cherry-grove-childcare

Centre-Based vs. Home-Based Care: Which is Right for Your Family?

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 19:27:12 GMT

Home-based ECE vs Centre-based Childcare: Choosing the Best Early Learning for Your Child

Key Takeaways

Centre-based services are the primary choice for the majority of New Zealand families.
Home-based care offers a smaller, more intimate group setting within a residential environment.
Quality outcomes for children depend on actual teacher-to-child ratios and staff stability.
Purpose-built centres provide expansive outdoor spaces and age-specific learning environments.
Choosing the right model requires balancing your child’s temperament with your family’s daily rhythm.

Deciding on the right early childhood education (ECE) for your child is one of the most significant choices you will make as a parent. In our experience, families in Havelock North and the wider Hawke’s Bay region often find themselves weighing up two distinct paths: the intimate, small-group setting of home-based care or the social, resource-rich environment of a purpose-built centre. Both models are part of a regulated system designed to support the development of our tamariki (children), but they offer very different daily experiences.

Most families in Aotearoa currently lean towards the centre-based model. According to the Ministry of Education’s 2025 ECE Census, 72% of children attending a licensed early learning service were in an education and care centre . This preference is even more pronounced as children grow older, with 89% of four-year-olds in the estimated population attending a service during the census week. While home-based care remains a valued part of the sector, the structured social opportunities and expansive facilities of centres continue to meet the needs of the majority. When you are choosing the right childcare in Havelock North , understanding these statistics helps ground your decision in the current landscape of New Zealand education.

What is a home-based educator?

A home-based educator is a person who provides care and education for a small group of children within a home environment. This model focuses on a "home away from home" feel, where the educator’s own house serves as the primary learning space. Licensed home-based care allows a maximum of four children under six per educator, with no more than two children under the age of two at any time. This small group size can be a great fit for infants or children who thrive in quieter, more predictable settings.

Home-based care often involves the educator taking children on an outing to a local park, library, or playgroup to socialise. Because the group is so small, the educator can follow the individual rhythms of each child closely. However, the quality of this experience relies heavily on the individual educator’s skills and the support they receive from their parent organisation. While 80% of home-based educators are qualified, this includes a mix of specific home-based qualifications and ECE or primary teaching degrees.

How does a centre-based ECE service operate?

A centre-based ECE service operates in a purpose-built or specifically adapted facility designed to cater to larger groups of children, often divided into age-specific rooms. These centres employ a team of qualified teachers and provide a wide range of resources, from art studios to expansive outdoor playgrounds. For many parents, the primary draw of a centre is the opportunity for their child to socialise with a diverse group of peers and experience a broad curriculum.

We have seen that a high-quality centre can offer advantages that are difficult to replicate in a home setting. For example, our unique Cherry Grove environment features over an acre and a half of wide-open land made for playing and exploring. Having this much space allows children to engage in large-scale physical play and nature-based discovery every day. Centres also provide a sense of stability, if one teacher is unwell, the centre remains open and the child is cared for by other familiar members of the teaching team.

Supervision and Ratios: Comparing the Models

Legal minimum ratios in New Zealand set the baseline for safety, but they vary significantly between the two models. For teacher-led centre-based ECE, the legal minimum ratios are 1:5 for children under two and 1:10 for children aged two and over . In contrast, home-based care is capped at 1:4. While the home-based ratio looks better on paper for older children, it is important to look at the "effective ratio" in a centre. Many quality centres choose to staff above these minimums, particularly for infants, where a 1:3 or 1:4 ratio is often the goal for best practice.

We recommend parents ask potential providers about their actual staffing levels rather than just the legal minimums. You should ask how many qualified teachers are on the floor at any given time and how they manage ratios during staff breaks. In a centre, a large teaching staff provides a collective pool of knowledge and support, ensuring that children are always supervised by multiple adults who can collaborate on learning programmes and safety.

Understanding Quality and Due Diligence

Quality varies across all types of childcare, making it essential for parents to look past marketing and observe the daily reality of a service. A 2023 survey by the Office of Early Childhood Education (OECE) highlighted some of the challenges within the sector. The survey found that 26% of surveyed teachers would not enrol their own child at their current service or one of comparable quality. Furthermore, 45.5% of teachers in education and care centres reported breaches of minimum adult-to-child ratios at least rarely.

These figures emphasize why visiting a service in person is vital. Whether you are looking at a home-based educator or a centre, watch how the adults interact with the children. Do they have time for individual conversations? Do the children seem settled and engaged? A quality service will have a clear, values-driven approach to teaching and a stable team that understands each child’s unique needs. Participation in ECE is almost universal for four-year-olds in New Zealand because high-quality ECE is linked to better developmental and school-readiness outcomes . The key word here is quality.

Relationships and the Philosophy of Whanaungatanga

Building strong relationships is the foundation of any successful early learning experience. In New Zealand, we call this whanaungatanga, which refers to the process of establishing relationships and a sense of belonging. A centre-based model often excels here by creating a community of families. At Cherry Grove, we focus on close relationships with families as the basis for celebrating children’s outcomes. This commitment is a core part of our childcare philosophy , which views children as competent, independent learners.

While a home-based educator offers a deep connection with one person, a centre offers a network of support. This includes age-specific rooms where children can transition through different developmental stages, such as our Seeds nursery for infants through to our Honey Bees room for those preparing for school. This structure allows children to socialise with peers at the same developmental level while still being part of a larger, nurturing community.

What about cost and subsidies?

Costs for childcare in Hawke’s Bay can vary depending on the age of your child, the hours they attend, and the specific inclusions of the service. New Zealand families have access to several forms of government support, including the 20 Hours ECE subsidy for three, four, and five-year-olds, and WINZ Childcare Subsidies for eligible families. Understanding these options is a crucial part of the decision-making process.

We believe in being straightforward with families about financial commitments. If you are currently navigating the financial side of this decision, our guide on decoding childcare costs in Hawke’s Bay provides a detailed breakdown of how subsidies work and what you can expect. We also offer a free on-site Family Centre for parents with children from birth to five years old, providing a space to connect and play without the pressure of formal enrolment fees. Whether you choose the intimate setting of a home-based educator or the expansive opportunities of a purpose-built centre, the goal remains the same: ensuring your child has a safe, nurturing space to learn and grow.

The Ultimate Childcare Centre Tour Checklist: 15 Questions to Ask

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 19:24:33 GMT

Choosing the Right Childcare: A 15-Question Tour Checklist for Hawke’s Bay Parents

Key Takeaways

Prioritise reliability and staff qualifications as these are the top factors for most families.
Verify adult-to-child ratios against best-practice benchmarks to ensure your child receives enough individual attention.
Evaluate the physical environment and safety protocols to ensure a secure and stimulating space for learning.
Ask direct questions about fee structures and subsidy support to manage your household budget effectively.
Look for a philosophy that treats children as capable learners and fosters strong family relationships.

Choosing a childcare centre is one of the most significant decisions you will make for your family. It carries immense emotional weight and represents a major financial commitment. We understand that walking into a new centre can feel overwhelming. You might find yourself relying on a gut feeling, but having a structured plan helps you move from uncertainty to confidence.

Research shows that your concerns are shared by almost every other parent. According to data from the U.S. National Center for Education Statistics, 87% of parents rated reliability of care as very important , followed closely by available times for care at 75% and staff qualifications at 72%. We believe that a high-quality centre should welcome your most discerning questions. This checklist is designed to help you compare any Hawke’s Bay centre on the factors that truly matter.

Safety and Staff Quality

Safety is the foundation of any good early childhood environment. You need to know that the people looking after your little one are vetted, professional, and genuinely caring. A national poll found that around 45% of parents rated staff background checks among their top five factors for centre-based care. The same study noted that 70% of parents would avoid a centre in an area they perceived as unsafe. When you visit a centre, pay close attention to the security of the building and the demeanour of the educators.

1. What is your process for vetting staff and conducting background checks?

2. How do you manage site security and ensure only authorised people can enter or leave with a child?

3. What are the qualifications of the teachers who will be directly responsible for my child’s room?

4. How do you handle medical emergencies or sudden illnesses during the day?

In our experience, the best centres are transparent about their safety protocols. We encourage you to look for a Hawke’s Bay childcare and family centre that prioritises a secure, nurturing environment where safety is woven into the daily rhythm rather than treated as an afterthought.

Understanding Ratios and Group Sizes

The number of children per teacher significantly impacts the quality of care your child receives. Smaller groups allow for more responsive, supportive interactions, which are essential for emotional development. Ministry of Education requirements set the minimums, but best-practice guidelines often suggest even lower numbers for optimal care.

