Ratios

Our Little Blue Penguin centres are dedicated to evidence-based and quality care, which means we are dedicated to providing better teacher:child ratios than required by the Ministry of Education.

For children under two we provide a 1:3 ratio, and for children over two we provide a 1:8 ratio.

Kai

At our Little Blue Penguin centres we are committed to protecting and nurturing the health and wellbeing of our tamariki.

Little Blue Penguin provides delicious and nutritious meals and snacks for all children, just let us know your child’s individual nutritional needs and we can cater for them when developing our menu.

Children are actively involved in the preparation and serving of their meals. Children peel vegetables and fruit for the meal as well as set up the table with cloths, plates and cutlery. They get to take turns serving the food to their peers, and are able to lead a Maori karakia (non-religious) to express respect and gratitude for the meal.

Through their involvement in our meal times children will:

– Develop their fine motor skills;

– Learn about nutrition, hygiene and hand washing practices;

– Taste different foods;

– Expand social and communication skills;

– Build their independence, confidence and leadership skills;

– Develop an awareness of sustainability.

“Date” Days

Little Blue Penguin’s Date Day can come up sporadically on Saturday mornings at our Bishopdale location. Our Date Day allows you the opportunity to take a well-deserved break. Parents/caregivers can pop out for breakfast, brunch, coffee, or head to the markets knowing your children are safe and having a great time with their teachers and friends at Little Blue Penguin.

We are excited to be able to offer this option occasionally as we are passionate about mums, dads, caregivers/whānau looking after themselves and having quality time together too!

This incredible morning for your children is filled with a variety of fun experiences as well as a delicious, healthy breakfast and morning tea.

Parent’s and whānau can request a date day by asking us to organise one. We will put the date out to the learning community to gauge interest and provide more information.