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Childcare & Education ������������������
to high schoolPreschool
Education facilities abound in Franklin, from childcare and daycares through to primary, intermediate and secondary schools. Our communities also boast a rich range of sport and other extra-curricular activities for our youngest residents.
When it comes to preschool, parents can be confident they will find something to suit their children while being handy to workplaces and home.
In addition to kindergartens, there are numerous childcare centres which offer all-day care, essential for many from working families. Some of these cater for babies and some may even provide after school programmes for primary aged children.
Centres adhere to strict regulations and offer proper sleeping arrangements for infants. Hot meals may be served during the day with most featuring excellent indoor/outdoor facilities.
All local childcare centres are intent on employing fully trained staff and must operate in strict accordance with government guidelines regarding such aspects as teacher/child ratios, social programmes and developmental skills.
Newcomers to Franklin can have confidence in the quality of our local schools in rural areas as well as our towns and suburbs. Most rural schools also offer calf club and country days as part of their annual educational programmes, encouraging students to learn more about animal care.
While public schools are subject to zoning, it is possible to enrol pupils out of zone if there are unfilled places available. Private schools have no such zoning restrictions in place. Most schools have an open door policy when it comes to community interest and parental enquiries are welcomed. When seeking an appropriate school, enquire about special programmes, such as music, drama and sport.
As well as state and private education facilities, there are hobby classes and special interest groups with tuition available. Yes, Franklin offers many satisfying ways to learn, in informal as well as more structured environments, to residents of all ages.
What to look for in an ECE centre
QUESTIONS TO ASK
When it comes to selecting the best quality childcare for your child, it’s best to look beyond the bright colours and the free T-shirts. Sometimes these gimmicks mask lower quality education. How can one assess the quality of an ECE school? Simply visit the centre in person and see for yourself. Then ask these 15 questions. Make sure you get honest, non-jargon answers.
1. What are your teacher:child ratios? The lower, the better, ideally below 1:10. 2. How many qualified teachers do you have?
Look for a high percentage, at least 80%, preferably higher. Remember, not all teachers are qualified. 3. What is your staff turnover? How long have your teams been established? The longer, the better.
Children form strong relationships with teachers, so a high staff turnover is disruptive and indicates that there may be problems in the centre. 4. Does your centre offer primary caregiving?
Young children naturally create stronger relationships with one or two caregivers who can concentrate on learning your child’s cues. Once secure with their primary carer, they will feel safe learning in their new environment. 5. Can you explain what this looks like at your centre?
The centre should be able to explain how this works in their setting. 6. What is the group size of your rooms? The smaller, the better. Typically for ages 0-2, a group of under 15 is recommended. Older children can flourish in larger groups. 7. What routines will my child be engaged in?
Routines are important for a child’s development, as are periods of free play. 8. How many transitions will my child have in your centre? Look to see how many times your child will need to change rooms and teachers. Such changes can be disruptive for the child. 9. Do you provide food, and can I see your menus?
A variety of healthy food prepared on the premises is best. All dietary requirements should be catered for. 10. Does this centre fit with my parenting style?
All centres operate differently and have differing philosophies. Talk to the teachers about their philosophy and practices to see if they align with the values you hold as a parent. 11. Can I share my aspirations for my child? Ask if there are ways that you can contribute your aspirations to the centre programme – ideally teachers will follow your child’s interests and meet your expectations regarding their care and learning. 12. How will I find out about my child’s learning?
Ask how the centre shares children’s learning, they may have portfolios, online learning platforms, regular parent events etc. 13. What do I do if my child is unwell? What are your illness policies? Ask to see clear policies around illness, including Covid. 14. What do I need to provide (e.g. nappies, formula, drink bottle etc.)? Convenience needs to be balanced against your child’s personal preferences. 15. Where and how will my child sleep? How will they be put to sleep? Can I bring in comforters for them? It’s important that children feel well supported at rest time – ideally, they can have something from home as a transition item to help them settle.
School terms
Term Two, 2022: May 2 – July 8 Term Three: July 25 – Sep 30 Term Four: Oct 17 – no later than Dec 20* Term One 2023: Begins from Jan 30 (earliest) to Feb 7 (latest), ends April 6
*Term four end dates depend on the total number of school half days for the year, with a minimum of 384 for primary, intermediate and special schools, 378 for secondary and composite schools.
For further information, visit www.education.govt.nz and search ‘school terms’.
