Frequently asked questions
Will my 3 or 4 year old get 20 hours per week free childcare if he/she is enrolled with Pohutukawa Kids?
Yes.
Can I enrol my 3 or 4 year old with Pohutukawa Kids for 10 hours free care per week and with another ECE service for 10 hours free care per week?
Yes.
I work 40 hours per week. Can I still apply for a Work and Income Childcare Subsidy for my 3 or 4 year old?
If your child is enrolled with Pohutukawa Kids for more than 20 hours you may apply for a Work and Income Subsidy, for any hours over and above 20 hours per week.
Is there a waiting list for childcare spaces?
We will tell you if we don’t have a space so that you can try another service. If you choose to, we will phone you when a space becomes available, but we will not hold childcare spaces for anyone, unless an educator agrees to do so.
If my child turns 3 will he/she get 20 hours free childcare?
Yes. Once your child turns 3, every child who is enrolled for 20 hours or more, will not be charged for 20 hours’ childcare per week (providing an attestation form has been completed and returned to the office).
Will there be any extra costs to me if my child receives 20 hours free childcare per week?
Yes, there may be extra costs depending on what activities your child attends (e.g. gymnastics has a small charge).
If I enrol my 3 or 4-year-old at kindergarten for 20 hours a week and at Pohutukawa Kids for 20 hours a week, will I get both services free?
No. You will have to choose one or the other for your free 20 hours. The other will need to be paid for. In this case you should choose the service which charges the highest hourly rate to enrol in for the free childcare or you can divide between both services.
Does my 3 or 4-year-old need to attend ECE service as well as Pohutukawa Kids?
No. Pohutukawa Kids values activities such as kindergarten sessions for 3 and 4 year olds, but your child will get all the group sessions he/she needs within Pohutukawa Kids. We provide (at no extra charge) playgroups, excursions, visits in the community, and other learning experiences at educators’ homes.