Frequently asked questions
Small Sprouts Early Learning
FAQs
WhangaparAoa
At Small Sprouts Early Learning, we know choosing the right early learning centre is a big decision for your whanau. These FAQs cover what Whangaparaoa families ask us most: our hours and fees, funding like 20 Hours ECE, our kai and philosophy, and how to join the waitlist. If your question isn’t answered below, we’d love to korero. Please get in touch and we’ll help.
Enrolment, Ages & Availability
Which areas and suburbs do you serve?
We’re based in Stanmore Bay, in the heart of the Whangaparaoa Peninsula, and we welcome whanau from across the Hibiscus Coast, including Arkles Bay, Red Beach, Manly, Tindalls Bay, Matakatia Bay, Silverdale, Gulf Harbour and Orewa. Most families are only a short drive away, so come and see us. Book a visit.
What age groups do you cater for?
We welcome tamariki from birth to five years, across two rooms:
- Pikopiko Room – under 2s (capacity 10, usually with a waitlist)
- Koru Room – 2 to 5 years, with a strong school-ready focus
Is there space available in your under 2s room?
Our Pikopiko Room (under 2s) fills quickly and usually runs a waitlist, so if you’re considering enrolling your pepi, please get in touch early. If you’re after over-2 care, we currently have places in our Koru Room. Join the waitlist or enquire.
Do you offer full-time and part-time enrolments?
Yes, we offer both full-time and part-time enrolments, subject to availability. Under-2 spaces are limited, but we currently have room for over 2s. Get in touch here.
When should I enrol my child, and how far ahead should I join the waitlist?
It’s never too early to register your interest. Our under-2 Pikopiko Room usually runs a waitlist, so if you’re expecting or have a pepi, get in touch early. We currently have places in our Koru Room (2–5 years), so if you’re after over-2 care, now’s a great time to visit. Contact us or book a session.
How do I enrol my child?
The best first step is to book a visit, so you can meet our kaiako and see the centre. From there, we’ll guide you through enrolment. As spaces are limited, please enquire early. Get started.
Is there a minimum number of days per week?
Yes, our minimum is two days per week. We find this gives tamariki the consistency they need to build strong, trusting relationships with their kaiako.
Do you offer settling-in visits before we enrol?
Yes. A positive transition is central to our philosophy, so we work with each parent to plan settling-in visits that suit your child.
What happens after I enquire, what’s the process and timeframe?
We typically reply within 24 hours, and in many cases we can arrange a visit to the centre that same day.
Fees & Funding
What are your fees?
Fees vary by your child’s age and the hours you need. Many families are eligible for government funding, such as 20 Hours ECE, FamilyBoost or the Work and Income Childcare Subsidy, that reduces the cost (see the funding questions below). For a personalised breakdown, get in touch.
What is 20 Hours ECE, and is my child eligible?
20 Hours ECE is government funding covering up to 6 hours a day (20 hours a week) of early learning for tamariki aged 3, 4 and 5. Eligibility starts on your child’s third birthday and it’s open to every family, regardless of income. As a licensed centre offering 20 Hours ECE, we don’t charge fees for those funded hours once your child turns 3 (optional charges may apply for extras). See Government Funding, or the NZ Government’s ECE funding page.
Can I get help with fees through the Work and Income Childcare Subsidy?
Yes. The Childcare Subsidy helps eligible families with pre-school care costs, and it can be used for tamariki under 3 (before 20 Hours ECE begins) as well as older children. It’s income-tested, generally up to 9 hours a week, or up to 50 hours if you’re working, studying or training, and can sit alongside 20 Hours ECE for different hours. Contact us, or check the Work and Income Childcare Subsidy page.
Do you offer a sibling discount?
Yes, we offer a discount for families enrolling more than one child. Get in touch for the current rate.
Are there any optional extra charges, and what do they cover?
No, there are no optional extra charges. Our fees cover everything, including all meals and snacks prepared by our onsite chef.
Do I pay fees when my child is sick or away on holiday?
Yes, fees are payable during sick days and when your child is away, as this secures their place with us. Once your child has been enrolled for 12 months, you’re entitled to two weeks of fee-free leave each year.
How is the Childcare Subsidy applied, straight to my fees?
Yes, the subsidy is applied directly to your fees. Depending on the amount you’re approved for, a top-up payment from you as the parent may still be required. See Government Funding or Contact Us if you’d like help working out your likely subsidy.
Our Programme & Philosophy
What curriculum does Small Sprouts follow?
Our teaching is grounded in Te Whariki (the New Zealand early childhood curriculum) and inspired by RIE and Reggio Emilia, creating a calm, respectful, heart-led approach to learning. We also weave in elements of Montessori-style experiences, like practical life skills, threading, sewing and baking. Read more.