Small, cosy centre for mixed ages (0-6 years) situated in the heart of Pukekohe
ECE 30 hours available for 2-6 year olds WINZ subsidies available for all qualifying families Opening Hours 7.00am-6.00pm
29 Queen Street, Pukekohe Ph 09 238 1795 pukekohe@blossomseducare.co.nz www.blossoms.co.nz
sustainable learning transition to school forest school programme for our 4 yr olds
We are open 7.30am-5.30pm Infants, Toddlers and Preschoolers 09 239 3930 | 1070 Paerata Rd, Pukekohe www.countryvillagepreschool.co.nz
Aka Aka School is a great choice for your child – come and see why!
• Beautiful rural setting with plenty of green space • Innovative and responsive teaching • A focus on educating the whole child • Curriculum connects to real world learning supported by a well-balanced digital curriculum • The arts are used to enhance learning and self-expression • Large playground, pump track, pool, and forest for exploring • A pleasant 10 minute drive from Pukekohe • School Bus route from Waiuku
For more information contact principal@akaaka.school.nz Ph 09 235 2806 | www.akaaka.school.nz
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Pukekohe Christian School
The doors of Pukekohe Christian School are always open to visitors. If you are interested in finding out more about our school, please telephone and make an appointment. You will find a warm welcome and the opportunity to view the school “in action” visiting classrooms with happy, challenged and focused students, learning the Cambridge Curriculum from a Christian perspective.
Years 1 – 13 82 Yates Road, Pukekohe / Ph 09 238 6449 admin@pcschool.co.nz / www.pcschool.co.nz
CHILDCARE & EDUCATION
KINGSGATE SCHOOL
To know, to love, to serve. Kia mohio, ki te aroha, ki te mahi.
Artist Impression – Corner Blake and Foy Roads, Pukekohe
We are a community of faith and learning, who celebrate the whole child and equip them to: honour God, love learning, serve others and fulfil their potential in Christ. Our Values: STRENGTH – EMPATHY – RESPECT – VISION – ENDURANCE
We provide: • State-Integrated Full Primary School – Years 0-8 • Non-restricted open zoned enrolment • A Christ-centred, strengths based local curriculum • Modern, purpose built facilities set in spacious, natural grounds For a prospectus or to contact the school: Email: admin@kingsgate.school.nz Visit: www.kingsgate.school.nz Phone: 09 239 0297
PAPARIMU SCHOOL
Welcoming new enrolments, Year 1-8 students
Paparimu School is a vibrant, small, rural school. Our students thrive in our exciting and supportive learning community • Small class sizes • More “teacher time” • Focus on individual learning needs • Strong relationships with wha¯nau • No school zone We warmly invite families to visit our school to discuss enrolling your child. Come and experience our small school with BIG benefits! www.paparimu.school.nz www.facebook.com/paparimuprimary 3 Matheson Rd, Paparimu, Hunua Ph (09) 292 5861 | admin@paparimu.school.nz
TUAKAU COLLEGE
Pai rawa atu i nga mea katoa | The very best in all things Phone: 09 236 8521 www.tuakaucollege.com
AT TUAKAU COLLEGE WE ARE COMMITTED TO PROVIDING THE BEST SECONDARY EDUCATION FOR OUR COMMUNITY!
A positive and supportive learning environment Year 7 to Year 13 semi-rural school Proudly multi-cultural High academic expectations and achievements Preparation for life through a quality education, promoting excellence in all things
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MORE SCHOOLS ON THE BLACKBOARD
With Pukekohe’s population alone expected to increase to more than 40,000 by 2040, new schools are expected, with others experiencing development.
A new school, Tamaoho Primary School, opened in 2021 to serve the Pukekohe’s western suburbs, with Paerata Primary School (north of Pukekohe) now relocated a few kilometres from its previous site.
As Paerata Rise continues to grow, Wesley College has been moving with the times, expanding and relocating some of its facilities.
And, even more schools are planned across the region, including St Ignatius of Loyola Catholic College in Drury, which is expected to open its gates in 2024.
While Pukekohe High School is expected to continue as one of the region’s major secondary providers, work is already underway to enable it to cater to more students.
Burgeoning subdivisions from Drury to Pukekohe and Pokeno are continuing to prove a major driving force in the development of local schools.
Quality before, after school care and holiday programmes
Creating long lasting relationships with Franklin families since 1998
Catering for school aged children between 5-13 years of age. A variety of arts and crafts, science experiments, cooking, games, sports and fun activities are scheduled daily. An activity drop off service is available in some of our programmes so your child doesn’t miss out. ENROL NOW Call 09 236 4078 www.kidsafterschool.co.nz
MSD Social Sector Level 3 Accreditation WINZ subsidies available for eligible families
