Here are answers to your questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is our Curiosity and Wonder based curriculum important?
It is a context for learning through which children organise and make sense of their social worlds, as they engage actively with people, objects and representations. It provides opportunities for children to learn as they discover, create, improvise and imagine. When children play with other children, they create social groups, text out ideas, challenge each other’s thinking and build new understandings. Play provides a supportive environment where children can ask questions, solve problems and engage in critical thinking. Play can expand children’s thinking and enhance their desire to know and to learn. Belonging, being & becoming:
How can parents get involved in classrooms?
Parents are not allowed to join students during school hours, as we believe in helping the child become a confident and independent learner and encourage that you let your child adjust slow and steady. Once the school year is underway, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved, from helping students at events and going on class field trips. Several kindergarten family events are scheduled on evenings throughout the year.
What is the fees structure?
Each program is priced uniquely and several other components such as differently abled and extra-curricular activities come into play to determine your fees. Refer to the fees handbook in the right toolbar for a detailed breakdown.
What forms do I need to register my child?
To enroll your child, you need to complete Meadows Academy's Application Form. You can find this ready for download in the right toolbar or on the 'Parents' page. Admission fees are payable upon submission of the completed form
What clothing does my child need to be in?
Your child will need 2 blue polo shirts and 2 khaki trousers/skirts as part of the uniform. For Sports, your child will need to be in a plain yellow t-shirt and blue cotton shorts.
My child has additional needs. How will staff support my child’s learning and development?
We are dedicated to working closely with families to understand children’s specific developmental or medical needs. We encourage families to be open with us so we can support children to the best of our abilities. We are happy to work with external agencies your child may be working with to ensure a collaborative and consistent approach to their learning. Some children with additional needs may be eligible for additional support within Meadows Academy's environment. This may include additional training for existing staff, equipment specific to your child’s needs or an additional assistant being allocated to the group. We encourage you to contact us at your earliest convenience to discuss your child’s specific needs.
Do you have formal parent / teacher meetings?
At Meadows Academy, we do set aside days for formal meetings and we are more than happy to speak with families at a mutually convenient time about their children’s development and participation in the program. You are also welcome to look at your child’s portfolio at any time, which has a snapshot of their learning.
Is transportation available?
The Academy does not offer internal transportation services. Parents who need services of school bus operators, can gladly request for contacts and/or recommendations
What are the qualifications of teachers?
All of our head teachers have a certificate diploma or degree in Early Childhood Education. Ongoing professional development training is also given by the Academy to the teachers.
Does the Academy offer after school programs?
Yes, several after school programs are offered. Each program is directed to honing a particular set of non-academic skills in your child. Find details of ASP's in the right toolbar or on the 'Parents' page.
What are the ages of children you accept?
Meadows Academy is a kindergarten and primary school. It caters for children from 1-9 years of age, that is, programs for Toddlers up till Grade 3.
How many students are enrolled at the Academy?
The number of children in a class or totally in the school will not affect the superior learning offered by the Academy. In fact, Meadows prides itself for keeping optimum teacher to child ratios to ensure personalized teaching, progress tracking and maintaining discipline standards.
Should my child be toilet trained to attend?
We respect each child is individual and develops at his / her own rate. We encourage families to have begun toilet training and will work to support your child’s development to promote a positive outcome. Children do have toileting accidents on occasion, which are managed sensitively and discretely by educators. We ask each family to keep a complete change of clothes in their child’s bag in case children require changing. They’re also handy for when your child becomes thoroughly immersed in water play outside!
What arrangements are there for snack and lunch times?
Children bring and eat their own snacks and water bottles each day. A table is dedicated for snack times and the children have the decision of when they will eat their snacks during indoor time. Staff will always give a reminder to those who have been busy playing and may have forgotten to eat!
How do I prepare my child for school?
Help your child get ready for Kindergarten by: - Taking your child to visit the school grounds - Walk to the bus stop, or take the route to school several times before school starts - Borrow books from the library about kindergarten and read them to your child - Talk with your child about going to school for the whole day; explain the activities and routines they may encounter Send your child to school "ready to learn" - Establish regular sleeping hours/routines - Allow enough time for morning routines and breakfast - Dress your child appropriately for indoor and outdoor school activities.