Early childhood education

Whanganui’s schools and tertiary institutions offer a diverse range of opportunities and communities to make students feel at home and supported. Whanganui is a great place to bring up children. In fact it’s one of the most common reasons people have for choosing Whanganui. Excellent schools, community events, opportunities in sport and arts, and a relaxed pace of life give kids all they need to succeed. It is easy and safe for students to get around and they are well connected to the rest of the country and the world with ultra-fast broadband.

Whanganui has international recognition as a UNESCO City of Design, recognising its strengths as a wonderful place to learn, grow and be nurtured.

Early childhood education (ECE) is available for children up to six years of age. Whanganui has more than 50 kindergartens, play centres, childcare centres, home-based networks, correspondence school, play groups and Te Ko¯hanga Reo. It is advisable to check that the centre you are intending to enrol your child in is registered with the Ministry of Education – this ensures the quality of the centre.

Visit www.education.govt.nz to see all registered ECE providers in our district. Additionally, ECE centres are also listed in the local phone book under child care and education, kindergartens and playcentres and preschool centres. Your child may qualify for 20 hours free ECE.

After school care

In New Zealand, children under the age of 14 must not be left alone without reasonable care and supervision. OSCAR (Out of School Care and Recreational Programme) and other before-and-after school care services are available in Whanganui. They usually also offer holiday programmes that run during business hours throughout the school holidays. Ask your school about the options that may be available.

Caroline Burrows Director, Kip McGrath Wanganui 28 Somerset Road, Springvale, Wanganui P 06 348 0035 • M 0277693222 E wanganui@kipmcgrath.co.nz • www.kipmcgrath.co.nz/wanganui