BestStart Great North Road

Welcome to the Tui Room - Nurturing Respectful Relationships and Empowered Tamariki

In our Tui Room we embrace the principles of RIE and respectful practice to create a calm nurturing environment where our youngest tamariki feel safe valued and empowered. Through consistent responsive care tamariki learn that they are important their voices matter and they have agency over themselves and their learning.

We honour each child’s unique rhythm by following their individual home routines helping the Tui Room feel like an extension of home. This fosters a deep sense of security and belonging. Tamariki learn that their cues whether through cries gestures or body language are understood and responded to with kindness and care by attentive kaiako.

Care moments such as feeding nappy changes and dressing are unhurried and respectful allowing kaiako to be fully present and build trusting relationships. Our key teaching approach is strengthened by a collaborative team culture where all kaiako form meaningful bonds with all tamariki. Routine templates displayed in the room support this shared understanding ensuring every child’s needs are met with consistency and love.

In the Tui Room tamariki are growing in confidence knowing they are respected heard and supported every step of the way.

Welcome to the Kakapo Room - A World of Discovery for Your Little Explorer!

In the Kakapo Room, we specialise in nurturing independence, self-help skills, and confident communication in toddlers aged 2 to 3 years. Our caring kaiako create a supportive and joyful environment where each child is encouraged to explore at their own pace and develop important self-regulation skills.

Every day, we introduce fresh, exciting setups designed to spark curiosity and learning through sensory exploration, music and movement, early literacy and numeracy, and imaginative play. Our play-based approach supports your child’s whole development—cognitive, social, emotional, and physical—helping them build a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

Whānau choose the Kakapo Room because we provide a safe, enriching space where little explorers grow in confidence and creativity. Come join us and watch your child flourish as they discover, play, and connect!

Welcome to the Pohutukawa Room - Where Curiosity Blossoms and Friendships Flourish

In our vibrant Pohutukawa Room, tamariki aged 3 to 4 years are supported through a rich, play-based environment that nurtures their physical, emotional, and social development. We place a strong emphasis on physical play to build foundational gross and fine motor skills, while also fostering self-regulation and emotional competence. Through meaningful interactions and guided experiences, children develop communication, problem-solving abilities, and empathy for others. Our programme encourages independence, self-help skills, and leadership, empowering each child to take responsibility and grow with confidence.

This is a time of incredible curiosity and discovery, and our kaiako (teachers) create opportunities for children to explore their interests, ask questions, and engage in collaborative learning. We celebrate each child’s unique strengths and support them in developing a strong sense of identity and belonging. The Pohutukawa Room is a place where friendships blossom, resilience is nurtured, and children are encouraged to be confident, capable learners ready for their next steps.

Welcome to the Kowhai Room – Set for School, Set for Success!

In our Kowhai Room, we empower tamariki aged 4 to 5 to confidently take their next big step into school life. Through our Set for School Programme, we focus on fostering independence and strengthening self-help skills to ensure a smooth and successful transition.

Children regularly visit our local primary school, giving them a chance to explore and become familiar with the new entrant environment. Our fortnightly lunchbox days help tamariki learn how to manage their own food, building practical skills and confidence.

Our curriculum is rich and varied, covering science, mathematics, literacy, and physical education, all designed to spark curiosity and a love for learning. We also place a strong emphasis on social and emotional competence, using targeted games and activities to support positive relationships and emotional resilience.

To support whānau, we host bi-annual transition to school meetings where local new entrant teachers share insights and expectations, aligning with our curriculum and helping families feel informed and involved.

The Kowhai Room is a nurturing, engaging space where tamariki grow, explore, and thrive, ready to take on the exciting journey of school.

Our spacious outdoor area combines both the Kowhai and Pohutukawa Room to allow children to explore, socialise and learn through play.