BestStart Fendalton

In the Nursery we are inspired by the RIE Pickler philosophy. We strongly believe in freedom of movement, where no babies are put into positions they can’t get into themselves. Our practice is guided by respectful relationships where interactions and care routines are slow and unhurried, inviting our babies and toddlers to participate in these.

We have a primary care system and new tamariki are allocated a primary care kaiako before their first visit. That kaiako will be right there with whanau and tamariki, working on developing a strong relationship with them, supporting them as they transition into the centre, planning for their learning, carrying out care routines, nurturing their roots. 

Experiences and the environment are intentionally set up to encourage our toddlers to actively explore, challenge themselves physically, and develop independence.

Once tamariki roots are firmly established and intertwined their trunk begins to strengthen they grow into leaders of their own learning and branch out, exploring the remaining areas of the curriculum.

We nurture this by building a love of learning amongst our tamariki, observing each individual’s dispositions and interests and providing resources and experiences that extend on learning through them. We know we have achieved this when tamariki leave our centre with curiosity, independence, and a strong sense of themselves as a valued member of a group.  

The star of the show in our preschool space is by far our large outdoor environment with beautiful well established trees that provide lots of shade in the summer. We also have a giant sandpit with space for plenty of tamariki to dig, build, and create in. Tamariki have plenty of space to actively explore and refine their gross motor skills. We have a range of outdoor equipment for all ages to be able to challenge themselves physically and take safe risks. Loose parts are provided in our outdoor space so tamariki have the opportunity to use their imagination and express their own thoughts and ideas through their play.   

Set for School Programme

At BestStart Fendalton our kaiako Cherill leads our Set for School programme each day for our tamariki aged 4 and over.

During this time tamariki engage in a range of activities and experiences that support them in developing the following skills and knowledge in order to prepare them for their transition to school:

• Early literacy skills - foundation skills for reading & writing
• Early numeracy & mathematics skills
• Curiosity & creativity through art, science & technology
• Motor skills
• Social emotional skills
• Learner confidence

Our centre prides itself on getting out into our community and exploring all of the wonderful local areas around us and beyond. At Beststart Fendalton you will see tamariki demonstrating curiosity and developing the ability to explore, generate, and modify working theories about the natural, social, and physical, spiritual, and human made words through our excursion programme that provides hands on experiences while exploring outside of the centre.

Each month our tamariki have the opportunity to go on the following excursions:

Nursery Room

- Wā Pēpi – Baby times at Fendalton Library: Thursdays 10.30-11am (weekly)

Tamariki engage in range of music and movement opportunities where they challenge themselves physically and develop their gross and fine motor skills, learn to express themselves through music, learn about rhythm and tempo, develop oral language skills, and so much more.

Preschool Room

- Bots and Tots: Monday mornings 10-11.30 (fortnightly)

A session run by the Canterbury Horticultural society where tamariki engage in sensory and art and craft experiences based around plants and insects. Here tamariki have the opportunity to learn about the natural and living worlds and how to be kaitiaki and take care of it in a hands-on way.

- Holly Lea Retirement Village: Wednesdays (fortnightly)

A time for tamariki and the ladies and gentlemen in the village to come together, talk, and ako (learn from one another), sing songs, and engage in various activities. Tamariki have the opportunity to make connections with people in the community and develop skills and strategies to initiate and maintain relationships such as conversation skills.

- Riccarton Bush: Fridays (fortnightly)

A time for tamariki to connect with our local place of significance and learn about its special features such as the Kahikitea tree, other flora and fauna, and the wildlife that reside there. Tamariki develop a sense of responsibility for the living world and how to become kaitiaki and care for it as we explore the bush.

- Set for School Excursions: Monday or Wednesday (fortnightly)

A time for our 4-year-old tamariki to participate in a range of excursions that align with our Set for School programme. During these excursions tamariki show rangatiratanga by taking leadership of their own learning. Kaiako will intentionally guide tamariki during these excursions to work on developing their early literacy skills, mathematical concepts, social skills, confidence, curiosity, and creativity.