Frequently asked questions

  • We do have a waiting list that is filling up quickly for 2026 and 2027.

    If you are interested in enrolling your child and are not yet on the waiting list please contact us. Sometimes plans change and there may be a space for your child at short notice.

  • Small group size is a key indicator of quality in early childhood education. Research suggests that around 20 children is a “sweet spot” for learning in an early childhood setting.

    With fewer children, the environment is less noisy and busy, allowing tamariki to engage more deeply in their learning with less stress. A smaller group also supports stronger relationships between tamariki and kaiako (teachers) to grow and flourish.

  • Our environment is best set up to cater for tamariki aged 3, 4 and 5, however we do sometimes have space for 2 years olds.

  • No, your child does not need to be fully independent. Our teachers will support you and your child wherever you are on your toilet-learning journey.

  • No, each child brings their own lunchbox to kindergarten.

    Food experiences are an important part of our programme. Through gardening, baking and making, tamariki have regular opportunities to harvest, prepare, cook and taste. Children are also invited to take part in process baking each morning, (usually by making a bun) following a recipe step by step alongside a teacher or parent.

  • Yes, at Manu Kindergarten we go out regularly to explore areas of local native forest. We also like to travel further afield, visiting locations such as the Govett Brewster Art Gallery, and Pukekura and Brooklands Park. Every second Thursday we enjoy a visit from the library bus.

  • Yes we do. Please see our up to date fees information here.

  • We believe that young children need breaks just as much as their older school-aged peers. With that in mind, our kindergarten calendar follows the school terms.

    We close for 2 weeks during school holidays, and for 5 weeks over the summer holiday period, usually opening again in the last week of January.

  • Monday to Friday: 8:45am - 2:45pm during school terms.

    We are closed during public holidays.

  • Please see our most recent ERO report from March 2024 here.