What We Offer
Excellent Teacher/Child Ratio Childcare Tauranga
As any quality daycare should, our childcare centre takes pride in having one of the best teacher to child ratio. This helps us to provide a high standard of education for your child(ren) in an environment that is nurturing and caring.
Your child will receive plenty of individualised care and education, quality interactions, and conversations, meaningful learning moments, and plenty of opportunities for one-to-one attention from our dedicated teachers.
Think of us as a ‘home, away from home’.
We are one of the few centres that aim to uphold this high-quality approach to childcare in Tauranga. One of our goals is to make use of our well-kept surroundings to provide a relaxed learning environment for all of our children.
Within this environment, our children are provided with a carefully considered and well-resourced programme which encourages complex and fun play opportunities.
Our children’s growing minds can flourish as they have the freedom to be creative thinkers, be resourceful, to explore, to investigate, imagine, persevere, develop resilience, and grow their physical and social skills.
Our Philosophy and Programmes
Our Philosophy
Lilliput Preschool believes in responsive and reciprocal relationships with all our children, parents/whānau, and teachers, where they feel valued, safe and secure. We believe in kindness and respecting everyone as well as everything around us. We take pride in providing programmes that strengthen each child’s cultural identity so they grow up as confident life-long learners and highly competent individuals.
Infants and Toddlers
The infants and toddler’s area is a calm and inviting environment, where relationships are at the heart of our practices. Through key teachers, children form close and trusting relationships based on love, acceptance, and kindness. We follow the natural rhythms of each child, where unrushed experiences are individualised to their needs, strengths, and interests. This is done at a core level of everything we do.
Preschool
Our Preschool area is an environment that provides for all children’s unique interests, strengths, and needs. Here children learn as they imagine, invent, experiment, ask questions, and make sense of the world around them. All learners experience a well-equipped environment with a variety of resources, a number of inviting areas, and uninterrupted play. This provides an endless opportunity for exploration, creativity, curiosity, and social engagement.
Meet the Owner
Michelle Hill
I am 100% invested and highly involved in Lilliput’s operation. This ensures the highest quality of care and education for every child.
It is vital as an owner who also manages the centre to make sure that no corners are cut.
Being a mother of three only deepens my experience into childcare.
I know how challenging it can be when returning to the workforce after having children.
However, I’m extremely dedicated to making the transition as stress-free and uncomplicated as possible.
Questions and Answers
FAQ
What are the ages you care for?
We provide care and education for children between 3 months and 6 years old.
Do you offer subsidised hours?
Yes, we provide up to 20 ECE hours per week for children over 3 years old.
Some families may be eligible for a WINZ subsidy. Please ask Michelle for more information with regards to applying for a WINZ subsidy.
How do I enrol my child?
We encourage you and your child to visit us.
Once you decide to enroll with us, a form will have to be filled out that confirms the hours and days you will be needing care.
Are your staff qualified?
We have a high ratio of qualified teachers (average 96%), well above the Ministry of Education recommendation of 80%.
We are proud of our low teacher turn over rates and we all enjoy a wonderful and supportive work environment.
Can I get a WINZ subsidy?
Work and Income New Zealand may be able to provide assistance for your childcare costs. WINZ subsidy is income tested, and there are certain terms and conditions that apply in order to qualify.
Please speak to WINZ to see if you qualify for the childcare subsidy.
Phone: 0800 559 009
It is recommended to get the application form into WINZ as soon as possible.
Lilliput Preschool has the application form available for you, or you can fill in the application form online by visiting:
Are you open during the school holidays?
Yes, we are open all year round; We are only closed for statuary holidays and weekends.
What happens if we are away over the Christmas and New Year period?
During the weeks over the Christmas and New Year period, you will not be charged any childcare fees, if your child doesn’t attend and you have informed us that they will be absent.
If your child does attend Lilliput Preschool during this period, normal fees apply.
How can I find out more information about Lilliput Preschool?
The best way to find out more about us is to visit.
You are most welcome to visit our centre at any time that is convenient for you. No booking is necessary, we welcome all visitors and inquiries. We recommend visiting a centre a number of times and at different times of the day, so you can get a feeling about the centre and whether it will meet your and your child’s requirements.
During your visits please feel free to ask as many questions as you like, so you can feel comfortable with your decision.
You can also ring or email us to ask further questions.
Do I still have to pay childcare fees when my child is sick?
Yes, you still have to pay childcare fees when your child is sick, to cover our operating costs. We will try and arrange a make-up day, if possible. However, conditions apply and make-up days are not always guaranteed.
Preparation
What You Need to Provide
Essentials
Comfort Items
Any comfort items your child is attached to.
Clothing
Two or more changes of clothes, we recommend labeling the clothing.
Food for Preschoolers
In the Preschool area: Water bottle, lunch and afternoon tea. We provide morning tea
Food for Infants and Toddlers
In the infants and toddler’s area: Water bottle, morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea.
If your child has certain dietary requirements or allergies
We go the extra mile to ensure dietary needs are met.
Please discuss any dietary related requirements with Michelle or any of the other teachers.
Some Helpful Suggestions On How to Help Your Child Settle In
We recommend you and your child visit together before starting attendance. The number of visits will depend on individual needs and personality.
In the infants and toddler’s area, it is beneficial to visit at different times of the day. You can take this opportunity to provide some caregiving routines. It’s best to do this in the company of the key teacher in order for the teacher to gain knowledge about your child’s individual needs and preferences.
What You and Your Child Can Expect at Lilliput Preschool
- A small and personal centre, a home away from home environment (We are licensed for 35 children, made up of usually 9 children in the infants and toddler’s area, and 26 in the Preschool).
- Family owned and operated childcare in Tauranga (by Michelle). She is available every day, working collaboratively with children, teachers and families to ensure everyone receives that extra level of care, support, and attention they deserve.
- Stable and dedicated teaching team – our teacher turnover rates are very low.
- More trained teachers – we average 96% trained teachers, well above the 80% which the Ministry of Education sets.
- Excellent teacher to child ratios, our ratios are one of the best you will receive in Tauranga.
For more information please read our ERO review, where we received the highest possible rating, “very well placed”.
Something else we would like to mention
We currently have spaces in the infants and toddler’s area.
You get one free day for children up to three years old. When you pay for 4 full days, you get your fifth day free.