BestStart Johnstones Road Kindy

The Teina Room (2–3.5 years) is where our tamariki take their first big steps in their early learning journey. Building strong relationships (whakawhanaungatanga) is at the heart of what we do, with the friendships formed here often continuing into our Tuakana Room.

In Teina, we place a strong focus on sensory and manipulative play, using tools from Kōwhiti Whakapai to support oral language development. Our experienced kaiako nurture each child's cultural identity, wellbeing, and growing independence, helping tamariki feel supported by both their whānau and those around them.

Together, these experiences create a strong foundation for confident learning and a smooth transition to the Tuakana Room.

The Tuakana Room (3.5–5/6 years) supports our tamariki as they prepare for their next big step—starting primary school.

Our programme combines learning experiences with cultural values to build confidence, independence, and school readiness through our Set for School programme, mat times, storytelling sessions, and regular visits to Mayfield Primary School.

Tamariki also enjoy excursions to the local library, and each child has their own notebook to develop early literacy and numeracy skills in fun and meaningful ways.

Everything we do helps children feel confident, capable, and excited as they begin their school journey.

Our outdoor learning environment is a favourite space where tamariki can explore, move, play, and connect.

With a spacious playground, large sandpit, bikes, and a variety of engaging outdoor activities, there's always something exciting to discover.

We place a strong emphasis on active play, helping children develop coordination, strength, confidence, and healthy lifelong habits through movement and exploration.

The playground also brings tamariki from both the Teina and Tuakana Rooms together, creating opportunities for older and younger children to learn from one another, build meaningful relationships, and enjoy shared experiences.

These daily interactions foster a strong sense of whanaungatanga throughout the centre, helping younger children gain confidence while encouraging older tamariki to develop leadership skills through play.