5. What is the specific adult-to-child ratio in my child’s age group?

6. How do you maintain these ratios during staff breaks or illness?

7. What is the maximum group size for this room?

Authoritative benchmarks from Child Care Aware recommend specific ratios to ensure quality. For infants under 12 months, the goal is 3 to 4 children per caregiver with a maximum group size of 8. For two-year-olds, the recommendation is 4 to 6 children per caregiver with a maximum group of 12. As children get older, these groups can gradually increase, such as 8 to 10 children per caregiver for four-year-olds. We have seen that smaller group sizes across age-specific rooms lead to calmer, more engaged children who feel seen and heard.

Learning Environment and Daily Rhythm

A child’s environment acts as a third teacher. You want a space that sparks curiosity and allows for both active play and quiet reflection. We believe that children are naturally competent and curious learners. The way a centre structures its day and its physical space should reflect a respect for that innate wonder.

8. How does your educational philosophy support my child as a curious, capable learner?

9. Can you describe the daily rhythm and how you balance structured activity with free play?

10. How much time do children spend outdoors, and what does your outdoor space offer?

11. How do you support children during transitions, such as moving from the nursery to the toddler room?

We have found that a nature-rich, relationship-focused philosophy creates the best outcomes for children. Look for environments that feel naturally beautiful and stimulating. A unique outdoor space that encourages exploration is often a sign of a centre that values holistic development over simple supervision.

Partnership and Communication

Your relationship with the centre is just as important as your child’s relationship with their teacher. We use the term whanaungatanga to describe the deep, family-like relationships we aim to build with our community. You should feel like a partner in your child’s learning journey.

12. How do you communicate my child’s daily progress and milestones to me?

13. How do you build ongoing relationships with whānau and involve us in the centre community?

14. What support do you offer for families, such as spaces to connect or resources for parents?

Effective communication prevents the anxiety that can come with leaving your child in someone else's care. Whether it is a quick chat at pickup or a formal digital portfolio, you should feel well-informed about your child’s social interactions and learning experiences.

Costs, Fees, and Subsidies

Childcare is a major household expense in New Zealand. A 2021 UNICEF report highlighted that for an average New Zealand couple with two children in full-time care, up to 37% of household income can go towards childcare fees . Understanding the financial side is essential for long-term planning.

15. What is the full fee structure, what is included, and how do you support families with WINZ or 20 Hours ECE subsidies?

Costs can vary based on the age of your child and the hours you require. Infant and toddler care often costs more due to the stricter ratios and higher staffing needs mentioned earlier. We recommend reading our guide on decoding childcare costs in Hawke’s Bay for a deeper dive into budgeting and the upcoming changes to government support. A transparent centre will be happy to provide a personalised fee breakdown and help you with the necessary paperwork.

Putting the Checklist into Action

We believe that asking these 15 questions will give you the clarity you need to make the right choice. A tour is more than just looking at the facilities. It is an opportunity to see if the centre’s values align with your own and if the environment feels like a place where your child can truly thrive. We invite you to book a tour of our facilities at a time that suits you. We would love to show you how we put these principles into practice every day and answer any questions you have about our nursery, kindergarten, or our free Family Centre.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about childcare options and costs in New Zealand. Financial situations and subsidy eligibility vary by individual circumstances. We recommend contacting the Ministry of Social Development or a qualified financial advisor for specific advice regarding your family's situation.

First Day Jitters: A Parent's Guide to a Smooth Daycare Transition

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 19:24:01 GMT

Managing First Day Jitters: A Guide for Families Starting Daycare

Key Takeaways

Children experience a measurable physiological response to starting care, with stress hormones often peaking in the first two weeks.
Developmental stages like stranger fear and separation anxiety naturally peak between 7 and 18 months of age.
Settling is a gradual process that typically shows significant improvement after six months of consistent care.
A successful transition relies on strong partnerships between parents and educators, alongside predictable goodbye routines.
Financial planning and understanding available government subsidies can help reduce the overall stress of the transition.

Starting daycare represents a significant developmental milestone for your child and a major emotional hurdle for the entire family. We recognise that the first drop-off often feels heavy, filled with a mix of excitement for your child’s growth and the natural ache of separation. At Cherry Grove, we view ourselves as a nurturing, attachment-focused partner. We understand these first-day jitters from both the child’s and the parent’s perspective, and we are here to ensure that this transition leads to a sense of belonging and security.

The Science of Settling: Understanding Your Child’s Response

Distress in the early weeks of childcare is a common experience that research can now quantify. A longitudinal study of toddlers entering out-of-home care found that during the first two weeks without their parents, children’s levels of cortisol were 75-100% higher than at home. Cortisol is a hormone the body produces to help manage stress and new situations, so this finding validates the intensity parents often observe. Your child’s body is literally working harder to cope with the change, which is why they may seem more tired or sensitive during those initial weeks.

The study, which can be found at PMC , also indicates that settling is a marathon rather than a sprint. While we often see modest behavioural changes after three months, substantial improvements in social interaction and mood typically appear after approximately six months in care. We have seen this timeline play out many times, and we encourage parents to stay consistent, knowing that these physiological stress levels do settle as the environment becomes familiar and safe.

Why Toddlers Often Find Transitions Hardest

The timing of starting daycare often coincides with specific developmental leaps that make separation feel more intense. According to evidence-based guidance, fear of strangers usually peaks around 7-10 months of age. This is followed by separation anxiety, which typically peaks around 14-18 months. These windows are exactly when many families begin their ECE journey, which explains why a toddler might suddenly cling more tightly even if they seemed confident a few weeks prior.

We address these developmental peaks through our specialised environments. Our nursery provides individualised care for infants aged 6-18 months, ensuring their home rhythms for sleep and feeding are respected. For those moving into the toddler stage, our Buds Classroom supports children from 18 months onward in small groups. You can learn more about how our infants and toddlers programme in Havelock North is designed to provide the responsive, physically loving environment these age groups require.

Practical Strategies for a Calmer Transition

Preparation begins well before the first official morning. We recommend starting with short days where possible, as gradual exposure helps a child build trust in the new environment without feeling overwhelmed. Staying with your child for the first few visits allows them to explore the new space while using you as a secure base. As they become more comfortable, you can gradually increase the time they spend with their new teachers.

Predictable goodbye rituals are another essential tool. A quick, warm, and confident goodbye tells your child that you are comfortable leaving them in our care, which in turn helps them feel safe. We suggest using a consistent phrase or a special wave every time you leave. For more detailed advice on managing these early emotions, the Raising Children Network offers excellent resources on developmental anxiety peaks. Additionally, their guide on planning for childcare reinforces the importance of coordinating closely with educators to find a routine that works for your specific child.

The Role of Secure Attachment

The quality of the relationship between your child and their educator is the single most important factor in a successful transition. Attachment is a relational process that becomes particularly evident around 8 months of age, when infants begin to understand that loved ones still exist even when they are out of sight. Our teaching team is chosen for their ability to form deep, consistent bonds with every child, ensuring they feel loved regardless of the challenges they might face during the day.

We believe that when a child feels securely attached to their carer, they gain the confidence to explore, learn, and interact with their peers. This philosophy is at the heart of everything we do, as we know that early connections shape how children understand relationships for the rest of their lives. You can read more about why secure attachment is the key to a successful start in early childcare and how it influences our daily practice in Havelock North.

Navigating the Financial Transition

We understand that the emotional weight of starting daycare is often accompanied by financial considerations. Childcare is a significant household expense in New Zealand. A 2021 UNICEF report highlighted that for an average couple with two children in full-time care, up to 37% of their household income can go towards fees. Even after government support, families in some regions pay an average of $159 per week for early childhood education. While specific costs can vary based on your needs, we are committed to transparency and helping you manage this aspect of the transition.

Our team is here to help you navigate the paperwork for the WINZ Childcare Subsidy and 20 Hours ECE. We believe that clear communication about costs helps reduce overall family stress, allowing you to focus on your child’s well-being. For a deeper look at budgeting and subsidies, we recommend understanding childcare costs and government support in Hawke’s Bay through our dedicated guide. We also offer a free Family Centre where parents can connect and support one another, fostering the sense of whanaungatanga that defines our community.

Building a Lasting Partnership

The journey of starting daycare is a shared one. We view the relationship between home and centre as a partnership built on trust, open communication, and a shared love for your child. While the first few weeks may involve some tears and higher cortisol levels, these are the building blocks of resilience and social growth. By working together, we can ensure that the first-day jitters eventually transform into a morning routine filled with smiles and a genuine love for learning.

The Power of the Playground: How Outdoor Learning Shapes Young Minds

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 19:22:52 GMT

Early Childhood Education: The Power of Nature-Based Play

Key Takeaways

Nature-based play serves as a primary driver for cognitive, physical, and social-emotional development in children aged 0 to 6.
Access to expansive green spaces during early childhood correlates with improved mental health and physical wellbeing into the teenage years.
Managed risky play enables tamariki to build essential risk-assessment skills and resilience while reducing the likelihood of future anxiety.
High-quality outdoor environments provide more complex opportunities for imaginative and cooperative learning than traditional manufactured playgrounds.

