CHILDCARE

[kmaginness]

Hello,

Me and my husband plus my 3 children are planning on moving to New Zealand this year. However due to the ages of my children, could anyone tell me what it costs for childcare?
Also, what childcare facilities are available i.e childminders, nursery etc.

I have had a quick look on the internet but cant find anything of any relevance, can anyone help???

[Daisyspop]

Childminders and Nurseries, as in the Uk, are plentiful. Children can start Kinedrgarten from the age of 4 - new charges, just introduced are levied at $1 per hour per booked session. You will have to play the 'just come from the Uk card' to get a place since they are in great demand. Locals put names down at about 2 to 3 years of age. Morning sessions as well as afternoon are available, usually 3 -4 hours per day. It is usual to start in afternoon sessions and graduate to mornings. We currently pay just $17 per week for our 4 year old. Cheaper than private care believe me. Private
pre-schools charge what they like but I haven't found it to be over-expensive. Primary school starts on the child's 5th birthday and not before, that is how they do it in NZ. Intermediate starts at Yr 7 (11 - 12yrs) and High School at Yr 9 (13 14 years of age. Very few children (less than 5%) leave school at age 16 (yr11) it is expected that they will go on to yr12. Year 13 for those going on to tertiary education.