Papanui Preschool & Nursery in Christchurch

Preschool & Nursery - Helpful Information

Sessions provided at Papanui Preschool and Nursery

At Papanui Preschool and Nursery we are open from 7:30am - 5:30pm Monday to Friday.

We offer full day and half day sessions with 20 free ECE hours for our over 3's with no obligation for additional bookings over and above these hours.

Morning session starts at 7.30 am and ends at 12.30 pm
Afternoon session starts at 12.30 pm and ends at 5.30 pm
Full (long) day runs from 7.30 am to 5.30 pm
Short day sessions are for those parents looking for care during the school hours (from 9.00 am to 3.00 pm

Please contact us to further discuss your specific booking needs for our child.

Fees

Everyone's needs are different and we have worked out fees for all different possible scenarios. Full fee schedule is available from our office or if you have a specific needs please contact us.

Meals

We offer both our Preschool and Nursery a cooked vegetarian meal at lunchtime, with the menu being dietitian approved for healthy eating. Morning and afternoon tea is also provided, along with a late snack.

Please contact the center if you would like to see a sample menu.

Settling In

When families begin with us here at Papanui Preschool and Nursery you will be encouraged and supported to make the process as smooth as possible. Whether your child is starting in the preschool or the nursery you are welcome to stay as long as it takes to settle your child with the help and support of the teachers.

This is a very individual experience and depends on the confidence and age of your child. Together we will ensure this is a positive and exciting time for you and your child. Some families like to make a few short visits before children stay for a whole session, for others they are ready to go!

Your child is important to us, so we personalise your beginning at Papanui Preschool and Nursery to suit. Family involvement is always welcome.

Some suggestions to help your child adjust to the new surroundings

Start with a short visit, preferably staying with your child.
Lengthen your child's visits, leaving her/him for a short while on her/his own.
ALWAYS SAY GOODBYE! Let your child know you are leaving and when you will be back. Say good bye and leave - don't linger, be positive and go.

Feel free to ring us at any time during your child's stay if you want to know how well your child has settled. If you are unable to make calls for any reason while your child is with us, just have a chat with the teachers and we will be more than happy to send you updates and photos via text message or email.

Communication with families

At Papanui Preschool and Nursery, we understand the importance of creating links between home and center life as we recognize that learning begins at home and that parents are children’s first teachers. With this in mind, our primary method of communicating with our families and whānau is via face to face conversations, this is because we value highly the relationships that we build with you and regular discussions with you are the best way for us to maintain these relationships.

We communicate your child’s learning with you via their learning journal and conversations regarding your aspirations regarding your child and their learning goals and where they are at or where they are going.

We also have a Facebook page, where your child’s teacher will upload learning and events throughout the week for you to see and easily share with family and friends.

What to bring

Please ensure your child has:

A named drink bottle, formula and bottles if required.
A change of clothes, two for hot days when we have lots of water play.
Nappies if required.
Appropriate clothing for the weather, messy and active play.
Hats (a sunhat for summer and a warm hat for winter)

We discourage toys being brought in from home, unless there are comfort or transitional items that will support your child emotionally while they are away from you.

Please ensure all items are named clearly.

Trips

As a way of extending the children’s interests, we may plan special trips out into the community. If we are planning any outings, you will be advised in advance and your signed permission will be required. There may be a small cost to support transport needs and we may also require a number of parents to assist and be part of the required adult/child ratio. Any child that does not go on the outing will be looked after by members of our team will are stating back at the center.

Phone: 03-354-3437

When your child spends time with us at Papanui Preschool & Nursery, their learning experience is one of wonder, imagination, discovery and friendships.