Choosing the right early childhood education (ECE) path for your child involves looking beyond the four walls of a classroom. In our experience, the environment where a child spends their day acts as the third teacher, shaping how they interact with the world and their peers. While modern life often pushes tamariki toward screens and structured indoor activities, the natural world remains the most potent laboratory for learning.

We see outdoor play as a fundamental requirement for healthy growth rather than a simple break from learning. Research from The Education Hub confirms that outdoor play correlates with higher physical activity levels, which are linked to vital health benefits including physical fitness, metabolic function, and bone health. Conversely, a lack of access to these spaces contributes to increased levels of depression and obesity in children. By providing wide-open spaces, we help families prioritise the long-term health of their children from the very start of their educational journey.

Why Early Outdoor Play Shapes Life-Long Outcomes

The benefits of playing under the sun and among the trees extend far beyond the preschool years. We often talk to parents about the long-term investment they are making when they choose a nature-rich environment. A longitudinal study of nearly 5,000 children found that access to green space from ages 4 to 5 was positively associated with better mental health and health-related quality of life at ages 14 to 15. This research highlights that prosocial behaviour, such as sharing and helping others, acts as a key pathway between early nature contact and adolescent wellbeing.

At our centre, we see this play out daily. Our tamariki develop a deep sense of belonging and social competence as they navigate shared spaces. You can learn more about how we facilitate these experiences by exploring our unique, acre-and-a-half outdoor environment in Havelock North , which is specifically designed to foster these lifelong developmental pathways.

The Role of Managed Risk in Children’s Development

It is natural for parents to feel protective, but allowing children to experience managed risk is essential for their confidence. We define risky play as thrilling and exciting forms of physical play that involve uncertainty and the potential for a tumble. Research indicates that children from ages 1 to 6 regularly engage in risky play at a level suited to their competence , and these experiences are positively associated with better risk management skills.

When we restrict these movements too heavily, we risk creating boring playgrounds that fail to challenge a child’s growing mind. Curbing this autonomy may actually increase the likelihood of anxiety in childhood and into adulthood. In our experience, when a child learns to climb a hill or balance on a log, they are learning how to assess their own limits. This hands-on approach to learning is supported by a New Zealand case study on unstructured bush explorer activities , which found that such outdoor education experiences have a significant effect on the later stages of adulthood.

Building a Foundation for School Readiness

Many whānau ask us how outdoor play relates to traditional academic success. The connection is stronger than you might think. High-quality natural environments with trees and hills are associated with improved attention and inhibitory control. This means that after a session of big body play outdoors, children are often better able to focus on classroom activities that require concentration. This is a core part of our early childhood teaching philosophy.

We focus on preparing children for the next step in their journey through our dedicated transition to school programme. Statistics show that children who are kindergarten ready have an 82 percent chance of mastering basic skills by age 11. We use our park-like grounds to build the resilience and problem-solving skills necessary for this transition. You can read more about how outdoor-rich kindergarten prepares children for school and life on our dedicated blog.

The Cherry Grove Difference in Havelock North

Our centre is set on over an acre and a half of wide-open land made for playing and exploring. We believe that early childhood education should feel like a second home, which is why we have eight age-and-stage rooms to ensure small groups and individualised care. From our nursery rooms like Seeds and Sprouts to our senior rooms, every child has the freedom and space to run, ride bikes, and climb hills in our large park-like outdoors environment.

For our oldest tamariki, our dedicated Honey Bees transition to school room in Havelock North provides a bridge between the play-based world of ECE and the structured environment of primary school. Here, we weave Te Whāriki, the New Zealand early childhood curriculum, into every outdoor adventure. Whether they are building a fort or investigating insects, they are developing the early literacy and numeracy skills that will serve them for years to come.

Supporting the Whole Whānau

We know that a child’s education is a partnership between the centre and the home. Our unique layout includes a dedicated Family Centre, a space where parents can learn and play alongside their children. This helps bridge the gap between home and the centre, ensuring that the benefits of nature-based play and our education programme are understood and supported by the whole family. Costs for ECE services can vary depending on your child's age and the hours required, and we are always happy to discuss study options or how our qualification-led teaching staff support your child's specific needs.

By choosing an environment that prioritises the outdoors, you are giving your child the space to grow into a confident, curious, and resilient learner. In the Hawke’s Bay, we are lucky to have the space to make this a reality every single day.

Decoding Childcare Costs in Hawke's Bay: A Guide for Parents

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 21:10:42 GMT

Understanding Childcare Costs in Hawke's Bay: A Parent's Guide

Key Takeaways

Childcare is a major household expense in New Zealand, with some families spending up to 37% of their income on fees.
The final cost of care varies significantly based on your child's age, the number of hours they attend, and your location within NZ.
Government assistance, including the WINZ Childcare Subsidy and 20 Hours ECE for three and four year old children, is available to help reduce the financial burden.
Eligibility for childcare subsidies is set to expand in late 2025, meaning more families will qualify for financial support.
A good childcare centre should be transparent about its fees and what is included, helping you plan your budget with confidence.

Let's talk about something we discuss with Hawke's Bay parents every single day: the cost of childcare. It’s a huge consideration, and the financial pressure it places on families is very real. You’re not just imagining it. For many families, the numbers are genuinely daunting. In fact, New Zealand has one of the least affordable childcare systems in the developed world. A 2021 UNICEF report highlighted that for an average couple with two children in full-time care, up to 37% of their household income could be going towards these fees.

That’s a massive slice of the budget.

We see firsthand how this financial strain affects families. It influences decisions about returning to work, career choices, and overall household well-being. But our goal here is to replace that anxiety with clarity. We believe that understanding how childcare costs are structured is the first step toward managing them effectively. It’s about empowering you with the right information so you can make the best choices for your family.

How Childcare Costs Vary: From Wellington to Hawke's Bay

One of the first things to understand is that there's no single, nationwide price for childcare. Costs can change quite a bit depending on where you live. Urban centres with higher operating costs, like Auckland and Wellington, often have higher fees. For instance, recent data showed that after subsidies, a Wellington family could be paying an average of $159 per week for Early Childhood Education (ECE).

While Hawke’s Bay typically has more moderate costs compared to the big cities, the same principles apply. The final figure on your invoice is influenced by a handful of key factors that are important for every parent to understand.

Breaking Down the Bill: What Influences Your Childcare Fees?

When you get a fee schedule, it can sometimes feel like you need a decoder ring. In our experience, the price comes down to a few core elements. Here’s what you need to look for.

Your Child's Age

This is the biggest variable. Care for infants and toddlers (under three years old) is almost always more expensive than for preschool-aged children. This isn't an arbitrary rule; it's based on the Ministry of Education's strict regulations for teacher-to-child ratios. Younger children require more individual attention and care, so we need more teachers in our nursery and toddler rooms to ensure every child is safe, nurtured, and supported. Once your child turns three, the ratio requirements change, and costs typically decrease.

Hours of Attendance

This one is more straightforward. Are you looking for full-time care to cover your working week, or do you need a few part-time days? Most centres offer different enrolment options, from short days and school hours to full-day sessions. We find that being clear about the hours you truly need helps you avoid paying for care you won't use. Think about your work schedule, commute times, and what rhythm best suits your child.

What's Included (and What's Not)

This is where transparency from a centre is critical. "Fees" can mean different things at different places. Does the weekly fee include meals, snacks, and milk? What about nappies? Some centres include everything, creating a simple, all-inclusive price. Others may charge a base fee and ask parents to supply these items themselves. There's no right or wrong approach, but you need to know what you’re paying for to accurately compare options and budget accordingly.

Your Guide to Government Subsidies & Financial Support

The good news is that you don't have to bear the full cost alone. The New Zealand government provides significant financial assistance to make ECE more accessible. Navigating this system can feel confusing, so here’s a simple breakdown of the main support available.

The WINZ Childcare Subsidy

The Childcare Subsidy is administered by Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ) and is the primary form of financial support for families. It's income-tested, meaning your eligibility and the amount you receive depend on how much your household earns. It can be used for children under five (or under six if they have a disability) and can cover up to nine hours of care per week if you're not working, or more if you are working or studying. We help families with the paperwork for this all the time; it’s a standard part of the enrolment process.

20 Hours ECE

Once your child turns three, they become eligible for 20 Hours ECE. This government scheme provides up to 20 hours of free childcare per week (to a maximum of six hours per day). It’s not income-tested, so every child aged three to five is entitled to it. Many parents use this to significantly reduce their weekly fees. You simply sign a form at our centre, and we handle the rest of the claim on your behalf.

