Newstead Country Preschool has been providing quality childcare and education to the Newstead community since 1997, which is located just outside of Hamilton. We are a mixed all day standalone childcare centre licensed for 37 children from 6 months to six years. Childcare
We operate three teams with specific teaching staff and age groups-
- Babies (6-18 months)
- Toddlers (18 months-3 year approx)
- Big Kids (3-5 years approx)
Each age group has designated educators who independently plan for their respective group.
We have exceptional teacher to child ratios and small group sizes.
1:3 for babies
1:4 for toddlers
1:6 for big kids
Please compare our ratios with those at other centres and you will see that this well exceeds both the Ministry of Education requirements and industry standards. Research shows that small groups size, high teacher to child ratios and low staff turnover are all indicators of better outcomes for children. Our preschool is very committed to maintaining these ratios, as we believe that this allows for quality interactions with the children.
At present the Big Kids group run a preschool extension programme. The programme is aimed at school readiness. Stay Up Kids Time runs from 12:30pm to 1:30pm for our 4 1/2 years olds. This has proved to be hugely successful for the children and welcomed by parents. The programme has been acknowledged by the local schools as preparing children very well for school.
Staff
At present the preschool is running with a staff of 13.
- 7 fully qualified early childhood teachers
- 3 untrained teaching support staff
We also have 1 qualified teacher on maternity leave, and three support staff, an administrator, caretaker, and cleaner.
The current level of qualified staff enables quality childcare ratios to be maintained at 95% when staff are released for planning, and non-contact time. It also provides special leave cover for other staff members.
Our printable Parent Handbook has more information including fees, ECE 20 hours free, and WINZ childcare subsidies.