Our Philosophy
Giggles Learning Centre provides a bicultural curriculum where the principals of Te Tiriti o Waitangi are an integral part of our everyday teaching practice.
Respectful relationships between kaiako, whānau and tamariki play an essential role in the shared learning experience at Giggles. As kaiako, our passion and joy for tamariki drives our collaborative, supportive and positive team approach.
Through exploring and celebrating the diversity of each child and their whānau, Giggles is an environment where tamariki can become self-assured, capable learners. As tamariki develop their own values and beliefs, we encourage them to care for others and establish their role as kaitiaki of a sustainable world.
Hours of Operation
Giggles operates from 8.00am to 4.30pm.
Our Team
Our team is made up qualified and experienced teachers who are committed to ensuring tamariki receive excellent care, and have the best learning experiences possible.
Enrolment
It is necessary to complete an enrolment form. The form includes essential information about your child that we will keep secure and confidential.
The form also requires completion of attestations to the times and dates that your child will be attending Giggles and details about the optional charges.
You will need to provide copies of both your child’s immunisation certificate and birth certificate or passport.
Participation and Communication
There are a number of ways that you can be involved in your child’s learning experience at Giggles.
We encourage whānau participation. We make an effort to chat with you about how your child’s day has been and invite you to communicate openly with us at any time.
Tamariki are provided with a portfolio that records their learning experiences at Giggles, which you and your child can access freely.
Whānau are able to contribute to the portfolio at any time. Learning stories or photos from home or holiday can provide valuable information about your child’s interests which can be explored further at Giggles.
We will keep you updated about the exciting activities happening at Giggles via our pānui board and newsletters and aim to host a whānau event every season. Whānau events are an opportunity to meet other parents, learn and contribute, and of course to eat!
From time to time you will be invited to participate in our self-review process by providing your feedback on our existing policies and procedures. We will keep you up to date with our self-review progress the via the newsletter or the self review board.
Healthy Kai
Developing good eating habits early on helps our tamariki stay healthy and grow.
While you provide your child’s own lunch in their lunch box we ask for your support by providing healthy kai. We have a handy list of ideas.
We will also provide you with the Ministry of Health's guidelines for kai in ECE.
Giggles will provide afternoon tea, which includes fruit and or vegetables.
Please discuss any allergies or other special dietary requirements with staff.
As part of the healthy heart kaupapa, our community has decided not to celebrate birthdays at Giggles with cake. Please talk to your child's kaitiaki about alternative options.
Settling and Transitioning
We understand that the settling period will be different for each whānau. We will do everything we can to make the settling process comfortable for you and your tamaiti.
Whānau and tamariki are introduced to kaiako and management on the first day. Every effort is made to ensure tamariki feel “at home” and they are encouraged to independently access learning resources and activities they are interested in.
Whānau will be shown where to find their child’s profile book, medicine sign in book and policies.
Whānau and tamariki are encouraged to visit Giggles Learning Centre as often as possible before the first official day of attendance. Certainly visits in the week prior are encouraged. You may wish to bring a special toy or comforter from home that may help your child to settle.
Excursions
As part of the enrolment process, we will seek your permission for tamariki kaiārahi to attend our regular haerenga ngahere.
Permission will be sought at the time before any other excursions are undertaken.
Emergency Preparedness
Giggles Learning Centre has emergency action and evacuation procedures which are posted on our notice board and throughout the centre. We encourage whānau to read these and be aware of the procedures.
We also practice trial evacuations with our tamariki and staff each term which you are welcome to participate in.
Complaints
If you have a complaint please discuss this directly with management.
Should the situation arise where your concerns cannot be resolved satisfactorily your complaint should be made to Giggles Learning Centre in writing. Your complaint will be investigated and responded to.
Ministry of Education Funding/Regulations and Licensing Criteria
Giggles is required to detail the expenditure of any funding received from the Ministry of Education. A copy of this is available to you upon request.
Please let us know if you would like to view the Early Childhood Regulations or Licensing Criteria, and we will be happy to assist you to view these.
