BestStart Leeds Street

BestStart Leeds Street is conveniently situated in the inner city of Wellington.

However, we believe our learning environment extends beyond our property and into the surrounding city. We are urban explorers and can be seen out and about the central city every week. We explore the city for art whether it be the streets, art galleries or museums, we photograph it, draw it and have discussions about it. 

We aim to empower all of our tamariki to learn through a holistic lens; providing them with plenty of support to be active explorers, researchers and decision makers in their own learning.

We promote a collaborative approach to planning where meaningful relationships with whānau are priority. Our Centre culture is based around trusting and respectful relationships. Whānau are active contributors in our program and curriculum, playing a vital role in all decision making. We hold lots of whānau events that encourage relationship building, networking and a strong sense of belonging.

An overview of our regular excursions and activities

Monday: Wilton Bush walks – (Every Week 8:45am-11:30am) Age Group: 3-5 year olds

20-minute bus ride to Wilton Bush, where the tamariki explore the bush, have morning tea and get emersed in all things nature). Our bush walks are a special opportunity for the tamariki to explore freely the beautiful nature and wildlife of Aotearoa. The tamariki enjoy exploring the different native trees, plants and flowers while listening to the beautiful calls of the birds overhead.


Wednesday: Cobblestone Park – (Every second week 10:00am-11:00am) Age Group: 3-5 year olds

10-minute walk to our local park. An exciting project to encourage and development tamariki understanding of sustainability, respect for our environment and pride and knowledge of our local Wellington community. The tamariki wear gloves and use tongs to protect themselves as we pick up different types of rubbish find in the park. We will also make sure we allow the opportunity for the tamariki to play and have some fun!


Thursday: Intergenerational Play Group – (Every second week 10:00am-11:00am) Age Group: 10 months - 5 year olds

10-minute walk to our local community Centre. An opportunity for our younger tamariki to read stories, sing songs and play with some of the elderly in our local community.


Thursday: Playball – (Every week during school term) 10:30am-12:00pm) Age Group: 2-5 year olds

Using sport as the means, playball provides children with a sound base from which to develop every aspect of their lives. The aim of Playball is to introduce young children to constructive and enjoyable sport participation through various age-appropriate programs. All of the programs have a "multi-activity" approach, ensuring a competent foundation in all the popular sports played at school. This is an external provider that comes in to the Centre (we move the playground around to create space). It is an optional activity, and at each parents’ discretion whether they enrol their children. It is at an extra cost, separate to our fees which goes directly to the playball provider.

Friday: Art Trip (Every Week) 9:30am-11:30am) Age Group: 3-5 year olds

An opportunity for our children to go explore Wellington City and express themselves through art. During this trip children learn how to observe, learn new words like abstract, learn the protocols on how to conduct yourself in an art gallery, and learn all about how things work. A regular art trip we take is to the local museum, Te Papa.