Enrolments

Our centre is a warm fun loving place to be where children are treated with respect & dignity that empowers them to work & learn alongside others & where staff foster & role model some traditional values & manners.
EDUCATION PROGRAMME

Our daily education programme provides a mix of some structure & child initiated play. We incorporate transition to school readiness, rich in all curriculum areas which is woven through our daily routine for our preschool children. Our planning reflects this by being centered around the interests & strengths of the individual child & the centre as a whole. The planning process weaves emergent, environmental sustainability, individual learning & developmental experiences that are supported alongside a dedicated team of experienced educators. Our teacher to child ratios are: Matai Room (2yrs and under)1:4, Totara Room (2yrs to 3½yrs)1:7, Kauri Room (3½ yrs to 5 yrs)1:9.

We encourage your input into the development of our programme, as your child’s primary caregiver you have the most knowledge about your child. We cater for the individual needs of each child.

The educators at Natures Nest are skilled at documenting the journey of your child’s development. This may be through written observation, photographs or artwork. All of this data is kept in a portfolio specific to your child and used as a base for developing our education programme. Please feel free at any time to view your child’s portfolio or contribute to it in any way you feel appropriate. Your child’s portfolio will also be available online with a secure password.

BABIES
You will only need to bring on a daily basis: nappies, bottles with expressed breast milk or formula, special blanket, any nappy rash creams (named), hat and several changes of named clothes. Our housekeeper will prepare fresh mashed veges daily.
SPECIAL NEEDS
If an individual child has special needs, a discussion will be held between parents and the centre supervisor to determine how best to support your child within our early childhood environment.
CLOTHING
Because our programme involves some wet and messy play at times, we urge you to dress your child in play or old clothes. Please, always include a spare set of clothing each day in case of accidents. These belongings need to be named.
OUTSIDE ACTIVITY
Children will play outside daily except in unsuitable weather.
REST TIME
Children will have the opportunity after lunchtime to have an early afternoon nap. Depending on their age, children are expected to rest quietly or to engage in quiet activities allowing those who need to sleep the opportunity to do so.
FOOD

We offer well-balanced nutritious lunches, morning and afternoon teas. Any known allergies should be documented on your enrolment form so that we can ensure your child is not put at any risk. We have a policy in place to ensure that at birthday times parents are asked not to bring food into the centre.
You may bring lemonade iceblock as a treat for your child’s birthday. We will celebrate your child’s birthday and make it an exciting day for them but as we are required to be accountable for everything that our children eat while at the centre, it is essential that we provide the meals. Please read this policy displayed on our notice board.

HEALTH

Due to the high risk of infection, we are unable to take care of sick children.
Your child should be kept at home or will be sent home if they show any of the following symptoms:

  • A high temperature
  • An unidentified rash
  • Inflamed throat or eyes
  • An upset stomach or diarrhea

We expect our staff to abide by these same health policies. By following these policies we will have a healthy and safe centre. If your child becomes ill during the course of the day you will be notified and your child will be isolated, with a staff member, from other children until you arrive to take them home. Please ensure your child is well again before returning them to the centre. If your child has been vomiting or had diarrhea they may return after 48hours of being free of symptoms. (As per the Health Department guidelines). Our child health policy is available for your viewing.

PAMOL/PARACETAMOL
Pamol is considered a prescription medicine. If your child requires Pamol due to being unwell he/she will be sent home. Staff will only be able to administer Pamol using the same guidelines as other prescription medications. We may require a doctor’s certificate to administer Pamol in the centre. A pharmacy label stating the child’s name, dosage and frequency must be stated on the bottle. The Pamol will also be checked by the staff to ensure that it is within the expiry date.
PARENT PARTICIPATION

We value parental involvement and encourage family contribution, building strong on-going relationships within our learning centre.
We encourage families to become part of our centre and extend to you a warm welcome to visit whenever you wish. Please stay and interact with the children and team. The children will benefit from your presence, and we would like you to become familiar with our routines. Our aim is for the centre to be an extension of home life and to cater for the varied expectations of many different families; we welcome your presence and assistance. There is coffee/tea available if you wish for time out to relax.

SETTLING
As part of our settling procedure for new children, we encourage parents to visit the centre regularly for approximately 2 weeks prior to your child’s start date on the days they are booked. Please speak with our Centre Manager or Team Leader to discuss your visiting times prior to arrival, we can then make sure a staff member can spend time with you & your child. This enables you & your child time to explore & get to know the educators & make parting from your child less stressful. For your last visit prior to starting you may leave your child for up to 2 hours free of charge. Usually a quick kiss, hug and a smile with your goodbye is best. Lengthy partings may cause more upset for your child. Don’t sneak away as this may cause a loss of trust between your child and yourself. Please phone as often as you like to check on your child’s progress.
HOURS AND FEES
The Centre’s hours are from 7.15am-5.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for statutory holidays. Experienced educators will be on duty during these hours. All fees are required to be paid one week in advance as per our Terms of Trade. Failure to keep fees up to date may result in your booking being cancelled by management. For details of all fees and payment policies please refer to the Terms of Trade information sheet. Please remember to sign the booking sheet daily and enter your exact time of arrival and departure.
HOLIDAYS
The centre is closed for statutory holidays. Please refer to your Terms of Trade supplied regarding payment of fees if your child is away on holiday.
PHILOSOPHY

We will ensure that each child is treated with respect and dignity and feel loved and cared for at all times. Please read our philosophy statement on our reception notice board & on our website. We review this document regularly as a team, and we will ask for your input at the time of our review.

Please come to us with any concerns or enquiries as we hope to make you and your child feel comfortable and welcome within our centre.

Arnika Kennedy & Hayley Hargreaves,
Centre Owners.
09-425 0511

Nature's Nest

 33 Glenmore Drive
(off Woodcocks Rd)
Warkworth
Ph: 09 425 0511