How We Prepare Tamariki for School
We know that starting school is a big milestone for tamariki and their whānau. At BestStart, our Set for School programme supports this transition in a thoughtful and empowering way, helping children build the skills they need for school and for life.
We would be happy to talk to you about how we can best support this transition, enquire with at one of our five Invercargill centres to find out more:
When tamariki turn 4½, they join Rōpū Tūhuratanga | Discovery Group. This group builds on what children already know and lays strong foundations as they get set for school.
Parents and whānau work closely with our teachers to set goals for their child, ensuring learning is tailored to each taitamaiti’s strengths, interests and next steps.
Each day includes dedicated time for intentional learning. Across the week, tamariki develop early literacy and numeracy, motor skills, emotional regulation, confidence and creativity through art, science and technology.
Learning happens through play, with tamariki deeply engaged in meaningful experiences while having fun.
Tangaroa | Our Set for School Group
Our Set for School group, Tangaroa, meets weekly and focuses on skills that support a smooth transition to school.
Each session begins with a special mat time where tamariki receive their book bag and learning resources, helping build pride, belonging and responsibility. Tamariki also join the Set for School lunch table to practise routines such as managing their lunch and sitting together.
Weekly learning is guided by skills identified by New Entrant teachers, including independence, confidence, self-management and caring for personal belongings.
Tamariki choose library books to take home and return the following week, supporting early literacy while practising responsibility and independence. They also complete group learning and activity books aligned with Set for School learning outcomes.
Learning Beyond the Centre
Discovery Group enjoys weekly visits to Queens Park, where tamariki explore nature, build gross motor skills and use their imaginations.
We also maintain strong connections with local schools, including Waihopai School. Tamariki visit the school monthly and primary teachers visit the centre, helping children feel familiar and confident about what comes next.
Celebrating Turning Five
Turning five is an important milestone. Each child celebrates with a special Happy Last Day, choosing how they spend the day and sharing it with whānau.
A special mat time is held where we reflect on favourite memories, celebrate their learning journey and farewell our graduates. Tamariki receive their graduation certificate, sing Happy School Days to You and are invited to wear a graduation gown and cap to mark the occasion.
Supporting Tamariki and Whānau Every Step of the Way
Our Set for School programme is about more than academic learning. It is about confidence, independence and belonging, helping tamariki see themselves as capable learners ready for their next chapter.