BestStart Glasgow Street

168 Glasgow Street, Whanganui, Whanganui 4500 View on map

06 345 3804

Mon - Fri 7:30am to 5:30pm

Banner Image
Lightbox Close Icon

Book a visit

Dropdown Icon
Dropdown Icon
Lightbox Close Icon

Enquire now

Radio Checked
Email
Radio Checked
Phone
Checkbox Unchecked
I consent for BestStart to contact me relating to enrolment
Checkbox Unchecked
I consent for BestStart to contact me relating to enrolment and for marketing purposes.

Discover our unique rooms

Our rooms are places where ngā hononga (relationships) are fostered and valued and where we provide an environment of whakamana (empowerment) which supports our children to develop to their potential and be healthy in mind, body and spirit.

Fantail Room (0 - 2.5 years old)

In the Fantail Room, we have carefully selected resources to encourage the growth of both gross and fine motor skills, supporting children's increasing independence and coordination. Early literacy skills are fostered through the joy of waiata, rhythm, and the magic of repeated story times. This helps expand their vocabulary and comprehension – a vital element of Communication/Mana Reo.

Through consistent "serve and return" exchanges, our dedicated kaiako model the foundations of meaningful communication, encouraging early language development and social interaction. We foster a strong sense of belonging & encourage exploration while valuing every child's contribution and setting the stage for their holistic development.

Our daily interactions are intentionally guided by manaakitanga, fostering a respectful and inclusive environment where tamariki learn about empathy, boundaries, and the importance of each individual's unique contribution – nurturing the seeds of Contribution/Mana Tangata.

Through various activities such as messy play, sand play, water activities, and painting, children actively engage their senses and ignite their natural curiosity.

 

Kea Room(2 - 4 years old)

In the Kea Room, we provide exciting, play-based opportunities designed to ignite their learning and development. We believe in following the unique interests of each child, creating experiences that are both engaging and meaningful.
 
At the heart of our daily interactions are manaakitanga (hospitality, respect, and care for others) and whakawhanaungatanga (building strong connections and a sense of belonging). We weave these values into everything we do, fostering a warm and inclusive community where every child feels valued and secure.
 
We also understand the importance of building independence. Throughout the day, we encourage self-help skills, empowering toddlers to take on tasks like dressing, tidying up, and serving themselves during mealtimes, fostering their confidence and competence. We provide a safe and supportive space for them to learn about their feelings and develop empathy for others – essential social and emotional skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.
 
Our engaging group times are carefully planned to nurture oral language and literacy development in fun and interactive ways. Through storytelling, songs, rhymes, and discussions, we encourage children to express themselves, build their vocabulary, and develop a love for language and early literacy concepts.
 
We take joy in celebrating each child's individual successes, no matter how big or small. By recognising their achievements and encouraging their exploration, we help them build confidence and a love of learning, laying a fantastic foundation as they prepare for their next exciting steps.

Pukeko Room(4 - 5 years old)

In the Pūkeko Room, a strong sense of whanaungatanga underpins everything we do. We warmly welcome and embrace each child and their whānau, building genuine and reciprocal relationships that honour your unique journey. This deep connection fosters a strong sense of Belonging/Mana Whenua, where every child feels secure, valued, and an integral part of our Pūkeko whānau. We believe in truly seeing and valuing each other, creating a space where everyone feels comfortable being themselves and contributing their unique strengths.
 
We nurture a caring and respectful environment where we encourage kindness, empathy, and generosity. We empower our tamariki to practice manaakitanga and to support one another by extending a helping hand – especially to newcomers. This culture of care directly supports their Wellbeing/Mana Atua, fostering emotional resilience and a positive sense of self.
 
Through engaging activities and thoughtfully chosen resources, tamariki explore concepts that build early mathematical understanding (like counting, sorting, and spatial awareness), ignite their scientific curiosity (through observing, predicting, and exploring the natural world), and foster early English language skills (through rich conversations, storytelling, and emergent literacy experiences).