FAQs

When should I enrol my child at kindergarten?

It is best to enrol your child when he or she is around 2 ½ years old. The starting age of children varies between kindergartens and the teachers of the kindergarten you choose will be able to provide you with a more accurate indication of a likely start date.

How do I choose a kindergarten?

Most people choose the kindergarten that is closest to them. It can be useful to visit the kindergartens to talk with the teachers and have a look around. You can browse to our 16 kindergartens from the menu.

Are kindergartens zoned?

No, kindergartens are not zoned so you can enrol your child at the kindergarten of your choice.

How do I enrol?

• Locate the kindergartens that you are interested in your child attending.
• Contact the kindergarten directly to find out more information about enrolling, visits are welcome drop into the kindergarten and talk with the teachers.
• If you would like to enrol your child, the teachers will ask you to drop by and complete the enrolment form, or alternatively you may wish to download the enrolment form here prior to visiting the kindergarten.

When will my child start kindergarten?

This depends on the waiting list in each kindergarten. Children are admitted in age order, please check with the kindergarten you are enrolling with to find out how soon your child is likely to start.

How much does it cost to attend kindergarten?

The Heretaunga Kindergartens has adopted the government’s policy to provide up to 20 Hours Early Childhood Education (20  ECE) for three and four year old children. For children who sign up for the 20 hours ECE there will be no extra charges.

For children not accessing their 20 hours ECE an hourly fee of $1.50 will be charged.

For under 3 year olds there is no charge as long as they have pre-signed the form to attest their 20 hours ECE on their child’s 3rd birthday.

What are the kindergarten hours?

Within the Heretaunga Kindergarten’s 16 locations a variety of hours are offered to suit the needs of the community, please check the kindergarten pages for specific details.

Are staff qualified?

Yes, all Teachers in the Heretaunga Kindergartens are qualified in the area of early childhood education and are registered with the Teachers council and hold current first aid certificates.

Teachers attend professional development and receive ongoing support to keep up to date with current theory and practice.

Do children just play at kindergarten?

Kindergarten is a quality learning environment, learning through play means that children have lots of fun learning and developing new skills, visit any of the kindergartens and you will see the wide range of activities that children take part in each day.

Do children need to be toilet trained before they can attend?

No, the teachers can assist you in this area of development.

Do children need to be immunised before they can attend?

No, all children are welcome.

Are children with special needs and abilities catered for?

All children and their families/whanau, irrespective of their special needs or abilities are welcome to attend any of our kindergartens.

The teaching team will work collaboratively with you to ensure that your child and your family/whanau have a smooth transition to kindergarten and the quality programme provided at kindergarten will enhance your child’s learning and socialisation.

The teaching team will work in partnership with you to provide the necessary services and support for you and your child.

How can I apply for work at one of the Heretaunga Kindergartens?

Check out the Vacancies page for more information.

Who can I contact for further information?

You can either phone the Association on 06 876 0135 or email the Association.