BestStart Ascot Avenue is on a journey to achieve the Pa Harakeke/Gold Healthy Heart Award. Our centre promotes healthy habits through fun, practical experiences that involve tamariki, whānau, kaiako, and our wider community.
At BestStart Ascot Avenue, we are committed to embedding healthy eating and active movement into our everyday practice, culture, and curriculum. As part of our journey toward achieving the Pa Harakeke/Gold Healthy Heart Award, we have taken meaningful, sustained steps that involve tamariki, whānau, kaiako, and the wider community.
1. Healthy Eating Practices
We have implemented a clear procedure to limit screen time based on age-appropriate guidelines. This ensures tamariki remain engaged in physical and interactive learning, supporting their overall health and development.
Birthday celebrations at our centre are now food-smart and inclusive, with tamariki enjoying fruit-only cakes to promote a positive and healthy attitude towards special occasions.
We also take excursions to local shops where tamariki learn how to make healthy food choices. These practical experiences help children understand food labels, budget for fresh produce, and select food that fuels their bodies.
2. Active Movement and Physical Play
Tamariki regularly visit Ascot and Wairua Reserves, where they are involved in physical play, gross motor challenges, and games that build stamina and strength.
These visits are linked to our conversations and group learning around how healthy eating supports their bodies—giving them energy to climb, run, and explore confidently.
3. Whānau and Community Engagement
We’ve invited nutrition and health experts into our centre to educate children and whānau on healthy kai provisions, making informed food choices, and preparing balanced meals.
Through these engagements, families are supported to align their home practices with what is promoted at the centre.
4. Fundraising and Celebrating Healthy Hearts
Our centre proudly celebrates ‘Big Heart Day’, organising themed activities, dress-ups, and healthy shared kai to raise awareness about heart health.
We also hold fundraising events to support the Heart Foundation, helping tamariki understand the value of giving back to the community and supporting a healthy future for all.