Thank you for enquiring about or enrolling your child at a South Canterbury Free Kindergarten. The word ‘Free’ in the name of the Association and kindergarten names does not mean there is no cost to families for attending kindergarten.

The word ‘Free’ has been used in the names of kindergarten associations and kindergartens in the “Free Kindergarten movement” since it began in 1889 and means ‘free from discrimination’.

Therefore, South Canterbury Kindergartens are open to children irrespective of family status, ethnic or national origins, colour, race, gender, disability, religious and ethical beliefs. The Government can cover fees for 3 - 5 year olds up to 20 hours per week. Where fees are required, we are committed to keeping fees at our kindergartens affordable.

Fees for 3 - 4 Year olds

When you attest to all of your 20 Hours ECE to the Kindergarten. There is no fee charged for 3 and 4-year-olds up to 6 hours per day. In some cases, this means your child could receive up to 30 hours ECE with no additional fee charged depending on their hours of attendance. If your child is attending for longer than 30 hours or over 6 hours per day, then you will be charged $6.25 per hour.

If you do not attest all 20 Hours ECE to the kindergarten because your child is also attending another ECE service then the fee of $6.25 per hour (GST incl) for those hours not attested will be charged.

Fees for 5 Year olds

Five year olds, who have been using their 20 Hours ECE entitlement at kindergarten prior to turning five, will continue to receive free attendance at kindergarten up until the age of six.

Fees for 2 Year olds

The fee for 2 year old children is $6.25 per hour (incl GST).

Fees for Under 2 Year olds

The fee under 2 year olds is $6.25 per hour (incl GST).

Getting help with your fees

You may be able to get a Childcare Subsidy to help with payment of your fees depending on your total family income. To find out if your family qualifies please see your Head Teacher who can share the eligibility tables to you or go to https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/products/a-z-benefits/tamarikicare-subsidy.html

Please note: The Childcare Subsidy is only part payment for fees and therefore parents must pay the balance owing. Please complete the application before your tamariki begins Kindergarten as the Childcare Subsidy could then be back dated to the first day your tamariki attends.

Family Whānau Donations

The Ministry of Education funding does not cover all kindergarten costs. To assist with expenses that will enhance your tamariki kindergarten experience, we ask whanau who do not pay fees to donate $5.00 per week, or $1.00 a day, to a maximum of $50.00 per school term. This can be paid at the beginning of each term or by on-line banking.

Payment of Donations

We would appreciate it if family whānau donations are paid at the start of each term. You can claim this donation for tax purposes.

Fee Terms and Conditions

To claim your 20 hours ECE you need to sign the declaration on the SCK Enrolment Form. This is a legal agreement that confirms to the Ministry of Education how you are going to use your 20 Hours ECE. Whenever you change the way you use your free hours, you need to update the Attestation Form at your kindergarten.

Enrolment Agreement

Once your tamariki is enrolled and a start date confirmed, all booked hours will be charged, as appropriate. Please note: until your tamariki attends kindergarten, we cannot claim Ministry of Education funding. Therefore, you will be charged full fees until attendance begins in order to hold the place at kindergarten.

Payment of Fees

All fees are to be paid regularly via Automatic payment, unless you have made prior arrangements with the Head Teacher of the kindergarten your tamariki attends. Once you have agreed on hours/days of enrolment these are the minimum number of hours that you will be charged each week. Invoices are issued fortnightly.

Arrears

If your fees payment becomes one month in arrears you will be given 7 days to pay. Failure to pay fees may result in your tamariki enrolment being cancelled and referral to a Debt Collection Agency.

Absences

Fees are charged when your tamariki is sick or absent for less than five days as SCK must continue to pay for staffing and operation of the Kindergarten. SCK may consider some absence circumstances, such as long-term illness, on a case-by-case basis.

A holiday absence fee of 50% of the usual charge will apply for holidays when two weeks’ notice has been provided for up to 40 days per annum. For no notification or late notification full fees will be charged.

Changing booked hours

Two weeks written notice is required to change your enrolment agreement. Your request for increased hours will be accommodated as space allows and if all fees owed are paid in full. Each time booked hours are changed, a new attestation form must be completed and signed. Every time you change hours for your tamariki, you must notify your Childcare Subsidy.

Leaving Kindergarten

We require two weeks’ notice if your tamariki will be leaving kindergarten. You may be charged for these weeks if we do not receive this notice.

If you have any questions regarding your account or the fees charged, please talk with your Head Teacher or contact South Canterbury Kindergartens Association office T: 03 688 3098

In this issue

Supporting kaitiakitanga