Exciting Changes on the Horizon

It's also worth knowing that more help is on the way. The government has announced an expansion of childcare support. From November 2025, more families will qualify for subsidies as the income thresholds are being updated. This change is designed to give more working families access to financial relief, which is a fantastic development for our communities.

More Than Just a Service: Our Commitment to Whanaungatanga

For us, discussing fees isn't just a business transaction; it's part of building a strong, trusting relationship with you. This partnership is at the heart of our philosophy, a concept we know as whanaungatanga . It means we see ourselves as an extension of your family, working together to give your child the best possible start. That’s why we believe in being completely open about costs from the very beginning.

Our commitment to families goes beyond the children enrolled with us. It’s why we established a dedicated resource, Our Family Centre , right here on-site. It’s a completely free space for parents with young children (from birth to five years) to come and connect. You can meet other local parents, share a coffee, and let your little ones play in a safe, supportive environment. It’s our way of supporting the entire family journey, not just the hours your child is in our care.

Getting Clarity: Your Next Steps

We know this is a lot to take in. The single best thing you can do is have a direct conversation. We encourage you to get in touch with us for a clear, personalised breakdown of what your fees would look like. There are no silly questions, and we’re happy to walk you through all the variables and help you understand the potential subsidy you could receive.

We’ve structured our centre to make these conversations easy. When you’re ready, you can reach out to us directly . We even have dedicated phone lines for our Nursery, Toddlers, and Kindergarten rooms, so you can speak with the team best suited to answer questions about your child's specific age group. Let's work together to find a solution that fits your family’s needs and budget.

_Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only. While we strive to keep the information up-to-date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind about the completeness or accuracy. For definitive advice on your eligibility for government subsidies, please consult Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ) directly._

Beyond Play: The Heart of New Zealand's Early Childhood Education Framework

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 02:41:35 GMT

The Benefits of Play-Based Learning: Why it Works

Key Takeaways

Play-based learning fosters holistic development, nurturing cognitive, social, emotional, and physical skills simultaneously.
Children learn best when they are actively engaged and intrinsically motivated, which play naturally provides.
This approach encourages problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking in a supportive environment.
Educators act as facilitators, guiding children's explorations and extending their learning through observation and interaction.
It's a foundational approach that prepares children for future academic success and lifelong learning.

At our centre, we've seen firsthand the incredible power of play-based learning. It's not just about having fun; it's a deeply intentional approach that underpins everything we do. We believe that when children play, they are doing their most important work – they are learning, growing, and making sense of the world around them.

Our philosophy is rooted in the understanding that children are natural explorers and scientists. They learn by doing, experimenting, and interacting with their environment and with others. This is why our philosophy embraces play as the primary vehicle for early childhood education.

What is Play-Based Learning?

Play-based learning is an educational approach where children learn through play. It's about providing rich, stimulating environments and opportunities for children to explore, discover, create, and problem-solve at their own pace. In our experience, this looks like children building elaborate structures with blocks, engaging in dramatic play scenarios, or investigating the properties of water and sand.

We've found that this method contrasts sharply with more traditional, didactic teaching where information is simply delivered to passive learners. Instead, we encourage active participation and curiosity, ensuring that every child feels empowered to lead their own learning journey.

The Profound Benefits of Play-Based Learning

The advantages of a play-based approach are extensive, touching every aspect of a child's development. We've seen these benefits unfold daily within our classrooms.

Cognitive Development

When children engage in play, their brains are incredibly active. They are constantly making connections, solving puzzles, and developing their understanding of concepts. For example, building with blocks teaches spatial reasoning and basic physics, while board games introduce number sense and strategic thinking. A study published in the Journal of Early Childhood Research highlights that play significantly contributes to cognitive development, fostering problem-solving skills and critical thinking from a young age.

We observe children developing their language skills through storytelling during imaginative play and expanding their vocabulary as they describe their creations or discoveries. It's a natural, organic way for complex cognitive processes to develop.

Social and Emotional Growth

Play is a powerful tool for developing crucial social and emotional skills. Through shared play experiences, children learn to negotiate, share, cooperate, and resolve conflicts. They learn to understand different perspectives, develop empathy, and build friendships.

A common scenario we observe is children collaborating to build a fort. They must communicate their ideas, compromise on design elements, and work together to achieve a common goal. These interactions are invaluable for fostering emotional regulation and social competence, skills that are essential for success in school and life.

Physical Development

From fine motor skills involved in drawing and manipulating small objects to gross motor skills developed through running, jumping, and climbing, play provides endless opportunities for physical development. Our outdoor play areas are designed to encourage active exploration, allowing children to strengthen their bodies and improve coordination.

We've seen children gain confidence in their physical abilities as they master new challenges, whether it's balancing on a beam or pedalling a tricycle. This physical activity is also vital for overall health and well-being.

Creativity and Imagination

Play is the birthplace of creativity. When children are free to explore without rigid rules or predetermined outcomes, their imaginations soar. They invent stories, create new worlds, and express themselves in unique ways.

We provide open-ended materials – things like loose parts, art supplies, and dress-up clothes – that can be used in countless ways. This encourages divergent thinking and allows children to express their individuality. It’s truly inspiring to witness the innovative solutions and imaginative narratives they come up with.

The Role of the Educator in Play-Based Learning

Our educators are not simply observers; they are active participants and facilitators in the learning process. We carefully design environments that invite exploration and provide resources that spark curiosity. We also know when to step back and when to step in.

In our experience, a skilled educator observes children's play, identifies teachable moments, and extends learning through thoughtful questions and suggestions. For example, if children are building a bridge, an educator might ask, "What do you think will happen if we add more weight here?" or "How can we make it stronger?" This subtle guidance deepens their understanding without stifling their autonomy.

Why We Champion Play-Based Learning

We champion play-based learning because we believe it's the most effective way to prepare children for a future that demands adaptability, creativity, and strong interpersonal skills. It's an approach that respects the child as an individual, fostering a love of learning that lasts a lifetime.

Costs can vary for early childhood education, but the investment in a play-based approach pays dividends in a child's holistic development. We see it as laying a strong foundation for future academic success and personal well-being. It’s about nurturing happy, confident, and capable learners.

The First Steps: Nurturing Confidence in Your Baby's First Years at Nursery

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 04:38:20 GMT

Nurturing Confidence in the First Years: The Power of Relationship-Based Early Learning

Key Takeaways

Secure attachments with consistent caregivers are the cornerstone of a baby or toddler's emotional wellbeing and future confidence.
A 'home-away-from-home' environment, characterised by calmness and predictability, helps young children feel safe and ready to explore.
Smaller group sizes allow for more individualised attention, which is crucial for meeting the unique needs of infants and toddlers during their first years.
Despite wider challenges in the early childhood sector, a centre's core philosophy and commitment to quality care remain the most important factors for parents to consider.

Choosing the right early childhood centre for your baby or toddler is one of the most significant decisions you’ll make as a parent. In those precious first years, you want more than just a place that’s safe; you want a space where your little one will be known, cherished, and nurtured. Here in Hawke's Bay, we understand that parents are navigating a complex landscape. You hear news about the early childhood education (ECE) sector, and it can be unsettling. A recent survey highlighted a crisis of confidence, with 74% of ECE sector respondents in 2024 believing the government was taking it in the wrong direction .

Yet, at the same time, there are positive steps being made. The government's Budget 2025 includes a significant investment in early learning, with $12.4 million specifically allocated to boost children's oral language skills .

So, how do you reconcile these conflicting headlines? The answer is to focus on what truly matters: the quality of the relationships and the environment your child will experience every day. At its heart, exceptional infant and toddler care is about creating a 'home-away-from-home' where secure attachments are the top priority.

The Heart of Early Learning: Why Secure Attachments Matter Most

When we talk about "secure attachments," we're talking about the strong, trusting bond that forms between a child and their primary caregiver. For a baby or toddler, this bond is everything. It’s the anchor that makes them feel safe, seen, and valued. When a child knows there is a consistent, responsive adult they can rely on, they develop the confidence to explore the world around them, to try new things, and to build relationships with others.

This is the foundation of our approach. We believe that learning doesn’t happen without this sense of security. A baby who feels safe is a baby who is ready to learn. Every coo, cuddle, and shared story builds not just a bond, but also the neural pathways that support lifelong learning and emotional resilience. This philosophy of primary caregiving—where one key teacher is principally responsible for your child’s needs—ensures that your little one forms a deep and meaningful connection, making their transition into care a gentle and positive experience.

Creating a 'Home-Away-from-Home' in Hawke's Bay

What does a 'home-away-from-home' actually feel like? It’s an environment that is intentionally calm, warm, and predictable. It’s a space where the rhythm of the day is unhurried, allowing for spontaneous moments of connection and discovery. It’s less like an institution and more like a welcoming extension of your own family life.

