What is a good daily schedule for a 3-year-old preschooler in Auckland?

A balanced daily schedule for a 3-year-old includes a mix of structured learning and plenty of free play. This approach supports independence, social development, and curiosity. At Remarkable Kids, learning experiences are woven into a flexible daily rhythm that allows tamariki to explore their interests while building foundational skills.

How can Auckland parents help preschoolers thrive socially and emotionally?

Parents can support social and emotional development by choosing environments that value inclusive play and encourage children to explore their abilities. Kaiako help tamariki build confidence by guiding friendships, supporting emotional expression, and creating a strong sense of belonging for every whānau.

What should children be learning during the preschool years in an Auckland early childhood setting?

During the preschool years, children develop early literacy, numeracy, and writing skills alongside self-help abilities and emotional regulation. Learning is delivered through play-based experiences that build confidence and prepare tamariki for a smooth transition to primary school.

How do childcare centres support routines and transitions for preschoolers in West Auckland?

Centres support transitions through consistent daily routines and gentle transition activities. These predictable anchors help tamariki feel safe, confident, and ready to participate fully in play, learning, and group experiences.

How do I know if my preschooler in Westgate is ready for kindergarten or school?

School readiness is often shown through a child’s ability to follow instructions, manage self-care tasks, and interact positively with peers. Working closely with families and local Westgate schools helps ensure each tamaiti feels confident and prepared before transitioning to primary education.

Meals for Kids

Our healthy, nutritious, delicious meals

We are what we eat, and this is no less true for tamariki. It’s in these early years parents and caregivers can lay a good nutritional foundation and establish good eating habits in under-fives.

Meals by our onsite cook

All of our meals are prepared onsite by our dedicated cook. Meals are well-balanced, nutritious, and created especially with different age groups in mind.

Alternative meals

We cater for tamariki with a variety of dietary needs: allergies, intolerances or values. Let us know your requirements, we are always happy to sit down and discuss these with you and see what we can do to support your whānau.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you provide meals at Remarkable Kids, or do parents need to pack lunchboxes?

We provide a full-day catering service for all tamariki, so parents do not need to pack daily lunchboxes. Our service includes morning tea, a cooked lunch, afternoon tea, and a late snack, so children are well-nourished throughout the day.

What kinds of meals and snacks do you provide each day?

Our seasonal menus feature a variety of fresh, home-cooked meals, including hot lunches, nutritious snacks, and plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. We focus on providing whole foods that are both delicious and energy-dense to support active, growing children.

Are meals cooked on-site, and who prepares them?

Yes, all meals are prepared fresh daily on-site by our dedicated centre cook. This allows us to maintain high food quality and easily adjust recipes to meet the specific nutritional or dietary needs of the children in our care.

Can you cater for allergies, intolerances, or special dietary requirements?

We have robust systems in place to safely cater for children with medically diagnosed allergies, intolerances, and specific dietary needs. Our cook prepares suitable alternatives to ensure every child can enjoy a safe and inclusive dining experience with their peers.

How do you handle dietary preferences or cultural food requirements for tamariki?

We respect the diverse cultural backgrounds and personal values of our whānau and can provide meal alternatives to suit specific preferences. Please discuss your requirements with our Centre Manager during enrolment so we can ensure your child’s needs are fully met.

What makes your meals “healthy and nutritious” for under-fives?

Our menus are fully approved by the Heart Foundation’s Healthy Heart programme, ensuring they meet strict nutritional guidelines for early childhood. We prioritise balanced, nutrient-rich ingredients that support optimal brain development and physical growth.

How do you support good eating habits for toddlers and preschoolers at mealtimes?

We treat mealtimes as a social learning opportunity where teachers sit with tamariki to model positive table manners. This communal approach helps children develop a healthy relationship with food and establishes essential social skills in a relaxed environment.