BestStart Grey Lynn

Bridge
Grey Lynn - Magnifying Glass
Mudslide
Grey Lynn - Watering plants
Grey Lynn - sawing
Grey Lynn - Cheese
Dino Bones
Grey Lynn - Clean up
Looking for bugs
Feet art
BestStart is one of NZ's leading early childcare providers. BestStart Grey Lynn is located just outside Ponsonby and close to Westmere, providing affordable, high-quality education and award-winning childcare for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers.

At BestStart Grey Lynn, we're in this together!

We embrace the philosophy of 'He waka eke noa, we're all in this together.' We believe in working together to create a place where all are respected and given the opportunity to grow and flourish. We support tamariki (children) by building strong connections with the community, each other, and the natural world around them (Papatuanuku).

Our beautiful playground provides a challenging, natural environment, a lovely, peaceful place for learning moments. The natural surrounding engages the senses, cultivates curiosity, and encourages exploration. We are surrounded by parks and reserves, which feature abundant trees and greenery, creating a park-like atmosphere at the centre.

We're dedicated to reducing our environmental impact and promoting sustainability. We value our connection to the Earth and engage with the wider community by sharing healthy food through our community pantry and composting leftovers.

We provide a well-balanced, nutritious menu, that is endorsed by the Heart Foundation. Our seasonal menu offers a variety of delicious meals, rotating weekly every 4 weeks, and is available for viewing at the centre.

Our Team

With years of collective experience, our team thrives in the classroom. Each team member brings their unique talents and expertise, enriching the learning environment for our tamariki (children). Continual professional development is a priority for our teaching team. We actively seek opportunities to enhance our skills and stay up to date with the latest educational practices.

What We Offer

  • 20 hours free for 3-5-year-olds and WINZ subsidies available* if required
  • Experienced tight-knit team of passionate teachers
  • Get Set for School Programme
  • Regular Excursions and involvement within the community
  • Gold Healthy Heart Award - Knowing nutrition and health is important to us

Our Spaces

We have two separate spaces for children.

Te Waka

3 months - 2.5 years old

Te Awa

2.5 years old - 5 years old

Video Gallery

Quality Service Award 2023

kind words from our parents

Parent

I cannot speak highly enough of the centre and in-particular the staff they are amazing. The love and care they provide my children is so natural and truly outstanding. The support I am provided with as a parent has been wonderful and greatly appreciated. The overall atmosphere and environment at the centre is lovely and the result of a great team.

Parent

I am amazed at my daughter’s learning and her pride in her achievements! The staff are so friendly and genuine, and accommodate my daughter’s personality and quirks with humour and patience. I love the learning stories in my child’s portfolio and displayed on the walls.

Parent

Staff are focused on the care and development of Tamariki in their care and communicate brilliantly with Whanau. Using Storypark for communication with parents has been excellent, including developmentally sensitive education plans, beautiful photos, and shots of the great activities that take place. Facilities are excellent, clean, many indoor and outdoor toys that suit the age range of the children enrolled. There is a focus on health in the food provided. I am confident my child is thriving in the environment she is in.

Parent

From day one, my child was very happy at BestStart Grey Lynn. I was a bit nervous starting her at daycare so early (at 7months) but I shouldn't have been. Having a primary caregiver, who understood my concerns and a team of teachers that clearly love their job, my child has been well looked after and has made many friends along the way. One year on, she continues to walk into daycare with a big smile on her face in the mornings and blows kisses to everyone when it is time to go home in the afternoon. I would highly recommend BestStart Grey Lynn to my friends. I would also like to say a big thank you to the Centre Manager for her hard work, leadership, and dedication. It shows!

What we're proud of

Read our latest ERO report Read our latest ERO report e-portfolio e-portfolio Most Trusted Childcare Most Trusted Childcare Quality Service Award Quality Service Award Gold Healthy Heart Award Gold Healthy Heart Award Set for School Set for School

LATEST STORIES FROM OUR BLOG

A special visit from Cindy!

We were very lucky to have a special visitor come to our centre - Cindy the Dog!

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Sensory & Messy Play

Our tamariki in our under twos love to explore the many different means of messy play. We have seen development in social skills and language as our little ones practice sharing and turn-taking.

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Local River

Learning about the local area is very important in our curriculum here at BestStart Grey Lynn. We've been researching some local landmarks, including an old river that used to pass through our area called Opoutekeha.

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