A critical part of creating this atmosphere is maintaining small group sizes. Large, noisy groups can be overwhelming for infants and toddlers. A smaller, more intimate setting allows teachers to be truly present and responsive to each child’s individual cues and needs. It means more one-on-one time, more cuddles, and more meaningful interactions. At our Nursery for infants and toddlers , we are deeply committed to this principle. We maintain a teacher-to-child ratio of 1:4, which is better than the Ministry of Education's minimum requirement of 1:5. This isn't just a number for us; it's our promise to provide the individualised care and attention that allows those vital, secure attachments to flourish.

Play with Purpose: Nurturing Key Developmental Milestones

In a nurturing environment, every moment is an opportunity for learning. The idea of "Play with Purpose" is central to how we approach development for our youngest learners. It’s not about structured lessons or formal instruction; it’s about understanding that infants and toddlers learn best through sensory exploration, movement, and, most importantly, their relationships with caring adults.

Singing a song during a nappy change develops language skills. Exploring different textures in the garden builds sensory awareness. A simple game of peek-a-boo teaches object permanence. Our teachers are skilled at recognising these learning opportunities and gently guiding children’s natural curiosity. We believe this approach, rooted in the principles of Te Whāriki (the New Zealand early childhood curriculum), provides children with A Foundation for Life . It nurtures not just their cognitive skills but also their social and emotional wellbeing, setting them up for a future of confident and joyful learning.

Navigating the Bigger Picture: Our Commitment to Quality

We know that parents are rightly concerned about the state of the ECE sector, including issues around funding and affordability. Sector leaders have pointed out that while the recent budget includes investment, the 0.5% cost adjustment for the sector falls short of the 2.5% inflation rate , which could put pressure on centres and parents. As costs can vary between centres, it is always a good idea to inquire directly about fees.

In the face of these external pressures, our commitment to you and your child remains unwavering. Our philosophy is not dictated by funding models or political shifts. It is built on the simple, powerful truth that relationships are the heart of learning. Our investment in higher-than-required teacher ratios and our focus on creating a nurturing, relationship-rich environment are non-negotiable. This is our promise to the families of Havelock North and the wider Hawke's Bay community: to provide a sanctuary where your child will be loved, supported, and empowered to grow into the confident, capable person they are destined to be.

Experience the Difference for Yourself

Choosing an early learning centre is about finding a partner in your child’s development—a place that shares your values and understands the profound importance of these formative years. It’s about finding people who will celebrate your child’s unique personality and nurture their spirit.

We believe the best way to understand our 'home-away-from-home' philosophy is to see it in action. If you are looking for a warm, inviting, and relationship-focused environment where your baby or toddler can truly thrive, we would love to meet you. We invite you to get in touch and arrange a visit to our centre.

Beyond Play: The Heart of New Zealand's Early Childhood Education Framework

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 23:31:15 GMT

A Parent's Guide to Early Childhood Education (ECE) in Hawke's Bay

Key Takeaways

Early Childhood Education (ECE) is more than childcare; it's a structured learning foundation based on New Zealand's Te Whāriki curriculum.
A play-based philosophy uses intentional activities guided by qualified teachers to foster critical skills like problem-solving, creativity, and language development.
Qualified kaiako (teachers) are essential for identifying and supporting developmental needs, helping prepare children for school success.
The 20 Hours ECE government scheme is available for all children aged 3 to 5, helping make quality education more accessible for whānau.

Choosing an early learning centre for your child is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a parent. Here in Hawke’s Bay, you have many options, and it can be hard to know what to look for beyond a safe and caring space. We believe that the best early childhood education (ECE) is a partnership between our centre and your whānau, built on a shared understanding of what helps young children thrive.

It’s about creating more than just a place for your child to be; it’s about building the foundations for a lifetime of curiosity, confidence, and learning. This isn't a small task, and it's part of a significant national commitment. In fact, the preschool education sector in New Zealand is a cornerstone of our communities, projected to generate a revenue of $2.1 billion by 2025 .

What is Early Childhood Education, Really?

At its heart, Early Childhood Education is a formalised approach to learning and development for tamariki (children) from infancy until they start school. In Aotearoa New Zealand, this is guided by a world-class national curriculum called Te Whāriki. Te Whāriki isn't a rigid set of rules, but a framework that empowers educators to nurture each child's unique potential. Its vision is simple yet powerful: to help children grow as "competent and confident learners and communicators, healthy in mind, body, and spirit."

This focus on quality early learning is a national priority. Government data shows that prior participation in ECE is consistently high, reflecting a widespread belief in its benefits. Between 2011 and 2021, attendance grew significantly for Māori children from 91% to 94% and for Pacific children from 86% to 93%, showing a strong commitment to equitable access across New Zealand.

The Power of Play: De-mystifying Our Learning Philosophy

When you hear "play-based learning," what comes to mind? For many, it sounds like unstructured fun. While it is fun, it's also one of the most effective ways for young children to learn. Our play-based programme is intentional, purposeful, and guided by our skilled kaiako (teachers).

Think about it:

When a toddler stacks blocks, they're not just playing; they're exploring gravity, balance, and spatial reasoning.
When a group of children create a pretend café, they're developing social skills, learning to negotiate, and expanding their vocabulary.
When a child engages in messy play with paint or clay, they're building fine motor skills and expressing their creativity.

This is Te Whāriki in action. Our role as educators is to create a rich environment full of these opportunities, observe your child’s interests, and gently guide their exploration to deepen their learning and knowledge.

Why Qualified Kaiako (Teachers) Make All the Difference

A beautiful environment and great toys are wonderful, but the true heart of a quality ECE programme is its people. Having a passionate and qualified teaching team is non-negotiable. Our kaiako are trained not just to care for children, but to recognise and respond to their learning cues, celebrate their achievements, and support them through challenges.

The importance of this expertise cannot be overstated. A recent report from the Education Review Office (ERO), the government agency that reviews schools and early learning services, highlighted a critical issue. It found that one in five children in New Zealand are struggling with their oral language development when they start school. This can have a huge impact on their ability to make friends, learn to read, and succeed in the classroom. A quality ECE centre with experienced teachers is the first line of defence. Our team is skilled at creating a language-rich environment, modelling conversation, telling stories, and singing songs—all proven ways to build a child’s vocabulary and communication confidence.

Who Qualifies for 20 Hours ECE?

All children in New Zealand aged three, four, and five years old are eligible for the 20 Hours ECE government subsidy. This is a fantastic initiative designed to make early childhood education more accessible for every whānau, regardless of income. The subsidy covers up to six hours of care per day, to a maximum of 20 hours per week. You don't need to be working or meet any income criteria to be eligible.

Each ECE service applies this subsidy differently. Some may offer specific morning or afternoon sessions that are fully covered, while others may apply it as a credit towards your total fees. Costs can vary between centres, so we always recommend having a clear conversation about how fees work and what, if any, optional charges might apply.

Choosing a Partner in Your Child’s Journey

We see ourselves as more than just an early childhood centre; we are partners with you in your child’s learning journey. Our commitment is to provide a nurturing, stimulating, and safe space where your child is respected as a unique and capable individual. We embrace the principles of Te Whāriki every day, fostering the skills and knowledge that will prepare your child not just for school, but for life.

We believe the best way to understand our approach is to see it for yourself. We warmly invite you and your whānau to get in touch to learn more about our programme and how we can support your child’s incredible journey of discovery.

Ready for School, Ready for Life: How Quality Kindergarten Builds a Foundation for Success

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 01:38:47 GMT

Nurturing a Life-long Love of Learning: The True Value of Kindergarten for Your Whānau

Key Takeaways

Choosing the Right Childcare for Your Family in Havelock North

Thu, 15 May 2025 21:30:32 GMT

Early Learning Centre and Childcare in Havelock North

Finding a childcare centre that feels right for your family can feel like a big job! You want your child getting the best care from the best carers in the best facilities, and that’s something that we strive for at Cherry Grove Childcare. We understand the importance of finding a nurturing and stimulating early learning environment where your little one can thrive.

Located on Napier Road in Havelock North, we cater to young children from infancy through to school age. Our centre provides a home away from home, designed to offer a safe, engaging, and peaceful atmosphere where every child feels safe and a strong sense of belonging. Choosing the right childcare in Havelock North is a significant decision, and we’re here to help you understand what makes a quality centre and why Cherry Grove might be the perfect fit for your whānau.

Why Choosing the Right Childcare in Havelock North Matters

The early years of a child's life are crucial for their development. High quality early childhood education provides a foundation for lifelong learning, social skills, and overall wellbeing. In Havelock North and the wider Hawke's Bay region, parents have options, but understanding what constitutes excellent care and learning is key to making the best choice for your child.

