Surrey Park’s A-Z of Useful Things to Know.
If your child is going to be absent, we ask that you please notify the centre. For tamariki under 3 years old who are not on a subsidised fee, the following credits are available:
For the protection of your child, staff can only release tamariki into the care of adults that are specified on the enrolment forms. Please keep this in mind when completing your emergency contact details as it will be something kaiako have to be strict on due to safety reasons. Emergency contacts need to be people that are most likely to be able to collect in the event of an emergency (such as an earthquake that might prevent you from getting here yourself).
In the event of a civil defence emergency, Civil Defence authorities may require us to evacuate to a civil defence site: ILT Stadium Southland. If an evacuation is required, a notice will be left at the centre advising you of the change in location and you will also be notified via text.
Please consider your child’s comfort when dressing your child for a day at the centre. Provide clothes that are easily washed and suitable for both inside and outside play. We ask that you bring a jacket, hat, gloves and gumboots/strong shoes in winter, and a sunhat, shorts and light top in summer. These spare clothing items can be left at the centre. Please make sure you name all clothing and shoes clearly.
Approximately every 3 years the centre is visited by the ERO team. Copies of the reports can be obtained at the office or by clicking on Surrey Park Early Learning Centre.
The principle of whanaungatanga in which we build relationships through shared experiences applies to our meal times where we sit down to share the mid-day meal together.
We aim to provide a well-balanced healthy menu with a focus on fresh foods and the cost of meals is included in the fee rate. Our menu is checked by a dietitian. There is a cooked mid-day meal. Morning tea, afternoon tea, and late afternoon tea consists of crackers with cheese, muffins, scones, or sandwiches and fruit. All baby requirements need to be provided by the parent.
For safety reasons we are a nut free zone. Allergies need to be advised and noted on the enrolment form. We will do our best to support with the provision of suitable foods.
The menu is displayed in the rooms, it can also be viewed under Kitchen News.
If your child has special needs we will work with you to access support from the advisory network.
Transition can be a big change for tamariki. They will take their own time to settle and feel comfortable about being left at the centre. To make this process as easy as possible for all involved, we suggest this transition should be a gradual process. We recommend an initial visit, and then when the booking has been confirmed, at least two more visits. We always ask that the parent/caregiver/whānau member says goodbye when they leave rather than slipping away, as tamariki often find the discovery of you gone more upsetting than the upset they may feel when saying goodbye to you.
When it is time for your child to transition onto the next learning whare, your child’s kaiako will work with you to implement a transition plan and introduce you to the teaching team in your child’s new whare.
For tamariki in Te Whare Totara and Te Whare Kawakawa, the transition to primary school is a big milestone in their learning journey. Kaiako support tamariki who are close to starting school by facilitating early literacy and numeracy experiences, lunchbox days, and supporting their independence. On their last day, we hold a graduation ceremony for the child and their whanau to celebrate their learning journey during their time here.
Please check with WINZ to see if you are eligible for a subsidy.