What makes Small Sprouts different?
- A high ratio of qualified kaiako, all on full pay parity
- Nature-rich indoor and outdoor environments
- Heart-led teaching grounded in Te Whariki
- Wholesome, fresh, nut-free kai prepared on site daily
- Family-owned and locally run on the Hibiscus Coast
How do you support children’s emotional wellbeing?
Our kaiako prioritise social and emotional learning, guided by He Mapuna te Tamaiti and Te Whariki. We support tamariki to name their feelings, build empathy and develop resilience in a calm, secure environment. Our philosophy.
How do you prepare children for school?
In our Koru Room, our older tamariki build independence, self-help skills and confidence: things like opening lunchboxes, cutting packets safely, making choices and managing routines, so they start school feeling capable and secure. See our Koru Room.
How do I choose the right early learning centre in Whangaparaoa?
It helps to look at the child-to-kaiako ratios, how many teachers are qualified and registered, the daily food and how allergies are handled, the amount of natural outdoor space, and the centre’s philosophy. The best test is to visit and see how settled and engaged the tamariki are. Learn about our approach, or book a session.
What’s the difference between daycare, kindergarten, preschool and an early learning centre?
In New Zealand these terms overlap a lot. “Early learning centre” (or education and care service) is the broad, current term for a licensed, teacher-led service for tamariki from birth to school age. That’s Small Sprouts. “Daycare”, “preschool” and “childcare” are everyday words for much the same thing, while “kindergarten” traditionally means sessional services run by kindergarten associations. What matters most is that a service is MoE-licensed and teacher-led. Read more about us.
What does a typical day look like?
Every day is thoughtfully balanced between exploration, connection and calm moments.
- Morning: warm welcomes, and time for independent play and discovery. Morning tea around 9:30am.
- Mid-morning: outdoor exploration, creative experiences, group learning and rich conversations with kaiako, with literacy and numeracy woven in through play.
- Lunch: fresh, nourishing kai prepared on site, followed by together time (stories, songs, music and movement) and sleeps if required.
- Afternoon: more outdoor exploration and group learning, with afternoon tea around 2:30pm, followed by storytelling, literacy and numeracy through play, and quiet wind-down time.
How do you weave te ao Maori and tikanga into the day?
We weave it naturally into our day, from waiata (songs) to karakia before we share kai together. Rather than a separate activity, it’s simply part of the natural rhythm of our day.
How do you document and share my child’s learning?
We use Home by Xplor to document and share your child’s learning journey with you.
Food, Nature & Daily Life
What hours is Small Sprouts open?
We’re open 7:00am to 5:30pm, Monday to Friday, and closed on weekends and public holidays. Learn more about our daily rhythm and rooms.
What meals do you provide?
We prepare nutritious, seasonal kai on site each day: morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea. We’re a nut-free centre and cater for allergies and dietary needs. See more.
What outdoor space and nature play do you offer?
Outdoor, nature-rich play is at the heart of what we do. Our tamariki spend time every day in our own generous natural outdoor space, exploring and climbing. We love the Hibiscus Coast’s parks too. We’ve put together a local playgrounds guide for weekend adventures. See our rooms and spaces.
Do you offer holiday care?
Yes. We’re open year-round from 7:00am to 5:30pm, except public holidays and a short Christmas and New Year break. Details.
Do I need to provide anything (food, nappies, spare clothes)?
Just nappies and a spare set of clothes. Our onsite chef prepares all meals, so you don’t need to bring any food.
Our Team, Safety & Quality
What qualifications do your teachers have?
Over 80% of our kaiako are fully qualified and registered, and all our teaching team are on full pay parity. We also mentor provisionally registered teachers and those in training. Meet our team.
What are your teacher-to-child ratios?
We keep our ratios low so every child gets plenty of warm, responsive attention: 1 kaiako to every 4 children under 2, and 1 to 8 for over 2s. Come and see our kaiako in action: About Us.
Are your kaiako first-aid trained?
Yes, all our kaiako are first-aid trained.
Settling In & Whanau
Do you have a transition process for new children?
Yes. We co-design a calm transition with each whanau, often including pre-visits and shorter early sessions, so every child settles securely at their own pace. These sessions are at no cost. Getting-started info.
How do you involve parents and whanau?
Whanau are essential partners. We share learning stories and daily updates, welcome your involvement in centre life and events, and invite feedback through regular korero and policy reviews. Stay connected.
🌱 Ready to Join Our Whanau?
Choosing the right early learning centre is a big decision — we’d love to talk it through with you. Whether you’re curious about our philosophy, want to book a visit, or are ready to start your enrolment journey, we’re here to help.
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