BestStart Apirana Avenue

16866124612 babies in box.jpg
smiling toddler
1686612462kids lying down.jpg
colourful carts
Planting
1686612461baby looking through hole.jpg
Drawing
1686612462kid laughing on blue horse.jpg
Giant lego
BestStart Apirana Avenue offers quality childcare and education in Glen Innes. Our centre is located at the St Heliers Bay Road end of Apirana Avenue and is within minutes of St Heliers, Glendowie and the train station.

Growing Local Heroes

At BestStart Apirana Avenue, we are passionate about nurturing our local everyday heroes. We believe in growing great members of the Glen Innes community by fostering a shared journey where families and the local community contribute their knowledge, passion, and skills. Our goal is to inspire our young heroes to achieve greatness and make a positive impact on society.

Situated at the St Heliers Bay Road end of Apirana Avenue, our centre is conveniently located near St Heliers, Glendowie, and the local train station. Our central location allows easy access for families and offers a welcoming environment where children can thrive.

We focus on learning through play, encouraging positive emotional and social development. By engaging in imaginative play, children can explore their creativity and develop essential life skills such as problem-solving, empathy, and teamwork. Whether they are journeying through jungles, exploring nature, or becoming scientists, our children are always learning and growing through their play. Our curriculum is enriched by Te Whāriki and the New Zealand Curriculum, ensuring a seamless transition from early learning to school.

Our Team

We have a dedicated team who pride themselves on creating a warm, loving environment for both infants and their families, where feedback and working together in partnership is valued.

What We Offer

  • Affordable, high-quality education and care.
  • Cooked meals for all age groups.
  • Get Set for School programme.
  • Focus on creative and critical thinking.
  • Enriched learning experiences guided by Te Whariki and the New Zealand Curriculum.

Our Spaces

Our centre provides a vibrant and nurturing environment where children are encouraged to explore, play, and learn. With a range of indoor and outdoor spaces, we offer activities that stimulate curiosity and foster a love of learning.

Kākano

(3 months - 2 years old)

Tipu

(2-3 years old)

Rākau

(3-5 years old)

Video Gallery

Samoan Language Week
Tipu Ruma
Rakau Ruma
Pepi Ruma
Quality Service Award 2023

kind words from our parents

Parent

I don’t think I could recommend BestStart Apirana enough. Both my children attended the centre for almost their entire kindy years and they loved it. The consistency of staff who truly know and care for your child cannot be undervalued. I felt my children were giving understanding of their individual needs and interests and encouraged to try new things and extend their learning. The ‘Be School Ready’ initiative meant that my eldest had some of the knowledge and skills they learn when they first start school and it made the transition easier and meant he was better prepared.

Parent

The different themes and projects the children work on with the teachers means that there is always something new to learn and do as well as plenty of free play time.

Parent

The team at BestStart Apirana Ave are a caring and respectful bunch of people. They have high standards of professionalism and your child’s needs are always put first. I would have no hesitation in recommending this centre to any parent – in fact, I have done so many times!

Erin McLauchlan

My daughter has attended this centre for 3 years and we have never had any problems. She absolutely loves it and feels very happy & safe there. The staff are incredibly caring & friendly and always give the children 100%. My daughter has learnt so much over her time there and exposed to so many different learning opportunities. We will be starting our son there too.

Ali Keiller

BestStart Apirana Ave is an absolutely wonderful daycare. My girls have been going since they were five and a half months old and we are all treated like family. The teachers are so kind and brilliant at what they do the girls are thriving and it’s all thanks to the daycare. I would 100% recommend to anyone looking for a daycare for their child.

Gabriel Silva

My sister says she is very lucky to have her kids there, the teachers are very kind, enthusiastic and competent. The building is purposed built and the playground is amazing. It feels like part of the family. I had my two nephews going there since they were babies and my sister could go to work with peace of mind they were well looked after. The oldest now is at school and doing very well and the teacher said he is well prepared. The youngest still going there and loves it.

Lisa McLachlan

My boys attended Best Start for the past 2 years and will continue to do so until they go to school. They absolutely love it! The teachers are knowledgeable and fantastic with the children, the children feel supported and have made some great friends here. There are good facilities within the centre and watching the train pass by has been a highlight for the boys. It has become our wider family and we enjoy attending the centre.

Natalie Corke

My girls attend this BestStart centre and we absolutely love it! The staff are incredible. They are amazing with the kids and so friendly to everyone that steps in the centre. They really make you feel like you’re part of the family. The facilities are great and the outdoor exploration areas are brilliant. I would highly recommend the centre to others.

Alicia Gimelfarb

BestStart Apirana has been excellent for my daughter. The staff are wonderful and the playground and indoor spaces are really big and stimulating with lots of physical and education activities.

Parent

Happy with the teachers and the way they respect our family and ensure the overall development of our daughter, Sofia. Thank you, Beststart!

Parent

Friendly and professional staff. They were open to accommodating our specific needs and preferences.

Parent

The welcome was great, staff really friendly and helpful!

Parent

The teachers are awesome and the manager really listens to the concerns of the parents.

Parent

I find the staff very friendly and helpful, and the curriculum/activities excellent. My granddaughter has settled in nicely and tells me her friends are Jack and Nanette. Thank you to all the staff from reception to the nappy changers, cooks etc who all contribute to a well balanced environment for the children.

LATEST STORIES FROM OUR BLOG

Worms in our Garden

Children in Kakano Ruma explore working theories by researching worms and snails, enhancing their understanding of nature.

READ MORE
Our local history

​Glen Innes is such a diverse area, rich in local landmarks and history, recognizing this we have incorporated regular excursions as part of our local curriculum.

READ MORE
A play-based curriculum

Recognising that our preschoolers have a growing capacity for inquiry and language, and understanding other points of view, our kaiako support this through a play-based curriculum.

READ MORE