If they have a favourite comfort item or snuggly toy, they're welcome to bring it.

Once you're comfortable they're settled, say farewell before you go. It's completely normal for children to become upset at this point, especially when they're new — and our teachers are here to support you both, with guidance on managing the separation with minimal stress. If your child is distressed when you leave, we'll follow up with a phone call shortly afterwards to let you know they've settled and are happy.

"We'll call you shortly after to let you know your child has settled and is happy."

Your whānau teacher

A whānau teacher (primary caregiver) is assigned to each child once enrolment is confirmed. They ensure supportive, positive relationships are built with your child and family, work alongside you as your child transitions in, and — wherever possible — are your main point of contact at drop-off and pick-up.

For infants and toddlers, your whānau teacher is primarily available one-on-one, offering consistent primary care. Feeding, sleeping and toileting happen in an unhurried way that follows each child's own cues and rhythms. Your whānau teacher also looks after your child's special profile book of learning experiences.

Once your child is settled, the whole teaching team pools their strengths and works together to support and document every child's learning and development.