Mini Sessions
9am-3:30pm
Full Sessions
7:30am-5:30pm
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you charge an enrollment fee?
Yes, upon confirmation of your child’s enrollment, we will charge a $100 enrollment fee. This secures your place with us.
It is free to join our waitlist!
Do you offer a siblings discount?
We offer a 10% sibling discount, with the discount applying to the second child and any subsequent siblings.
Can I enrol my child for just 2–3 hours a day? Do you charge an hourly rate
Our fees are based on our available session options, rather than an hourly rate. We offer Mini Sessions from 9:00am–3:30pm and Full Sessions between 7:30am–5:30pm. We do not accept short/half day enrollments.
Why am I still paying fees if my child receives 20 Hours ECE?
20 Hours ECE is government funding that helps cover the cost of early childhood education for eligible children aged three to five. It covers up to 20 hours per week, with a maximum of six hours per day.
While this funding helps reduce fees for whānau, it doesn't cover the full cost of providing high-quality early childhood education. Our fees contribute towards employing a qualified and registered teaching team, maintaining better adult-to-child ratios than the minimum required, resources, our unique environment, storypark, and the experiences that make Old Mac’s so special (like ngahere and kunekune pigs!).
We also provide 3 nourishing, home-cooked meals per day, wipes, wet bags, sun hats, sun screen, wet weather gear and more!
Why do I still have to pay when my child is away sick or on holiday?
Our fees are based on your child's enrolled days and hours, rather than their daily attendance. Your child's place remains reserved while they're away, and we continue to roster kaiako and meet our operating costs.
Fees therefore continue to apply during absences, including illness and family holidays, in accordance with our enrolment agreement. If you're unsure how a particular absence will affect your account, please talk to us
What if I'm struggling to afford my childcare fees?
We understand that the cost of living can put pressure on families, and we don't want you to feel uncomfortable asking for help.
There may be financial assistance available through Work and Income or Inland Revenue, depending on your circumstances. Our administrator, Julie, can help you understand your invoices, explain the different subsidies and point you towards the relevant application information. Get in touch with Julie: morrinsville@oldmacdonalds.co.nz
However, consistently failing to pay fees without communicating with us or making arrangements to address the outstanding balance may result in a reduction of your child's enrolled hours or, in some circumstances, termination of enrolment.
We value our relationships with whānau and ask that you work with us to keep communication open and make a genuine effort to meet your agreed payment arrangements.
If I book a Full Session, can I drop off and pick up at any time between 7:30am and 5:30pm?
Not quite! A Full Session allows for attendance within our 7:30am–5:30pm operating hours, but we ask whānau to confirm their child's usual drop-off and pick-up times.
For example, if your child is enrolled to attend from 8:00am–5:00pm, those are the hours we plan for. Knowing when tamariki will be here helps us organise our kaiako, maintain required adult-to-child ratios and ensure we have the right people in the right places throughout the day.
If your family's needs change, please have a chat with us so we can work out what's possible.
What support is available to help with childcare fees?
There are a few different types of assistance that may help, depending on your family's circumstances.
20 Hours ECE: Government funding for eligible three-, four- and five-year-olds, covering up to 20 hours each week.
WINZ Childcare Subsidy: Financial assistance for eligible families to help with childcare costs. Eligibility depends on your circumstances, and the subsidy may help with costs outside your 20 Hours ECE allocation.
FamilyBoost: A payment administered by Inland Revenue that eligible families can claim towards qualifying early childhood education fees. Claims are made through your myIR account.
You can find more information through Work and Income and Inland Revenue's FamilyBoost website.
If you're unsure what you may be eligible for, please talk to us. We can help you understand the options and point you in the right direction.
Do I still pay fees on public holidays or during centre closures?
Yes. We charge 50% of your usual fee for public holidays and scheduled centre closures that fall on your child's enrolled days.
Do you offer any fee relief over the Christmas and New Year period?
Yes! We offer two weeks' fees free over the Christmas and New Year period, provided your child does not attend the centre during that time.
We know that many whānau take a break over summer, so this is our way of helping ease the cost of childcare during the holiday period.
Old Mac’s does remain open on non-public-holiday weekdays over the Christmas and New Year period, with reduced opening hours and staffing for families who urgently need childcare. If your child attends during this time, your usual fees apply as usual.
If you need care over the Christmas period, you can still make use of your two weeks' fee-free time at another agreed time during the year. Just have a chat with us so we can work out what suits.