A great early learning centre does more than just look after your child; it engages them in meaningful experiences, helps them establish positive relationships, and encourages their natural curiosity to explore the world around them. It’s about providing a rich learning environment that supports their holistic development.

Key Factors When Selecting a Havelock North Childcare Centre

When visiting childcare centres in Havelock North, consider these important aspects:

Curriculum and Learning Approach

A high-quality early learning programme in New Zealand is typically guided by Te Whāriki, the national early childhood curriculum. This framework emphasises learning through play, encouraging children to explore freely and develop at their own pace. Look for a centre that demonstrates a clear understanding and implementation of Te Whāriki, fostering key learning areas like communication, wellbeing, belonging, contribution, and exploration.

Cherry Grove Childcare embraces a holistic approach, weaving the principles of Te Whāriki into our daily rhythms. We believe in intentional teaching within a play-based setting, ensuring tamariki are actively engaged and supported in their learning journey. Our experienced teaching team are passionate about creating stimulating experiences that nurture each child's potential.

Environment and Facilities

The physical environment plays a vital role in a child's experience. Is the centre safe, clean, and well-maintained? Are there engaging indoor and outdoor spaces? Access to natural materials and opportunities for adventurous outdoor play are beneficial for a child's physical development and connection with nature. Separate spaces or rooms catering specifically for different age groups, such as a cosy nursery for infants and a dedicated toddler rooms, can provide age-appropriate stimulation and care.

At Cherry Grove, our beautiful grounds and facilities are designed with children in mind. We have age specific rooms, including a peaceful nursery for our youngest tamariki, ensuring that infants receive calm and dedicated care. Our outdoor areas are spacious and encourage children to explore freely and safely. You can learn more about our tailored spaces for different age groups on our Infants and Toddlers. page .

Teachers and Staff Relationships

The teaching team are the heart of any early learning centre. Look for passionate, qualified teachers who demonstrate warm, responsive relationships with the children. Observe how they interact, listen, and engage with the tamariki. A strong teaching team creates a supportive and positive atmosphere, which is essential for your child's emotional security and learning.

Our teaching team at Cherry Grove is dedicated to building strong, caring relationships with every child. We pride ourselves on our large teaching staff, which allows for plenty of meaningful interactions and individual attention. We believe that secure attachments between children and their carers are fundamental to a positive early childhood experience.

Daily Rhythm and Routines

Children thrive on predictability. Ask about the centre's daily rhythms and routines. How are transitions managed? When are meal times and nap times? Understanding the structure of the day can give you insight into how the centre operates and how well it might suit your child's needs and temperament. A good rhythm provides security and helps children feel settled and comfortable.

We establish consistent daily rhythms at Cherry Grove, balancing planned activities with opportunities for spontaneous play and exploration. We offer nutritious meals prepared on-site, ensuring children are well-nourished throughout the day. Our approach to routines is unhurried, allowing children the pace they need to feel secure and engaged. You can view our [daily menu on the white board.

Partnership with Whānau

A strong partnership between the centre and your family (whānau) is crucial. How does the centre communicate with parents? Are you invited to participate in your child's learning journey? Feeling heard and involved in your child's early education experience is vital for both you and your child's sense of belonging.

At Cherry Grove Childcare and Family Centre, we deeply value the partnership with our families. We believe that by working together, we can best support each child's development and wellbeing. We encourage open communication and invite whānau to be actively involved in the centre community.

Visiting a Childcare Centre in Havelock North

Seeing a centre in action is the best way to gauge if it's the right fit. When you visit, take note of the atmosphere, the interactions between staff and children, and how children are engaged. Don't hesitate to ask questions about anything that is important to you, from the curriculum to staff qualifications and daily practices. This is your opportunity to see if the centre's philosophy aligns with your family's values and aspirations.

We warmly invite you to come in and meet the crew at Cherry Grove! Booking a centre tour is a fantastic way to see our facilities, observe our daily rhythms, and chat with our passionate teaching team. We'd love to show you why so many Havelock North families rate Cherry Grove so highly.

Why Choose Cherry Grove Childcare?

At Cherry Grove, we are committed to providing exceptional childcare in Havelock North. Our approach is rooted in providing the best care from the best carers in beautiful facilities. With age specific rooms designed to cater to the unique needs of infants, toddlers, and older children, a large and dedicated teaching staff, and expansive, beautiful grounds, we truly want your child to feel at home with us.

We focus on creating a warm, inviting, and nurturing environment where children feel safe to explore, learn, and flourish. Our programme is established to support the holistic development of every child, fostering creativity, curiosity, and a love for learning. We are located on Napier Road in Havelock North, serving families across the Hawke's Bay. Come and see the difference for yourself and book a centre tour today.

Choosing childcare is a personal journey, and we encourage you to research your options thoroughly. Consider visiting the Ministry of Education website for information on licensed ECE services and Te Whāriki curriculum . The Education Review Office ( ERO ) publishes reports on ECE services, which can also be a useful resource. Additionally, KidsHealth NZ offers helpful guidance on early childhood education for parents.

Ready to Enquire?

If Cherry Grove sounds like the nurturing, high-quality early learning centre you’re looking for in Havelock North, we’d love to hear from you. Our team is ready to answer your questions and help you take the next step in your child’s early education journey. You can find out more about our centre and philosophy on our Our Childcare page or simply enquire about enrolment today.

Finding the perfect fit for your child's early learning is a significant step, and we are here to support you. We believe Cherry Grove offers a truly special environment where tamariki can grow, learn, and play, surrounded by passionate teachers and a supportive community. Come and experience the Cherry Grove difference for yourself.

We're Emphasising Movement - Here's Why!

Thu, 16 Apr 2020 11:02:43 GMT

Our current wellbeing focus has a big movement aspect to it and here's why we have and continue to invest heavily in giving our Cherry Grover's lots of active options!

Numerous reports show that active play during the first five years of a child's life is essential for their wellbeing and happiness. In fact, health, wellbeing, and active play are considered so important that the United Nations convention has recognised it as part of the rights of a child. Active play has been shown to increase the wellness of children through mental health, behaviour, improved movement and gross motor development, competent skills and agility, and brain development including communication, emotional, and social functioning.

For the last 16 months, Cherry Grove Childcare and Family Centre has engaged the services of Coach Tom from Playball who does sessions of active play each week for our children aged between 2 and 5 years of age.

Playball is designed to spark a child's love of sport with fun interactive games to encourage participation, confidence, and build a healthy self-image. Active time like this is important to improve basic movement, enhance gross motor development, and for refining sports abilities and techniques. Our playball programmes that Coach Tom provides to our Cherry Grover’s are age specific with each of the sessions taking into account the difference in the cooperative, emotional, and social development of the children in each group. On top of that, children are taught to listen to instructions, to observe demonstrations attentively, to concentrate while attempting the skills, and to value participating in a group environment. This also allows our Cherry Grover’s to learn respect for others, cooperate well, take turns, be flexible, and be a good sport to those they are playing with.

It is very important for young children to learn confidence in how to play well with others. As a result, all of our sports programming at Cherry Grove is non-competitive and designed to provide all children with the opportunity to participate in their own way and at their own ability. This allows children to experience sport as a happy and positive one.

Both Cherry Grove and Playball uses a variety of sports equipment that is designed to be fun and keep children focused on engagement. Through enjoyment, research has shown that children learn to love sport if they are able to contribute in an engaging environment where they are fully supported to be the best they can be. This allows the confidence and motivation to continue on at more competitive sports levels as a child develops and grows.

Cherry Grove has a large outdoor park type of setting to allow for lots of different movement experiences for our children. Sport New Zealand has shown that movement experiences in the earlier years need to be wider that just developing physical skills or learning competencies that allow the children to be involved in sports.

Sport New Zealand uses a physical literacy approach that suggests under 5 year old's require physical movement in everyday life environments, including nature, in order to encourage creativity, imagination, and exploration. For this reason, Cherry Grove also uses play, along with structured sessions, as an essential way for children to be able to use movement through a wide range of experiences. Play is voluntary, instinctive, creative, and adaptive, and a universal behaviour that is fun and performed with no goal in mind. This allows children to be active and make sense of their world without limitations imposed by kaiako unnecessarily. Quality play takes many forms such as, rough and tumble, imaginative, locomotive, and decision making around risks and challenges.

Movement for wellbeing and development must include children experiencing a mix of adult-lead activities and opportunities to be active without excess adult interference in a variety of difference environments. Using both these teaching strategies allows all tamariki to positively gain from movement in their world.

Tomorrow at Cherry Grove is Fun Friday and while we can't share it together personally, we can get active with some Jump Jam from our bubbles. I urge bubbles to virtually join me and have some fun jump jamming our way through Fun Friday at Alert Level 4.