Giggles Learning Centre provides a bicultural curriculum where the principals of Te Tiriti o Waitangi are an integral part of our everyday teaching practice.
Respectful relationships between kaiako, whānau and tamariki play an essential role in the shared learning experience at Giggles. As kaiako, our passion and joy for tamariki drives our collaborative, supportive and positive team approach.
Through exploring and celebrating the diversity of each child and their whānau, Giggles is an environment where tamariki can become self-assured, capable learners. As tamariki develop their own values and beliefs, we encourage them to care for others and establish their role as kaitiaki of a sustainable world.
Hours of Operation
Giggles operates from 8.00am to 4.30pm.
Our Team
Our team is made up qualified and experienced teachers who are committed to ensuring tamariki receive excellent care, and have the best learning experiences possible.
Enrolment
It is necessary to complete an enrolment form. The form includes essential information about your child that we will keep secure and confidential.
The form also requires completion of attestations to the times and dates that your child will be attending Giggles and details about the optional charges.
You will need to provide copies of both your child’s immunisation certificate and birth certificate or passport.
Participation and Communication
There are a number of ways that you can be involved in your child’s learning experience at Giggles.
We encourage whānau participation. We make an effort to chat with you about how your child’s day has been and invite you to communicate openly with us at any time.
Tamariki are provided with a portfolio that records their learning experiences at Giggles, which you and your child can access freely.
Whānau are able to contribute to the portfolio at any time. Learning stories or photos from home or holiday can provide valuable information about your child’s interests which can be explored further at Giggles.
We will keep you updated about the exciting activities happening at Giggles via our pānui board and newsletters and aim to host a whānau event every season. Whānau events are an opportunity to meet other parents, learn and contribute, and of course to eat!
From time to time you will be invited to participate in our self-review process by providing your feedback on our existing policies and procedures. We will keep you up to date with our self-review progress the via the newsletter or the self review board.
Healthy Kai
Developing good eating habits early on helps our tamariki stay healthy and grow.
While you provide your child’s own lunch in their lunch box we ask for your support by providing healthy kai. We have a handy list of ideas.
We will also provide you with the Ministry of Health's guidelines for kai in ECE.
Giggles will provide afternoon tea, which includes fruit and or vegetables.
Please discuss any allergies or other special dietary requirements with staff.
As part of the healthy heart kaupapa, our community has decided not to celebrate birthdays at Giggles with cake. Please talk to your child's kaitiaki about alternative options.
Settling and Transitioning
We understand that the settling period will be different for each whānau. We will do everything we can to make the settling process comfortable for you and your tamaiti.
Whānau and tamariki are introduced to kaiako and management on the first day. Every effort is made to ensure tamariki feel “at home” and they are encouraged to independently access learning resources and activities they are interested in.
Whānau will be shown where to find their child’s profile book, medicine sign in book and policies.
Whānau and tamariki are encouraged to visit Giggles Learning Centre as often as possible before the first official day of attendance. Certainly visits in the week prior are encouraged. You may wish to bring a special toy or comforter from home that may help your child to settle.
Excursions
As part of the enrolment process, we will seek your permission for tamariki kaiārahi to attend our regular haerenga ngahere.
Permission will be sought at the time before any other excursions are undertaken.
Emergency Preparedness
Giggles Learning Centre has emergency action and evacuation procedures which are posted on our notice board and throughout the centre. We encourage whānau to read these and be aware of the procedures.
We also practice trial evacuations with our tamariki and staff each term which you are welcome to participate in.
Complaints
If you have a complaint please discuss this directly with management.
Should the situation arise where your concerns cannot be resolved satisfactorily your complaint should be made to Giggles Learning Centre in writing. Your complaint will be investigated and responded to.
Ministry of Education Funding/Regulations and Licensing Criteria
Giggles is required to detail the expenditure of any funding received from the Ministry of Education. A copy of this is available to you upon request.
Please let us know if you would like to view the Early Childhood Regulations or Licensing Criteria, and we will be happy to assist you to view these.