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Animals
We have a miniature pony 'Sushi' which has a paddock at Kidiwise, chickens and Anna's miniature schnauzer, Charlie, visits.

Kidiwise Van
To ensure our children enjoy regular outings, Kidiwise has a Toyota Hi-Ace van. It is clearly sign-written and may be seen out and about Tauranga. It is used to take the children to the library, local parks, garden centres and other places of interest and activities. Each area has an allocated van day. 

Outdoor Activities
To develop the children's motor skills, Kidiwise has all levels of bikes and numerous bike areas. There are balls for children to develop their ball skills and lots of buckets, spades, trucks and outdoor play equipment for the enormous sandpits. Playground equipment includes, ladders, boxes, a climbing frame, monkey bars and swings for the children to practice climbing, gripping and to build up their physical strength and coordination. We have over two acres of native bush for Adventure Bush Walks with bird cut outs along the way, for children to practise tramping, climbing, identify native birds, sliding down the mud slide, walking together and enjoying the bush. We have protective nylon pants and gumboots for the children to wear.

Spa Pool

To build children's confidence in the water, Kidiwise has its own Spa Pool. As with all our activities and resources, this is offered to our children, free of charge.

Meals‍

• All meals are provided by Kidiwise to the Nestling and Morepork rooms and morning and afternoon tea to the rest of the children. The older children bring a packed lunch box. The meals provided by Kidiwise are prepared with low sugar and low preservativesand are made onsite using natural ingredients as much as possible.. We even make our own bread and pizza bases.
• If your child is allergic to any foods, please let us know. We do our best to accommodate specific dietary needs.
• ‍If you wish your child to have any formula, whole milk or breast milk while at Kidiwise, please let us have a clearly named bottle (already prepared).

Clothing‍

• Bags should be clearly labelled and put into your child's locker on arrival.
• Please have two or three changes of clothes in your child's bag.
• We supply all nappies.
• Over 2 children must have shoes for riding the wide variety of bikes and Sushi our pony.
• For summer, please make sure your child has a clearly named sunhat and suntan lotion has been applied prior to arrival. We will apply again during the day.
• For winter, a warm hat, raincoat and gumboots please.

‍Sunblock and Hats

• Please supply a named sun hat for your child. We do have a supply of spare hats for those who forget. 
• Please apply sunblock to your child each morning before attendance between the months of September to April.
• We supply 30SPF sunblock, which is applied after lunch by staff before the children return outside.
• If your child has a sensitivity to sunblock please let staff know. An allergy card will be displayed in each kitchen. Please supply your own sunblock if necessary.

‍Sleeping and Rest times
Children sleep on stretchers with individual bedding provided by Kidiwise. Infant children are put to sleep as required. Toddler and Preschool children needing a sleep are put down for their sleep at 12.30 to 1pm.
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Illness

• Please let us know if your child is sick and unable to attend
• If you suspect your child is sick, please keep him/her at home - especially if it is contagious
• Should your child have vomited, a 48 hour period is required prior to returning to Kidiwise.
• Should your child become sick while at Kidiwise, we will contact you and ask that you collect your child immediately

Settling Children In
Particular attention is given to new children to ensure they settle into the Kidiwise programme as quickly as possible. We recognise the change to childcare can be a stressful and challenging time for your child. A teacher is assigned to gradually help your child with the routines, where to go for toileting, the correct procedure for meal times, mat times, current projects and how to ask for things. Here are some ideas for parents to help settle your child in - particularly the younger children

• As often as possible before your child is to attend
• Become familiar with your child's teachers
• Stay with your child in the first stages of transition until your child is engaged in an activity or happy with a teacher
• Your child can bring any special toys or cuddles that might help to settle
• It is a good idea to say goodbye once, leave and not return - inevitably your child will settle in

Birthdays
If your child is at Kidiwise on their birthday you are more than welcome to provide a cake for them to share. Parents are most welcome to join us or leave cameras for us to record the celebration.

Programmes
When your child enrols they are given a link to our online portal system - Storypark and also given a special portfolio in hardcopy form which is used to record the early learning and experiences while at Kidiwise. This book records your child's journey of exploration and discovery, special interests and strengths. The books are displayed inside the entrance to each building. Parents are welcome to take the books home at any time. The Preschool children have a filing cabinet with their own individual file to hold their paintings. Your child can check this at any time and take paintings home. At Kidiwise we find doing and completing craft projects is beneficial for the children's development. These are displayed at Kidiwise and individual objects taken home for parents to give 'pride of place' at home.

Gardens

The children are encouraged to develop their interest in gardening and help with the planting and maintenance of our vegetable garden and strawberries, all part of teaching the children sustainable practices.