BestStart Balclutha

At BestStart Balclutha, we embrace the rich tapestry of our farming community, surrounded by large processing plants and forestry jobs. Our main landmark, the Clutha (Mata-au) River, has long been a vital part of our region, while Balclutha serves as the gateway to the breathtaking Catlins coastline.

Our dedicated kaiako are deeply passionate about growing and learning alongside our tamariki and whānau. We offer a safe and inclusive child-led learning environment that reflects our local community and shapes our unique curriculum. Our spacious outdoor area for the Mata-Au room invites tamariki to explore and create in our expansive sandpit or engage their imaginations in the natural grass and bush.

In our tight-knit rural community, where connections run deep, we foster strong teina/tuakana and ako relationships among tamariki, whānau, and kaiako. At BestStart Balclutha, learning, leadership, and responsibility are shared by everyone, creating a collaborative and nurturing environment.

Our philosophy centers on placing tamariki at the heart of everything we do. We value the knowledge and perspectives that tamariki and whānau bring, ensuring they have a prominent role within our centre. We believe in working together with our community to achieve the best outcomes for all involved.

We celebrate milestones such as Matariki with a whānau hangi and monthly bicultural hui, strengthening our sense of community. Our centre rituals, including children's graduations and transitions from the under-2 room to the over-2 room marked by a waiata and removal of the under-2 korowai, bring everyone together. At BestStart Balclutha, we cherish our strong whānau connections and strive to provide quality childcare in our warm, family-oriented setting.