Enquiring about care
What happens after I submit an enquiry?
After you have submitted your enquiry form, we will:
answer any specific enquiries
email you a pre-enrolment form
discuss your needs regarding care for your child
confirm a tour of our centre or add you on to the waitlist depending on availability
How does the waitlist work?
Kiwi Kids accepts applications for future enrolments, and we offer enrolment placements as they become available. We will add your child’s name on our waitlist if we do not have any available days in your child’s age group. We will then contact you as soon as places become available.
If you would like to get an update at any point, you’re welcome to give us a call.
Can I come in for a tour?
You are more than welcome to contact us to arrange a tour of Kiwi Kids. Walk-ins are also accepted.
Enrolment
How do I enrol my child?
We recommend booking a tour of our centre so you can explore our learning environment, meet our kaiako, and ask any questions you may have.
If you decide to enrol, you'll be invited to complete our online enrolment form. Once we have received your completed enrolment form and all required documentation, we'll begin processing your enrolment. To finalise your enrolment, you'll also need to confirm your enrolment details through your MyGov account for Child Care Subsidy (CCS) purposes.
Enrolments are subject to centre availability and your requested days of care.
If we don't have a place available when you need it, you're welcome to join our waitlist. We'll contact you as soon as a suitable position becomes available.
What do I need to fill out the enrolment form?
There are a few items you will need to have on hand to help you fill out the enrolment form, including:
Your child’s Customer Reference Number (CRN). If you do not have a CRN or are unsure where to find this, visit the Centrelink website.
Your child’s Medicare Number/Reference Number.
Your child’s Immunization Record.
Your child's Birth Certificate
Once you have completed and submitted the enrolment form, there are a few more steps to complete.
If it is your first time in child care, you will need to apply for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS). If you need any help with this, we can assist.
We will also make you an OWNA parent account so that you can access our all in one family app.
Confirm your Complying Written Agreement (CWA) in OWNA. You will find your CWA under the Finance tab in the OWNA app. Select the Family/Account menu > Go to the child's Profile > Open the Child Menu > Select Sign CWA > Sign your name > Press Submit. If there are any errors, please reach out to us.
You need to confirm your enrolment at the centre through MyGov. (This may take 24 hours from when you approve it through OWNA). This needs to be done for you to start receiving your CCS from your first day.
Complete your Direct Debit arrangements through OWNA. Open the Family/Accounts menu > Select Statements/Invoices > Click the DDR Form button > Choose your payment method > Fill out the form > Read and accept the terms and conditions > Sign and submit the form
We are here every step of the way to support you through the enrolment process if you have any questions. Call us so we can help you.
Is there a waitlist?
Yes. If we don't have immediate availability for your preferred start date or days of care, you're welcome to join our waitlist.
As places become available, we contact families based on availability, the requested days of care, and our enrolment priorities. Joining our waitlist does not guarantee a placement, but we'll keep your details on file and be in touch as soon as a suitable vacancy becomes available.
We encourage families to join our waitlist as early as possible, particularly if seeking care for specific days that are in high demand.
If your childcare needs change while you're on the waitlist, please let us know so we can keep your information up to date.
What ages do you cater for?
We welcome children aged 15 months to 5 years, providing high-quality early learning and care in a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment.
Our learning spaces are thoughtfully designed to support each stage of your child's development, with age-appropriate programs that encourage play, exploration, creativity, and school readiness.
If you're unsure which room your child will be placed in, our team will be happy to discuss this with you during your tour or enrolment enquiry.
What notice is required to cancel enrolment?
We require a minimum of two weeks' written notice to cancel your child's enrolment.
Written notice can be provided by email or in writing to the centre. Fees remain payable during the notice period, including for any booked days that fall within this time.
If you have any questions about the cancellation process, please don't hesitate to contact our team.
Starting at Kiwi Kids
What should I pack for my child?
Fitted cot size sheet
Blanket
Spare weather appropriate clothing
Water bottle
Wide brim sun hat (Bucket hat)
Appropriate shoes
Plus anything else your individual child may need.
Please ensure all personal property and belongings are clearly named or labelled.
What if my child doesn't like the food provided?
You are more than welcome to bring a packed lunch for your child. Please note we are a NUT FREE centre
How does drop off work?
When your child is enrolled to start at Kiwi Kids, we will confirm with you the security code used to enter the building prior to your first day. We will then show you how to sign your child in using the iPad. One of our friendly staff will show you to your child's room, show you where to place their belongings, discuss the morning and any important information to be handed over. First days can be difficult but we are here to support and guide you and your tamariki through the process.
What happens if my child is injured?
In the rare case that your child is injured, we will:
Administer first aid that is appropriate for the injury sustained by the child, as guided by the Educators Senior First Aid Training and Administering First Aid Centre Policy.
Complete an incident/injury report which will come through to your family app OWNA.
Ensure that further medical attention is recommended to the families in instances where the child’s injury is such that medical attention is required but does not require emergency medical treatment (e.g. Ambulance).
Ensure that emergency services are contacted in instances where the child has been injured, and the injuries are of such a nature as to be beyond the First Aid Training of the Education and Care Staff.
What happens if I am delayed at pick up time?
We understand sometimes things happen which can delay pick up. Please call us and notify as soon as possible, including the estimated arrival time, so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
What are the child/educator ratios
At Kiwi Kids we ensure that staff to child ratios, as outlined in the National Childcare Regulations, are either met, or exceeded. The numbers of staff to children required varies according to the age grouping of the children, as does the maximum number of children in any of our groups. For further information on this, please speak to us.
What is provided at Kiwi Kids?
Kiwi Kids provides the following..
Nappies and wipes.
Nutritious meals prepared by our in-house cook.
Regular updates and photos on our all-in-one family app.
Quality learning resources.
Engaging specialised programs.
Regular festivities for annual events, cultural celebrations, and special occasions.
We welcome special guests and community members to the centre based on the children’s interests.
Fees
How much does it cost to send my child to Kiwi Kids?
Our daily fee is $135 per day before the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is applied. Your out-of-pocket cost will depend on your individual CCS entitlement. If you would like an estimate of your gap fee, please contact our team and we will be happy to assist.
Do I still need to pay for a scheduled day if my child is sick?
Yes, fees still apply for sick days. The Child Care Subsidy will cover up to 42 absence days a year with no documentation and unlimited sick days if you're able to provide a medical certificate or similar.
What happens when we go on holidays?
Normal fees apply for all absences that fall on a usual day of attendance. However Kiwi Kids offers a holiday discount for any absences more than 2 weeks. Please note families need to provide written notification two weeks in advance to apply the holiday discount. Under exceptional circumstances, the holiday discount may be applied outside these requirements at the discretion of the Centre Director. Fee payments need to be up-to-date to receive the holiday discount.
What is Child Care Subsidy (CCS)?
The Child Care Subsidy is means tested based on the combined family income, the fortnightly activity of families – such as work, study or volunteering – and the type of service a child attends.
As part of the Child Care Subsidy, the number of hours of subsidised care you’ll be entitled to will be based on your level of recognised activity. Understanding the different types of activity that will be recognised is key to maximising your Child Care Subsidy.
https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/child-care-subsidy to find out more
How are fees paid?
Fees are payable via direct debit, Centrepay or manually via our childcare software app and are due weekly or fortnighly. Families are responsible for paying any gap fee remaining after CCS has been applied.
Please note: Fees are reviewed periodically. Families will be provided with written notice prior to any fee changes.