Whānau Feedback

Each year, we invite our parents & Whānau to participate in whānau surveys.

We aim to put out two surveys per year, each focusing on helping us develop our practice and curriculum while also ensuring we are meeting everyone's needs and expectations.

Our most recent survey was conducted in February 2026; below is our summary of findings.

Summary of Findings:

Overall, survey feedback reflects very high levels of satisfaction with the centre. Families strongly value the warm, welcoming atmosphere and the genuine relationships between kaiako, tamariki, and whānau. The smaller centre size is seen as a significant strength, allowing for more individual attention and meaningful engagement. Parents consistently describe the teaching team as friendly, patient, supportive, and highly involved in children’s learning and wellbeing. Communication is viewed positively, with most families preferring text message and Storypark for timely updates. Importantly, all respondents indicated that the centre meets their child’s needs either all of the time (71.4%) or most of the time (28.6%).

Key Strengths Identified

Strong Relationships & Supportive Kaiako

• 100% identified Arts & Crafts and Supporting Positive Behaviour as areas done well.

• 85.7%–100% positive responses for Supportive Kaiako, Messy/Water Play, and supporting whānau when help is requested.

• Families highlighted the welcoming environment, attentive staff, and children’s happiness and confidence.

Learning Environment & Experiences

• Strong feedback for sensory play, excursions, and science experiences.

• Families appreciate the range of resources and learning options available.

• Excursions are highly valued, with interest in continuing both local and larger trips.

Whānau Engagement

• 100% feel they have enough opportunities to participate in centre life.

• Friday (100%) and afternoons (85.7%) are the preferred times for events.

• Some whānau are willing to assist with excursions (43% yes, 29% maybe).

Opportunities for Growth

Feedback was constructive and future-focused rather than critical. Key themes include:

1. School Readiness & Challenge for 4-Year-Olds

• Desire for more age-appropriate and challenging activities.

• Interest in early writing, name recognition, and foundational literacy.

• “Ready for school” is defined as independence, confidence, self-care skills, communication, and social skills.

2. Encouraging Independence

• Continued focus on self-help skills (tidying up, dressing, toileting, managing belongings).

3. Gardening & Nature-Based Learning

• Most commonly identified improvement area (57.1%).

4. Activities that Challenge Tamariki

• 42.9% would like increased challenge in learning experiences.

5. Minor Operational Feedback

• Additional support during busy morning drop-offs.

• More notice for specific activity days requiring spare clothes.

Excursion Feedback

Local excursion interest includes:

• Police Station (most popular)

• Ambulance Station

• Farms

• Library visits

Large excursion suggestions include:

• Bullswool Farm Park

• Butterfly Creek

• Kelly Tarltons

Families clearly value community engagement and off-site learning opportunities.

Overall Conclusion

The survey reflects a centre with strong relational foundations, high trust from families, and consistently positive experiences for tamariki. Whānau feel confident in the care provided and appreciate the nurturing, communicative, and inclusive environment.

Future growth opportunities centre on:

• Extending challenge and school readiness for older children

• Strengthening independence skills

• Expanding gardening/nature experiences

• Continuing high-quality excursions and strong communication

Overall, feedback affirms that the centre is highly regarded within its community, with clear direction for continued development while maintaining the warm, personalised approach that families deeply value.