What to Expect

Our Learning Environment

Our centre reflects the warmth and security of home, creating an environment where your child can thrive. Here, children play, learn, grow and build lasting friendships.

We're committed to providing exceptional care and education in every moment - whether during structured learning, free play, or all the precious moments in between. Everything we do is guided by our knowledge, experience and genuine care for each tamariki.

Children and adults gathered in a classroom or playroom, engaging in activities. Toys and educational materials are on shelves and tables, with a window in the background.
A group of children and a woman sitting on the floor in a classroom, engaged in a learning activity with educational toys. The classroom has shelves filled with building blocks and educational materials, a poster of a turkey, and colorful decorations
A group of young children wearing red safety vests with the word 'CROSS' and a logo are gathered around a woman, likely a teacher or guide, who is touching a tall, carved wooden totem pole with a face at the top and various designs, outdoors during d
Children and adults gather around a star-shaped chocolate cake with lit birthday candles at a birthday party.
A teacher reading a book to a group of children seated on the floor and benches in a classroom.
Two children playing with pink and blue paint at an outdoor table, surrounded by paint splatters and various bowls of paint.
Two children look into a fish tank on a counter in a classroom or a daycare setting. The girl has dark curly hair, wearing a purple sweater and patterned pants, standing on a yellow step stool. The boy has short dark hair, wearing a blue vest and bla

Getting started

Settling-in

Once your child’s start date is confirmed, we’ll arrange some settling visits to help them ease into life at Crossways.

These short visits give your child a chance to explore while you stay with them, helping build trust and confidence in a new space. We’ll take things at your child’s pace and work with you to make the transition as smooth and positive as possible. We offer up to four settling visits free of charge, to ensure there is no pressure of rushing or staying longer than needed.

Food

Sharing kai together is a special time for the children. We ask parents to provide morning tea and lunch for their child. We'd also love it if you could bring some whole fruit to share for afternoon tea - the children really enjoy this community aspect of mealtimes!

We encourage healthy food choices and using reusable containers where possible. We have a fridge for perishables and facilities to heat up food as needed. Please familiarise yourself with this important Ministry of Heath brochure on of reducing food-related choking for babies and young children at early learning services.

Communications

Sharing your child's play and learning journey with the wider Crossways whānau is important to us. Through Storypark, our online communication platform, we share special learning moments and keep families updated with important notices. This creates meaningful connections between home and centre life, ensuring parents and whānau can stay engaged with their child's everyday experiences and development.

We also keep in regular contact with whānau through kaiako-parent meetings, quarterly e-newsletters, parent surveys and our Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Children gathered around a table with lunchboxes and containers filled with sandwiches, fruits, snacks, and beverages, with a potted plant in the center.
A colorful classroom with shelves filled with toys, books, and art supplies. There are small tables and chairs, a wall with art projects, and a window letting in natural light.
A classroom with colorful artwork on the walls, a large blue and white fabric ceiling decoration, and hanging paper decorations, including the solar system, near the window.

Excursions

At Crossways, our location is one of our greatest assets. Nestled near Matairangi (Mount Victoria) and the Town Belt, we have easy access to nature - making outdoor exploration a regular part of our learning journey. These excursions allow our tamariki to connect with the natural world, build confidence, and experience the joy of open spaces.

Furthermore, being close to the heart of the city means our tamariki also get to experience a wide range of enriching outings - from sparking curiosity at Te Papa Museum, stretching their legs at local parks and playgrounds, enjoying storytelling and performance at the theatre, to the excitement of a visit to the airport. These excursions are more than just fun - they’re opportunities for learning, discovery, and connection with the wider world.

We’re proud to offer a learning environment that blends the best of nature, culture, and community.

Excursions at Crossways
Five children wearing red and gray safety vests are standing at a railing, looking out over a city and harbor view from a hilltop. The landscape includes buildings, water, and mountains in the distance on a sunny day.
Two children wearing rain jackets and boots sharing a yellow umbrella on a rainy day, walking down a gravel path in a garden or park.
A woman and several children on a nature trail surrounded by green trees and bushes. The woman is wearing a pink dress, green cardigan, and red headscarf, and the children are dressed casually, some wearing hats. The group appears to be exploring or

Getting involved

The Committee

We are a whānau led centre and our Committee is actively involved in the running of Crossways, alongside our Centre Manager and kaiako.

There are five formal roles on our Committee - Chair, Treasurer, Secretary, Grants and Fundraising Coordinator, and Community Engagement Coordinator.

Committee meetings are held monthly to discuss the ongoing management of our centre. Our Centre Manager also attends committee meetings, and kaiako are welcome to attend. We encourage all parents to attend the annual AGM, and to contribute to the management of crèche at some point during their child’s time with us.

Community Events

We celebrate the seasons and our shared community through four key events each year - typically Easter, Matariki, the Spring Picnic, and Christmas.

These gatherings are a highlight for our tamariki and a cherished part of our centre’s rhythm. They offer a chance for families to connect, celebrate, and contribute to the vibrant life of Crossways.

We warmly encourage all whānau to attend - your presence helps make these events truly special for the children and strengthens our sense of community.

Working Bees

We’re proud to own our building at 61 Majoribanks Street - but with that comes the responsibility of upkeep. We hold quarterly working bees (usually on weekends) to keep our space tidy, safe, and welcoming. Working bees help keep costs (and your fees) down. They’re also a great way to connect with other families.

Whānau Help

A parent, or other nominated whānau member, is expected to participate in “Parent Help” once every eight weeks. During the day the parent may help out by cleaning and tidying the centre, reading books, supporting excursions, or anything else the kaiako need support with on the day.

Fundraising & Grants

Because we are not-for-profit, fundraising and grants provide us with another way to fund our centre, and we focus on these activities rather than increasing our fees. Parents are expected to help organise and participate in fundraising events during the year, with the support of our Grants and Fundraising Coordinator.

A group of seven adults and two children smiling in a bar, with a sign reading 'Parrot Dog Beer' in the background.
A group of young children wearing rain jackets and vests, gathered outdoors on a grassy area with fallen trees, along with an adult woman guiding them in an activity, possibly planting or exploring.
Child in cozy clothing and hat cleaning a blue slide with a brush, while an adult climbs a climbing wall in an outdoor play area with a wooden fence and green plants in the background.
Enrolment Information