BestStart Elles Road

Our centre is lucky enough to participate in the Wild @ Heart Bush Kindy programme here in Invercargill!

This is a minimum of a five-week programme where your child will join their friends,  our Wild @ Heart leader, Mr Kevin, and one of the teachers from your child’s centre for a day of outdoor exploration! We leave at 9:30am and return by 2:00pm one day per week.

By spending unhurried time in nature we are able to be creative, drive our own learning, challenge ourselves and our bodies and take appropriate risk, and create lifelong memories. We also connect to our tūrangawaewae (our identity and place we call home).

There are so many benefits to spending time in nature:

Emotional development: Spending time in nature helps children connect with their feelings and emotions.

Physical development: Outdoor activities provides children with opportunities to develop gross motor skills and coordination.

Cognitive development: Nature provides a rich variety of stimuli in multiple areas such as language, problem-solving and critical thinking.

Sense of wonder: Children develop a sense of awe and wonder about the world in which they live which instils curiosity.

Environmental awareness: How to take care of ourselves and our environment.

Improved attention

Reduces stress: Nature is peaceful and calming, it reduces anxiety and helps us to relax and recharge.

In our Nursery classroom, we embrace a rich outdoor environment that invites exploration and discovery. This expansive space is a key part of our nurturing approach, helping all tamariki develop a strong sense of mana whenua (belonging to the land). Through engaging activities and gentle encouragement, we celebrate every achievement, big and small.

Our Nursery is a safe and supportive space where children are constantly engaged and cared for. Our dedicated teachers foster meaningful relationships with each child and between the children themselves, creating a true sense of belonging. We welcome all whanau (families) and ensure they feel connected to our wonderful teaching team.

We focus on preparing children for their next stage by building independence and problem-solving skills. Each child’s transition is individualized, allowing them to progress at their own pace and on their unique journey.

In our Rimu room, children thrive in a dynamic environment where learning happens through play at their own pace. We celebrate and encourage child-initiated activities, creating a lively atmosphere where engaged learners are always at the heart of the room.

Our spacious indoor and outdoor areas offer ample opportunities for exploration and discovery, essential for developing key skills. The children take pride in maintaining our community garden, learning the importance of nurturing and caring for living things.

We support holistic development by providing a separate sleep area and a gym room, allowing children to experiment with new activities and follow their home routines. In the Rimu room, we emphasize child-led learning, exploration, and the nurturing of values like responsibility and care, all within a space designed to support their overall well-being and growth.

In our Kauri room, we focus on preparing tamariki for their transition to primary school through our “Set for School” play-based curriculum. This approach is designed to build foundational skills and strengthen connections with each child, their whānau, local kura, and the broader community.

Our Wild @ Heart programme encourages exploration and appreciation of nature, aligning with our priority of Kaitiakitanga (guardianship). With a large, engaging outdoor environment, our tamariki are empowered to challenge themselves physically in various ways, promoting both their confidence and capabilities.

We are committed to supporting transitions with initiatives like parent evenings and inviting new entrant kaiako to our center. We also have a strong connection with Fernworth Primary School, where a kaiako visits each Wednesday to read stories to our children. The Kauri room’s dedicated “Set for School” wall showcases learning milestones and essential skills such as turn-taking, independence, and problem-solving.

Our classroom features a display with photos of local schools and a sign-in area where each child can use their name tag. We assist children in developing self-help skills and a sense of pride in their achievements, ensuring they are well-prepared for their next step. The Kauri room is an uplifting and energetic space where passionate teachers work closely with each child to support their success at school and beyond.