Wishing all our families a happy day of wellness tomorrow and every day xx

Tuesday Morning Musings

Tue, 17 Mar 2020 11:05:37 GMT

Mōrena Cherry Grove

It's certainly an interesting time that we are currently facing as a nation and it was lovely to hear from parents this morning how nice it was coming into Cherry Grove where everything is going on as normal! Every day is a new learning adventure for our tamariki so we are continuing with our usual protocols but have just added some further administration behind the scenes to ensure we can stay 'normal'.

Can I just take a moment to thank all our families and staff who were traveling last week for self-isolating - I am extremely grateful to you all for thinking about the health and safety of our Cherry Grove community. We have five families affected by Covid-19 thus far and ask that if you do have contact with people who have traveled in the last 14 days to contact me as soon as possible.

It's a very Autumnal day out there so gumboots and extra layers will be in full use today. Our new teacher for Buds, Melissa, has started with us and is enjoying getting to know our tamariki. We are so pleased to have her with us, she has so much experience with toddlers and is passionate about this age group. Lauren Bird is also doing some relieving for us in the Blossom/Cherry room. Lauren is in her second year of ECE training and is loving being part of Cherry Grove so much, she has asked to join us as her home Centre! We have happily said yes as her references were amazing and look forward to having Lauren join us.

Kudeep is cooking up a Winter warmer today, the tamariki are having spaghetti crunchies and sausages! Something completely different for our tamariki and our Chef to cook - thanks Nicole for thinking of a fun menu this week.

No Coach Tom today as he is sick, so we have set up lots of biking activities to keep those that are choosing to be outside warm! There are plenty of indoor activities on the go including a hair dressing salon in Busy Bee's this morning - thanks Willa and Sheree for the services you are providing to everyone today!

Have a lovely St Patrick's Day Cherry Grover's - may the luck of the Irish be with you!

Kirst

Wednesday Brings Wheels Football to Cherry Grove

Wed, 11 Mar 2020 11:37:25 GMT

Happy Wednesday to you! It has started with a hiss and a bang and lots of swinging, dancing, and a new activity we like to call biking football! It's a lot like polo but with bikes, goals and a football - thanks to our Blossom tamariki for bringing this game to life this morning and all the fun we had with it!

The morning has continued with great pace with plenty of sand play, face painting, gluing, reading, and Andrea from Ministry of Education has been here working with our learning support tamariki.

Kudeep is tempting the taste buds already as the korma is slow cooking and the smells are divine! Today the tamariki will be dining on Chicken Korma with Broccoli for lunch, perfect as the weather cools off this afternoon. As with all our baking we had a healthy version of shortbread for morning tea with a selection of pears, peaches, and bananas.

This Fun Friday we are all about kota (shells) so if you have any left over from your Summer holidays that we could use, please bring them in and we will put them to good use. Thank you to all of our parents who have added to our collection as we have some very crafty ideas for Friday!

The middle of the week is already upon us and there is so much more to explore, learn, and develop. Lucky for us we are not in a rush and our tamariki competently lead the way. By giving our Cherry Grover's the time and space to learn at their own pace, their natural instincts take over and they become intuitive learners that ironically learn more over time and their individual experiences are far more enriched. Research tells us that if children develop at their own pace, they create their own perceptions through taking on information they see as relevant and pertinent. It may not be in the same order of importance as an adult sees it, but a child takes it on in a way they can recall and remember it. I am always in awe that children intrinsically know their own learning style better than any adult ever will. We just need to trust a child's processing and perception and that's what a play-based learning environment allows. We are all turtles really - and now at Cherry Grove we are turtles that play biking football

We LOVE Reading ... and here's why!

Mon, 17 Feb 2020 11:39:26 GMT

All our rooms at Cherry Grove have a large array of books that are constantly changing, added to, read, transported, read again, looked at, shared, and loved. We love reading as it provides children with such wonderful opportunities to experience communication that is received and can be returned. It allows children to question, develop understanding, grow their ideas, and spend valuable time with kaiako and peers.

A recent study found that young children who are read five books a day enter schooling having heard about 1.4 million words more than tamariki who are never read to (Logan, 2019 Ohio State University). Jessica Logan, who led the research, believes it could be one explanation for the differences in vocabulary and reading development of young children. The study found that children who are read to are better prepared to see those words in print when they enter school and are more likely to pick up reading skills more quickly and easily.

Logan was quick to point out in her research that it wasn't about the amount of every day communication a child heard but that children who are read to hear much more complex and wider variety of words than just the talking of parents and kaiako about daily rhythms and routines. This week I have already read a book called the A to Z of Sharks, In the Beginning, In the Garden, Ziggy Zebra, and Richard Scarry's Busy Town - and it's only Monday! That means I have engaged with our tamariki about carpet sharks, Tangaroa's gifts, eggs, France, zebra friends, snails, Lowly Worms apple car, and Banana Gorilla's unfortunate accident. These are generally not everyday conversations I have but there was plenty of learning going on for this kaiako and the tamariki around her!

Reading is unquestionably a fundamental part of development as it extends the mind, furthers communication skills, embraces a child's imagination, broadens knowledge, and is the perfect vehicle for spending focused time with children. We continue to buy new books every month at Cherry Grove as we are firm believers in the power of reading time and the learning opportunities it provides for our tamariki. You will always see our kaiako with books reading to a captive audience of one to 20 - and when our lovely local librarians arrive the numbers swell even more!

We are celebrating our current focus, Tangaroa, with a Sea Books, Legends, and Songs day this Fun Friday. We have the local librarians coming to read with us and bring lots of different books about Tangaroa and the sea to enjoy. Do you have any sea books at home that you would like to enjoy with your children this week? Let's get our Cherry Grover's being read to so they can reap the rewards of hearing more words. This also feels like the perfect opportunity to giveaway five books to one lucky family - see our Facebook page for details!

Attachment is the key to success in Early Childcare

Mon, 20 Jan 2020 11:43:02 GMT

We are born to connect.

During early childhood we learn to connect and create patterns, this is how our understanding of concepts develops. Young children need patterns and experiences to understand how the world works. They provide tamariki with an appreciation of what to expect throughout life in terms of possibilities and opportunities. Psychiatrist Rene Spitz studied infants and young children during the 1930's and found that even if children received adequate nutrition and health care they would still fail to thrive from a lack of loving contact.

Attachment is a relational process which builds throughout infancy and is established at about 8 months of age when infants develop significant cognitive skills. Children at this age develop the capacity to cognitively understand what is often referred to as object permanence - the understanding of cause and effect and the appreciation that objects (including people) can still exist even if we can't see them at the time. Children who love playing 'peekaboo' are in this exciting stage of development! Once a child is able to understand object permanence they are able to understand a different way of thinking, have feelings about themselves and others, and this allows the first learning's in relationships and how they work.

Spitz found that how children learn to connect and engage with their caregivers was how they then interacted with people their whole lives. This is a pretty fundamental finding and one that we can often here in adult conversations being 'you're just like your mother' or 'you are just like your father'!

Regardless of who we are acting like (in my case it's definitely my father!), the framework of interactions we have from infancy that continues throughout our whole life does define how we understand love. There is a reason for positive guidance being a major part of the Ministry of Education guidelines for all ages and it is something we definitely support at Cherry Grove. It makes teaching routines, boundaries, and rhythms much harder and the social commenting required is far great but it is worth the time and effort for our tamariki to understand they are loved regardless of how far they have dipped their toes over the edge!

New resources from the Ministry of Education

Mon, 18 Nov 2019 11:45:54 GMT

The Ministry of Education have released new resources that support kaiako to develop the social and emotional wellbeing of young children. He Maapuna te Tamaiti takes a holistic approach to a child's development to encompass the social, emotional, and communication skills they will need through life. The strategies are flexible and organised around creating a supportive environment, emotional competence, social competence, and supporting learning and engagement. The resources are aimed at encouraging self-management and regulation in children so they can grow their abilities to successfully contribute to them own social interactions and their capacity to learn.

The Ministry defines self-management as having the cognitive control needed for learning. That is, the ability to focus attention, persevere, plan, choose, and decide what to do next. These are all foundation blocks that we encourage our tamariki to learn at Cherry Grove to encourage self-help so our Cherry Grover's become their own problem solvers. Knowing a child well, understanding what they already know and are capable of defines how we can effectively grow and support each child's development and sense of self worth.

There are many things we can do to help children with their social and emotional competence and get their communication flourishing at the same time. Social coaching or commenting is the source of so much wonderful development in children and uses the following techniques to create learning opportunities:

Describing and Modelling - providing verbal narrations of a child's play to all the tamariki around the play so it is clear what is happening. This provides the perfect opportunity to also model verbal feedback, praise, and positive reinforcement to support children's understanding and their ability to communicate their own feelings, emotions.

