Former cabaret now reserved for kids
JUST a few weeks ago, the last time childcare supervisor Janis Murray had been to the former St James Cabaret building was for a Shihad concert – now she looks after children there.
Kids’ Reserve Childcare Centre (KR) is settling into its temporary home as it prepares to move into a brand new centre in December.
The popular childcare centre was forced to leave its location in the Reserve Bank building after 22 years due to safety reasons.
Since August 31 KR has been operating at 5 Hania St.
No longer brimming with various music and theatre fans, the former St James Cabaret building is now packed to the rafters with sleeping babies and infants.
However, the building has ticked all the boxes as a safe, temporary location, Murray says.
‘‘The thought that children might be in that space was a bit nerve-racking, but it has transformed beautifully.’’
After more than 18 months of searching, KR recently signed an agreement to lease a permanent space at 12 Hawkestone St in Thorndon.
Murray says the time spent looking for a temporary location has been challenging for the staff.
‘‘We are so lucky to have had so many of the staff staying on.’’
Having secured a spot for the next three months will tide the centre over, she says.
Murray is aware the move has also been difficult for loyal KR families.
‘‘We did not know if we had jobs, and families did not know if they had care – we just did not know if Kids’ Reserve had a future.’’
The move has not deterred families from their services, however, as parents happily venture out to Mt Victoria to stay with the same centre.
Parent Zach Rissel of Berhampore says although some parts of the move have been tough, the staff are worth sticking around for.
‘‘Through changes of jobs and things it actually became a bit of a burden to go to KR – it would have been easier to go somewhere closer in Berhampore.
‘‘But because we loved the staff there so much we did not think about changing for a second.’’
His daughter Brydie, 3, attends KR, following in the footsteps of brother Davey, 8.
The continuity of teachers is one of the best things about the centre, Rissel says. ‘‘A lot of the teachers who taught Davey have also taught Brydie.
‘‘It really doesn’t matter where you are so much when the staff and teachers stay the same. They get the same bond.’’
Rissel says Brydie loves going to KR, and the move has had no impact on her enjoyment whatsoever.
Licensed to care for 45 children from ages 6 months to 5 years.
Not-for-profit centre with all revenue channelled back into learning resources.
For more information, visit kidsreserve.com.