At BestStart Cornwall Street, our Tere Waka nook, located within the Kainga Waka toddler room, is a dedicated space designed to nurture our youngest tamariki. This special nook provides a calm, safe environment where infants can explore and grow while benefiting from strong, reciprocal relationships with their whānau and kaiako.
Here, we focus on supporting milestone development with age-appropriate resources and opportunities for exploration. Through carefully planned rituals, tamariki begin to develop independence in a secure and nurturing setting. The Tere Waka nook ensures every child has the space and support they need to thrive, fostering their sense of belonging and confidence in their learning journey.
BestStart Cornwall Street
3 Cornwall St,
Lower Hutt,
Wellington 5010 View on map
Mon - Fri 7:30am to 6:00pm
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Discover our unique rooms
Our centre has three rooms designed for the developmental stages of children as they grow. Our large porch and outdoor area provide space for your child to move and actively explore no matter the weather. We have a fantastic outdoor playground that provides a variety of opportunities for your child to climb, jump, bike and have fun with their friends including water play!
Tere Waka0-1 years old
Kaianga Waka1-3 years old
At BestStart Cornwall Street, the Kainga Waka room is a vibrant, nurturing space tailored to support our energetic toddlers as they explore the world around them. Strong, reciprocal relationships with tamariki and their whānau are at the heart of everything we do, creating a warm and inclusive environment where every child feels valued.
In Kainga Waka, we encourage independence through meaningful rituals that empower toddlers to take responsibility for their belongings, choices, and actions. The thoughtfully designed environment and resources are tailored to support milestone development, providing tamariki with opportunities to grow, explore, and thrive at their own pace. This room is a space where confidence blossoms, and curiosity is celebrated.
Waka Te Ao3 years and above
At BestStart Cornwall Street, the Waka Te Ao room is an inspiring space for children over 3 years old, designed to prepare them for their next steps in learning and life. Here, we provide small group intentional teaching moments tailored to each child's age and stage, ensuring their individual interests and developmental needs are supported.
Our Set for School programme is a key feature of the Waka Te Ao room, equipping tamariki with the skills and confidence they need for a smooth transition to primary school. Regular excursions to local parks, libraries, and community spaces enrich their learning experiences, fostering a sense of connection and curiosity about the wider world. In Waka Te Ao, tamariki thrive in an environment that balances learning, exploration, and fun, setting them up for a bright future.