BestStart Barrington

Makomako is a dedicated space for our youngest pēpi / babies under 16 months, providing a calm and nurturing environment where babies can feel safe, secure and comfortable away from home. With a space designed specifically for their needs, babies can explore, play and discover the world around them at their own pace.

• Start with Heart: Through play and everyday experiences, our youngest tamariki are supported to reach important developmental milestones while building confidence and independence.
• Individual routines: We follow each baby's individual routines and needs, helping them feel settled and comfortable throughout their day.
• Strong relationships: Our caring teachers take the time to build trusting relationships with each baby and their whānau, creating familiarity, consistency and a sense of belonging.

Makomako gives your baby their own safe space to explore and grow, surrounded by caring teachers who get to know them and what makes them unique.

Kererū is a welcoming space where toddlers can build confidence and independence while exploring the world around them. Children are given the time and space to follow their curiosity, try new things and develop at their own pace, with caring teachers there to support them along the way.

• Growing independence: Children are encouraged to make choices, try things for themselves and build confidence as they become more independent.
• Start with Heart: Through play and everyday experiences, children are supported to develop important skills and reach key developmental milestones at their own pace.
• Supporting big feelings: Our teachers help children understand and manage their feelings and needs, building emotional wellbeing and the confidence to navigate new experiences.

Kererū is a supportive space where toddlers can discover their growing independence while knowing they have caring teachers there to help them feel safe, understood and confident.

Weka is a fun and engaging space where 2–3-year-olds can build confidence, develop friendships and grow their independence. Our teachers get to know each child and create experiences that support their individual needs, interests and stage of development.

• Learning through everyday experiences: Daily routines and play provide opportunities for children to explore, try new things and develop new skills.
• Building social skills: Children are supported to communicate, play alongside others, build friendships and develop confidence in social situations.
• Growing emotional confidence: Our teachers help children understand and express their feelings, develop resilience and learn ways to manage everyday challenges.

Weka is a supportive space where children can have fun, build relationships and develop the confidence they need as they continue to grow.

Pārera is a welcoming space where 3–4-year-olds can build independence, confidence and strong communication skills. Through play and everyday experiences, children are encouraged to be curious, use their imagination and explore their own ideas.

• Growing communication skills: Children have lots of opportunities to talk, listen, share ideas and build their language skills through play and daily experiences.
• Curiosity and problem-solving: Children are encouraged to ask questions, use their imagination and find their own ways to solve problems and explore new ideas.
• Building confidence: Positive language, encouragement and thoughtful guidance help children feel capable, valued and confident in themselves.

Pārera is a supportive space where children can grow their independence, express themselves and develop the confidence to take on new challenges.

Pūtangitangi is a welcoming space for our oldest tamariki, where children can build the confidence, independence and skills they need for their next big step into school. Through play, positive routines and engaging experiences, children are encouraged to think for themselves, solve problems and explore their ideas.

• Set for School: Our programme supports children's early literacy and numeracy skills while encouraging curiosity, imagination and a love of learning.
• Building independence: Children are encouraged to take responsibility, make choices and develop strategies for reasoning and problem-solving, helping them feel capable and ready for new challenges.
• Confidence and resilience: Positive routines and supportive relationships help children develop social and emotional skills, resilience and positive self-esteem as they prepare for school.

Pūtangitangi helps children leave BestStart Barrington feeling confident, capable and excited about their next adventure — starting school.