FAQ
Questions / Answers
Checkout Frequently Asked Questions
Pīwakawaka Early Learning Centre is proudly New Zealand family owned and operated. Our centre owners, Aimee and Craig Ewart, moved to Australia at the beginning of 2024. Aimee is a fully qualified early childhood teacher who has a community-minded philosophy and wants to support our kaiako, children and whanau to grow and thrive.
What is the timing of the centre
The centre is open Monday to Friday from 8:00am – 4:30 pm. We will be closed on public holidays. We ask for your cooperation in dropping off and collecting children within our operating hours and as close as possible to their booked time.
What is the Organisational structure of Piwakawaka
Pīwakawaka Early Learning Centre is proudly New Zealand family owned and operated. Our centre owners, Aimee and Craig Ewart, moved to Australia at the beginning of 2024. Aimee is a fully qualified early childhood teacher who has a community-minded philosophy and wants to support our kaiako, children and whanau to grow and thrive.
What our teachers offers to you kid
Our educators are well qualified, highly motivated and skilled – we operate well above Ministry ratios and have 100% qualified teachers. Our kaiako bring a wealth of Early Childhood experiences, cultures and philosophies which underpin Pīwakawaka’s day to day practice.
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Questions / Answers
Benefits & What we do?
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Questions / Answers
What are your opening hours?
We’re open Monday to Friday, from 8:00am to 4:30pm, providing ample opportunity for your tamariki to learn and grow in a supportive, nurturing environment. We have flexible sessions for your child to attend throughout the day at times that suit your whānau. Whether you need a morning or afternoon session, we can accommodate your schedule to ensure convenience and continuity in your child’s education. We’re closed on public holidays.
What ages do you cater for?
We welcome tamariki from 3 months to 6 years old, offering a nurturing and engaging environment for children at every stage of their early learning journey.
Where are you located?
You’ll find us at 40 Shakespeare Road, Waltham, Christchurch 8023—convenient for families in Waltham, Woolston, and the City Centre, as well as those studying at Ara Polytechnic, which is just around the corner from us.
What is the daily routine like?
Our day includes a mix of child-led exploration, group learning (Hui time), kai time, outdoor play, and rest for younger children. This balance ensures that tamariki have plenty of opportunities to engage, learn, and unwind. Visit our Daily Routine page for a full breakdown of how we structure our day to support each child’s development and well-being.
Do I need to pack food for my child?
Yes. Please pack a lunchbox with enough food for morning kai, lunch, and afternoon tea. Our kaiako will support tamariki in managing their food throughout the day. You are very welcome to send food that needs to be heated for kai times, and we can heat this for your child. We encourage nutritious options to fuel your child’s learning and play throughout the day.
Can my child bring a comfort toy or blanket?
Absolutely! A cuddly, blanket, or special toy from home is welcome—especially during the settling-in phase. Our centre is well resourced and has a great variety of toys for exploring, learning, and having fun. Aside from your child’s favourite cuddly at rest time, we encourage you to keep their toys at home to ensure they don’t get lost or broken. This helps maintain a smooth and comfortable transition while ensuring your child has access to our centre’s wonderful resources.
What’s your philosophy or teaching approach?
Our kaiako foster strong relationships with your tamariki to ensure they feel safe and confident to explore and learn – the centre values whanaungatanga and manaakitanga. We follow Te Whāriki, the New Zealand Early Childhood Curriculum, fostering a love of learning through relationships, curiosity, and meaningful experiences. We celebrate bicultural and multicultural diversity in everything we do, embracing the unique backgrounds and identities of each child and their whānau. By creating an inclusive, nurturing environment, we encourage tamariki to grow as confident, competent learners who are respected and supported every step of the way.
How do you support new children settling in?
We encourage a gradual settling-in process with parent involvement. You’ll meet our friendly team, and your child can bring their special toy for comfort. The settling process looks different for every child – for some children they are happy to wave goodbye on their first day, for others, they need a key teacher to connect with, and some reassurance from their whanau before they are ready to play independently. We’re happy to support your child with their individual needs and you’re welcome to stay as long as needed.
Who are your teachers?
Our kaiako are 100% qualified, passionate, and experienced. Many come from primary and early childhood backgrounds. You’ll meet them all on our Meet the Teachers page—with fun facts and photos! Our centre also regularly supports teachers in training, as we believe the next generation of teachers can learn a lot from our experienced team.
Do you offer sleep or rest times?
Yes. We provide a calm, quiet space for tamariki who need a nap or rest, especially in the afternoons. Rest times are flexible and guided by your child’s needs. Not all children are required to sleep if this is not part of their usual routine outside of the centre, and can continue to explore and learn throughout the day while others are resting.
How do I enrol my child?
You can fill out an Enrolment Form right here on the website or Book a Visit to meet us and explore the centre first. We encourage you to come in and meet us, ask questions and stay for a while.
How do you keep parents involved?
We have an open-door policy—parents and whānau are welcome anytime. We value your input and love having families involved in our learning journey. We regularly have community events at the centre, which gives you an opportunity to connect with our friendly kaiako, and meet other families. You are also very welcome to come along on excursions out into the community.
We have kaiako available to chat to you at drop off and pick up times for discuss your child’s day, and we also use Storypark to share information about the learning happening within our environment and your child’s unique learning journey. We regularly set goals for your child, and ask for your help to determine the learning aspirations that are valued by your whanau.
What happens if I’m running late to pick up my child?
Please call us if you’re delayed from collecting your child outside of their booked session. A late fee may apply if your child remains outside of their booking, and for instances of frequent lateness you may be asked to change your booking to better suit your needs.
What if my child has additional needs or requires extra support?
We believe in inclusivity and will work with you and any professionals involved to support your child’s unique needs. Let’s have a chat during your visit.