BestStart Kotātā Heights

Named after a historic pā site in our local area where our centre sits, here we nurture our youngest pēpi and foster reciprocal, attuned relationships. Our pēpi feel safe and loved, knowing their cues and needs are met in a respectful and calming environment.

Named after the land block our centre sits on, our Ruma Okara has traditionally been a place of trading and gathering, an area that has seen much movement. Likewise, Rūma Okara provides a space where our curious pēpi and toddlers begin to explore movement and develop an understanding of their world. Our team fosters caring, attuned support consistent with Ruma Tarewa and aligned with our values of respect and aroha.

To the south of our centre, linking to the water source at Ōpāu, Rewarewa whenua forms our southern vista. Ruma Rewarewa tamariki are empowered as competent, confident, and creative ākonga and master explorers. Our team fosters the communication and agency we believe all tamariki bring, while nurturing the many schemas displayed by our Rewarewa tamariki.

Named after Matakohe Island, another local landmark visible from our centre, Ruma Matakohe is the dedicated space for our up-and-coming leaders, who are beginning to lead their own learning and develop their akonga identity. In Ruma Matakohe, tamariki are confident and empowered communicators, and our team fosters their many pondering thoughts and natural curiosity as young researchers.

Our Pohe Ruma, named after Pohe Island, a landmark seen and visited from our centre, is focused on the learning needs of our tuākana aged 4 years and up.

We have a strong Set for School focus, aiming to provide our ākonga with the foundational knowledge, skills, and dispositions for a positive transition to primary school. We know that these transition and foundation skills set our ākonga up for a lifelong learning journey. Our learning priorities include social and emotional development, communication, and self-regulation skills, which are woven throughout our curriculum and reflected in our fresh, engaging environment and resources.

We want our ākonga to begin school with a positive learner identity and the confidence to flourish during transitions.