WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Welcome to The Learning Lane. Here is some information on aspects of the programme that we run. We look forward to working together with you and sharing this learning journey with you and your child and hope you enjoy your time with us. Please provide us with a copy of your child’s birth certificate or passport before starting at Preschool.
Personal Belongings
Anything and everything your child brings to preschool must be named i.e. clothing, lunch boxes, drink bottles, hats etc. Clothing should be practical and appropriate for running, climbing, engaging in messy play and for the weather. Please bring at least one spare set of clothing.
Whānau Pockets
Each family will have a whānau pocket which is located near the sign in/out book by the office. This communication pocket will advise you of any important notices or information.
Food
Sessional children need to bring either morning or afternoon tea and a drink (preferably water) in named containers. All day children need to bring enough food and drink for morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea. Please talk with staff about appropriate foods for your child’s lunchbox. We ask that lollies, chocolate and fizzy drinks be left at home.
Nappies
Nappies – Children who are in nappies, are required to provide enough nappies / pull ups for the day. The centre will provide wet wipes for all children unless we have been informed of allergies.
Public Holidays / Christmas Break
We are closed for all Public Holidays. We are closed for a 3-week period over the Christmas break.
Settling in
Prior to your child’s official start date we highly recommend you and your child visit the centre. We recommend 2 or more visits. This will allow time for your child to become familiar with the new environment and get to know the teachers. We understand that this can be an anxious time for both child and parent and we are happy to work in with each family and their individual needs. Children all take a different length of time to settle, and together we will discuss what will work best for your child. At The Learning Lane we have an ‘open door’ policy which means you are welcome at any time in the centre to work and play with your child; we encourage you to do so.
Portfolios
Every child has an individual portfolio, which is a collection of learning stories, observations, photos, milestones and artwork; a celebration of your child’s learning journey throughout their time at our preschool. Please take time with your child to enjoy looking through these portfolios and feel free to add or give feedback. We love to read parent comments or stories from home about your child; this also offers a sense of belonging and contribution to children.
Online Portfolios
INFOCARE - We operate an online system where you (and family members) are able to view and contribute to your child’s learning and development. Your child will be allocated a special login password where you will be able to view photos, stories, account information and news. This will be our main form of communication.
Toys
Please keep your child’s special toys at home as staff cannot be responsible for any loss or damage sustained. They may however bring a favourite book or news item to share at mat time.
Creative Work
Children are very proud of their work. Your recognition of their achievements will be appreciated by your child. Therefore, please ensure you check drying areas and the art box before you leave the centre for any work that belongs to your child.
Personal Information
Emergency Contacts- It is important that you keep us fully informed of any changes to your address and phone numbers. This also applies to your emergency contact numbers. Personal information other than that required by the Ministry of Education is not shared with any other party.
On Arrival /Departure at Preschool
Signing In and Out:
Attending sessions - Please sign in first thing on arrival and last thing on departure. Using the maximum of your booked hours enables us to receive the funding which we require to maintain our ratio of qualified teachers. Up to 15 minutes each side of booked hours is allowed by Ministry of Education without affecting funding. If your child is any earlier or later than their specific session time there will be additional charges.
Gate:
Please ensure that the entry/exit gate is closed behind you. Never let any child out of the gate unless you are TOTALLY SURE they are accompanied by their parent/caregiver.
Collection of Children:
If there are any changes at all in people collecting your child, please let us know. Staff will only allow your child to go home with the people specified on the enrolment form.
Notice
Two weeks notice must be given when your child is leaving.
Sickness / Absences
We would much appreciate if your child is sick or going to be absent, that you notify us as soon as possible. If your child becomes ill during the course of the day we will contact you and ask that you come and collect your child.
First Aid
All our permanent staff have a current First Aid certificate and are trained to deal with accidents. Minor bumps and injuries are recorded in our accident book and are reported to parents / whānau. In the event of an emergency all efforts will be made to contact you. However, in your absence we will seek medical or other advice and act in the best interest of your child.
Immunisation and Medication
Medication procedure – Our medicine register is located in the office. This will need to be filled out if your child requires medicine throughout the day. Only prescribed medicine (with the child’s name) will be administered. You will be required to sign a form daily authorizing this. Pamol – We do not have Pamol onsite.
