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Let's Celebrate!
It was a week of celebrations as BestStart Papamoa Plaza marked its first birthday in June.
A special concert for parents, bouncy castle, balloon animals and birthday cake were all part of the fun as the centre celebrated a successful first year.
It’s been a privilege to create the centre from its beginnings and see the children flourish, says centre manager Vicki Wenmoth. “We are proud of what we’ve achieved so we want to celebrate. It’s been really nice to be here from the start and bring our own philosophy and strategy.”
That includes following the philosophy of respectful practice, ensuring staff ‘ask before doing’. The centre’s vision is one of kaitiakitanga - empowering tamariki to be strong kaitiaki/ guardians. It also focuses on whanaungatanga, building open and honest relationships with whanau; and wairua hauora (mental wellbeing).
Visitors and families can sense this warmth when they enter the centre, which provides quality education and care for children aged from three months to five years. Its indoor spaces have been designed to support the learning and development of every age group - infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Each room is equipped with high quality, focused resources designed to spark curious minds. The centre also provides healthy, nutritious meals and snacks throughout the day.
The large outdoor space is perfect for children who love to challenge themselves on the playground equipment while building their independence and self-confidence. Undercover areas mean children can utilise the spaces rain or shine.
BestStart Papamoa Plaza offers 20 hours free for 3–5-year-olds with WINZ subsidies available if required. The centre is open from 7am to 6pm