At BestStart Merivale, our Set for School programme is implemented daily to give our children the strongest foundation for their transition to school.
It’s a time our tamariki (children) absolutely love!
Each afternoon, they eagerly gather around the tables to discover the exciting and meaningful experiences their teachers (kaiako) have prepared for them. Each day focuses on a different area of development—fine motor skills, gross motor skills, hand-eye coordination, self-help skills, literacy, maths.
These experiences not only support children’s learning but also build confidence, independence, and a love of discovery in a play-based environment. This programme strongly reflects the principles and strands of Te Whāriki—particularly Empowerment (Whakamana), Holistic Development (Kotahitanga), and Relationships (Ngā Hononga). Children are empowered to be confident and capable learners as they engage with tasks that promote both individual growth and collaboration with others.
In addition, Set for School supports the National Education and Learning Priorities (NELP) by fostering wellbeing, supporting lifelong learning, and ensuring every child’s potential is recognised and nurtured in inclusive, responsive ways. The children’s work is then proudly placed into their Set for School books, creating a personalised portfolio they can revisit with pride—capturing their learning journey and achievements, just like in the photo shown.