Encouraging and Praising - using positive cues, comments, and visual guidance to encourage persistence, especially with new skills or challenges.

Scaffolding - collaborations with children that are done to encourage learning and/or social and emotional competence, it's like a 'leg up' for children, especially those tamariki that shy away from trying new things. It's important to gradually remove this help and replace it with prompts and reminders of support instead.
Feedback - acknowledge a child's actions and behaviours to continue motivation and their willingness to continue trialing and participating in social transactions, these can be verbal or gesture based encouragement.
Thinking Out Loud - talk about what you are doing, why you are doing it, what you are thinking, and demonstrate verbally things that promote learning, like attitudes and ways of speaking.

Positive Forecasting - talking optimistically about a child's ability to do something in the short term (you went to the toilet so well this morning, let's try that again soon) so there is an expectation that the outcome will be good. Preparing children to transition to new things or keep trialing something that is challenging allows them to have a positive approach to it and be ready for what is to come.

Tuakana-Teina Relationships - allow children to learn from older peers through supporting relationships and verbally acknowledge when a child shows support and awareness of the children around them. We can help children to learn to be interested in others when we model positive attention and curiosity at what others are doing around us.

Prompts and Reminders - Children love and learn from expectations and/or routines, it enables them to use recall in situations that have had positive outcomes or where they have solved a problem. Using cues whether verbal or visual helps a children to remember and practice social and emotional expectations.

As an adult, it takes a lot of practice to help children learn through consistent verbalising and coaching but the outcomes are so worth it and we encourage you to join us and give it a go! If you would like further information on this, please do not hesitate to talk with us.

The 'P' word we take for granted as adults

Sun, 18 Aug 2019 11:49:05 GMT

Play is something we talk about all the time at Cherry Grove! Those that know me well, know that I am a devoted follower of Albert Einstein and his biggest mantra with regards to the importance of play. I have often talked to parents about how we define play as something that is purely for amusement and that we struggle to see the importance of it as grown ups. Nathan Wallis writes on Family Times (familytimes.co.nz),

"we understand the word play to mean the opposite of serious work ... that is easy and trivial. Often grown-ups use the 'P word' to dismiss what children are doing as unimportant - when it's time to tidy up or do some 'real' learning. Yet, for kids, play is challenging and important: its how they learn".

Let's think about it contextually as an adult who play's a sport, then we can begin to see the worth in 'playing' for children learning and developing - without the experience WE have enjoyed over the years! We know that being actively engaged in a sport as an adult requires focus, commitment, and practice if we want to continue getting better at it. Repetitious play allows us to improve, to try new things, to use the knowledge and adapt if we play at different venues or on different surfaces - it gives us a better understanding of how we can do better. Children have this same model during their play, especially if it is 'free' or 'open ended' play where they get to determine their own purpose and not someone else's desired outcome. Children are amazing at adapting their limited experience into meaningful play in differing environments to help them better understanding and learn all the nuances that come with life and the would around them.

Children learn through adapting their play as their experiences grow and fine tune their learning through trial and error. The cause and effect that comes from trialing different ideas is a natural part of a child's play that we take for granted. Not only does experience through trial and error encourage children to keep investigating, it also builds resilience. Children unable to understand the disappointment of failure leave themselves vulnerable to anxiety and a lack of understanding when outcomes don't go their way. Children also appreciate success a lot more when it's earned and when they have had an appreciation of what a 'misfire' looks and feels like. Don't get me wrong, it's hard watching your child fail - incredibly hard and you just want to save them - but the reality is that we all need to understand the ebbs and flows of daily life and be able to bounce back with an understanding that the glitches which take place are all opportunities to extend learning.

And if you take all the above and apply it to a social setting, the amount of learning that happens with regards to a child's social competence is amazing. Interpersonal relationships all require problem solving - something as adults we are constantly aware of thanks to our amazing verbal and written communication skills! Children achieve so much understanding through watching and learning along side others - social transactions are learnt through role modeling most effectively. We use social coaching constantly at Cherry Grove to provide a solid exemplars. Using clear, step-by-step instructions through play we are demonstrating what acceptable social transactions look like in a positive environment that has meaning and context to a child.

Play is a universal language for children and we need to ensure we are maximising the opportunities associated with it to give children every chance to grow their understanding of the world around them, while also developing emotionally and socially. The 'P' word is a currency that works so embrace it and have fun doing it, because the outcomes for our children are so dependent on it!

What does 'QUALITY' mean in Childcare?

Wed, 14 Aug 2019 11:50:42 GMT

What does the word 'QUALITY' mean when you think about childcare? It doesn't matter what Centre you are looking at, the promotional material will inevitably use quality to assure you they are a great solution for all your childcare and kindergarten needs! I look all over the world at education websites because I am genuinely interested to learn how other places provide and deliver learning and development. I have been so taken in by some websites that I have enrolled in all sorts of interesting courses, including beekeeping - yes, I am a living testament to when advertising works well! But I digress, if we all have 'quality' what does it really mean?

Our New Zealand ECE regulations mean there is a level of quality that we have to maintain over a wide ranging set of standards in order to open our doors for tamariki. Like most things, there's a vast spectrum to the definition of quality and I don't wish to enter into any discrediting anyone else's quality - that's not my job, that's the Ministry of Educations! But what I can do is say I don't think a broad definition of quality is right for children in childcare. Would you chose to go and stay at a 1-star motel just because it's registered and in business?! As a backpacker I have certainly done that but I wouldn't have said it was a quality stay and it definitely wasn't memorable for all the right reasons - I can now laugh about the rat that ran across the floor and the hat I wore to bed so I didn't have to touch the pillow! My point is, our tamariki deserve a better standard of quality across the board. I'd love to provide my business owners with outstanding profit but that comes at a cost I'm not comfortable with. Quality has to mean more than just ratios, surely it must also be about satisfaction, relationships that are meaningful, genuine care, welfare, and continuity. Please, don't get me wrong quality is something that can swing throughout any given day and I am always wondering how we can do better as it's what drives me - no person or place is perfect, being human is what we all have in common.

All of my musings on our Cherry Grove blog come as a result of experiences that have left me thinking. I recently bumped into someone I haven't seen in a long time, she has now relocated to Hawke's Bay and has gone from working in primary to teaching early childcare. I, of course, asked where she was working. She laughed and said there were 5 centres owned by her employers and the daily numbers at each place determined where she would end up working for the day. There was a lot more to this story but I won't bore you with the details or hop on an soapbox about continuity but it did make me realise how lucky I am that I know and adore the teaching team that turns up to Cherry Grove every day. They provide me with quality that I trust, admire, and am proud of - sure that looks different in terms of our outcomes each day but I know they are continuing to strive to make our quality better every day because they have strong relationships with all our families and each other.

Quality is certainly hard to define and even harder to measure as you can certainly be a 1-star childcare centre and still consider you are offering the same quality as everyone else because you are abiding by the regulations. But don't our most vulnerable New Zealanders deserve better quality control? Like I said this is not me judging anyone else but wondering if we can do better as a country to assess the quality of childcare by more than just ratios and learning stories. Something to ponder!

Our Cherry Grove Environment is Unique

Tue, 13 Aug 2019 11:53:02 GMT

Cherry Grove is set on over an acre and a half of wide open land made for playing and exploring. We are heavily invested in providing small home-like indoor environments that children can be nurtured, understood, and have all their learning and development needs taken care of.

At Cherry Grove we have eight rooms that cater for small groups to ensure care and development is age-appropriate and children are given the individual guidance and attention they deserve. Each room provides for a developmental stage and the ages of each room are a guide rather specific time-frames as all tamariki grow and learn at varying paces:

Seeds: Our Nursery Room for 0-12 month old's
Sprouts: Our Nursery Room for 12-18 month old's
Budlets: Our Nursery Room for 18-24 month old's
Buds: Our Toddler Room for 2-2.5 year old's
Blossom: Our Toddler Room for 2.5-3 year old's
Cherry: Our Toddler Room for 3-3.5 year old's
Busy Bees: Our Kindergarten Room for 3.5-4.5 year old's
Honey Bees: Our Kindergarten Transition to School Room for 4.5-6 year old's

Cherry Grove also has a Family Centre that provides for families wishing to learn and play alongside their child/ren. This designated building is perfect for those families that have the ability to share in the learning journey together through the early stages of a child's life.

We are very proud of our environment at Cherry Grove and the opportunities the uniqueness of our Centre provides to children and their families alike. The small numbers in all our rooms allow us to spend time understanding the needs and interests of every child and, just as importantly, the aspirations of their whanau. If you would like to know more about our philosophy and what makes Cherry Grove so unique, please do not hesitate to contact me as I'm passionate about what we have to offer!