Welcome to BestStart Kaikorai Valley Road where children have the opportunity to have fun and learn alongside their friends. Our centre is fully equipped with the highest quality resources to inspire your child’s imagination and sense of adventure.

Learn, Share, Laugh and Grow

Here at BestStart Kaikorai Valley Road, this is what underpins everything we do.

At BestStart Kaikorai Valley Road we provide a welcoming, vibrant and flexible environment; responsive to all akonga (learners) and their changing needs, interests and abilities. Teachers are committed to growing respectful and loving relationships for all.

We acknowledge and celebrate all cultures, embracing the richness and diversity that they bring. We have a strong commitment to the Treaty of Waitangi and bicultural development. We recognise the mana of the child as we strive to provide safe, inclusive, stimulating environments that acknowledge the rich funds of knowledge that each child and their whānau brings with them.

We believe in the integration of learning and play; as children learn best through 'doing'. We believe that through opportunities to explore the world around them, children become active and involved learners.

Our priorities for children's learning are implemented through quality teaching strategies in ways that are relative to each individual. Teachers are focussed on supporting children to become: Socially confident, investigative learners, resilient and enriched in languages, numbers and information technology.

“Poipoia te kakano kia Puawai – Nurture the seed and it will blossom”

Our centre curriculum - Our curriculum is developed with the children, for the children. It is based on budding interests and gives our tamariki opportunities to explore their ideas, work together, develop relationships and be excited about learning. Our curriculum reflects a strong sense of community as we ensure that parent and whānau aspirations for their children influence and actively contribute to our children’s learning and well-being.

Our learning spaces - We provide age-specific programmes for your child and they are cared for in three separate rooms: our Nursery for 0 to 2-year olds; our Preschool for 2 to 3.5-year olds and the Prep-Room 3.5 to 5-year olds. All rooms offer options for morning, afternoon, 6 hour or full day sessions.  Our beautiful purpose-built centre is well-resourced, and learning is driven by children’s interests so they can become confident, independent, respectful and creative thinkers.

Nursery - In our Nursery we have a strong focus on each individual child’s care and learning. Our relationships are authentic and responsive, where needs and wants are heard and met. Interactions are respectful, informing children about what is happening and letting them feel empowered in their environment and building their sense of contribution. Respect, independence, love, security and a sense of belonging happens.

Preschool - Our Preschool provides a fun, meaningful and child driven learning environment where fun and a sense of humour is essential. The Preschool places an emphasis on promoting respect, communication and independence. Children develop skills and strategies to build and maintain relationships with others in our rich language environment which encourages both verbal and non-verbal communication techniques to express themselves in a variety of different ways.

Prep-Room - In the Prep room we have an integrated transition to school programme which supports both children and parents with the next stage of their child’s learning journey. Our environment is set to spark curiosity, encourage collaboration and strengthen communication. We focus on ensuring our children are respectful, confident, competent and responsible and who are creative thinkers that have a real love of learning.

The children at our centre bring their own lunch boxes, which helps them to develop the self-care lunch box skills they will need when they start school. Nutritious morning and afternoon teas are provided each day.

You are welcome to visit us at any time to see for yourself what a special place BestStart Kaikorai Valley Road is.

For more information about the specific fees for your centre, please contact us directly (03) 488 0074 /  kaikorai@best-start.org. You might be eligible for support paying their childcare fees. For more information click here.