Communication
Communication is the key to success. Should you require any further information regarding the centre or your child, please do not hesitate to talk to one of our friendly staff.
Personal Belongings
Anything and everything your child brings to preschool must be named i.e. clothing, lunch boxes, drink bottles, hats etc. Clothing should be practical and appropriate for running, climbing, engaging in messy play and for the weather. Please bring at least one spare set of clothing.
Whānau Pockets
Each family will have a whānau pocket which is located near the sign in/out book by the office. This communication pocket will advise you of any important notices or information.
Food
Sessional children need to bring either morning or afternoon tea and a drink (preferably water) in named containers. All day children need to bring enough food and drink for morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea. Please talk with staff about appropriate foods for your child’s lunchbox. We ask that lollies, chocolate and fizzy drinks be left at home.
Nappies
Nappies – Children who are in nappies, are required to provide enough nappies / pull ups for the day. The centre will provide wet wipes for all children unless we have been informed of allergies.
Public Holidays / Christmas Break
We are closed for all Public Holidays. We are closed for a 3-week period over the Christmas break.
Settling in
Prior to your child’s official start date we highly recommend you and your child visit the centre. We recommend 2 or more visits. This will allow time for your child to become familiar with the new environment and get to know the teachers. We understand that this can be an anxious time for both child and parent and we are happy to work in with each family and their individual needs. Children all take a different length of time to settle, and together we will discuss what will work best for your child. At The Learning Lane we have an ‘open door’ policy which means you are welcome at any time in the centre to work and play with your child; we encourage you to do so.
Portfolios
Every child has an individual portfolio, which is a collection of learning stories, observations, photos, milestones and artwork; a celebration of your child’s learning journey throughout their time at our preschool. Please take time with your child to enjoy looking through these portfolios and feel free to add or give feedback. We love to read parent comments or stories from home about your child; this also offers a sense of belonging and contribution to children.
Online Portfolios
INFOCARE - We operate an online system where you (and family members) are able to view and contribute to your child’s learning and development. Your child will be allocated a special login password where you will be able to view photos, stories, account information and news. This will be our main form of communication.
Toys
Please keep your child’s special toys at home as staff cannot be responsible for any loss or damage sustained. They may however bring a favourite book or news item to share at mat time.
Creative Work
Children are very proud of their work. Your recognition of their achievements will be appreciated by your child. Therefore, please ensure you check drying areas and the art box before you leave the centre for any work that belongs to your child.
Personal Information
Emergency Contacts- It is important that you keep us fully informed of any changes to your address and phone numbers. This also applies to your emergency contact numbers. Personal information other than that required by the Ministry of Education is not shared with any other party.
On Arrival /Departure at Preschool
Signing In and Out:
Attending sessions - Please sign in first thing on arrival and last thing on departure. Using the maximum of your booked hours enables us to receive the funding which we require to maintain our ratio of qualified teachers. Up to 15 minutes each side of booked hours is allowed by Ministry of Education without affecting funding. If your child is any earlier or later than their specific session time there will be additional charges.
Gate:
Please ensure that the entry/exit gate is closed behind you. Never let any child out of the gate unless you are TOTALLY SURE they are accompanied by their parent/caregiver.
Collection of Children:
If there are any changes at all in people collecting your child, please let us know. Staff will only allow your child to go home with the people specified on the enrolment form.
Notice
Two weeks notice must be given when your child is leaving.
Sickness / Absences
We would much appreciate if your child is sick or going to be absent, that you notify us as soon as possible. If your child becomes ill during the course of the day we will contact you and ask that you come and collect your child.
First Aid
All our permanent staff have a current First Aid certificate and are trained to deal with accidents. Minor bumps and injuries are recorded in our accident book and are reported to parents / whānau. In the event of an emergency all efforts will be made to contact you. However, in your absence we will seek medical or other advice and act in the best interest of your child.
Immunisation and Medication
Medication procedure – Our medicine register is located in the office. This will need to be filled out if your child requires medicine throughout the day. Only prescribed medicine (with the child’s name) will be administered. You will be required to sign a form daily authorizing this. Pamol – We do not have Pamol onsite.
Communication
Communication is the key to success. Should you require any further information regarding the centre or your child, please do not hesitate to talk to one of our friendly staff.
