BestStart Melling

Welcome to our Hiwa-i-te-rangi Nursery Room, a warm and nurturing early learning environment where our pēpi are supported to explore, discover and grow at their own pace. Through caring relationships, meaningful interactions and playful experiences, we create a safe and welcoming space where our youngest tamariki can develop confidence, feel a strong sense of belonging and enjoy joyful beginnings to their learning journey.

Our Hiwa-i-te-rangi pēpi enjoy a range of experiences that support their early learning and development, including:

• Start with Heart: We put relationships at the heart of everything we do, taking the time to understand each child's individual needs, interests and routines. Our caring kaiako create secure and trusting relationships so every pēpi feels safe, loved and supported.

• Learning through play: Exploring the world through sensory play, outdoor adventures, dramatic play, music, movement and storytelling, with opportunities to discover something new every day.

• Early literacy and numeracy: Enjoying waiata, nursery rhymes, finger puppets and shared reading to develop early language, listening and memory skills, alongside an awareness of rhythm, rhyme, counting and patterns.

• Sensory exploration: Discovering different textures, materials and experiences through hands-on and messy play that encourage curiosity, creativity and early problem-solving.

• Growing through connection: Building confidence and a sense of belonging through warm interactions, familiar routines and responsive care that follows each child's individual rhythm.

• Joyful beginnings: Celebrating every little milestone and discovery while providing opportunities for pēpi to develop new skills, build relationships and grow at their own pace.

We celebrate the wonder of early childhood and understand that every little moment is an opportunity to learn. Through nurturing relationships and meaningful play, we create a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

Welcome to our Tupu-ā-nuku Room, a warm and nurturing early learning environment where tamariki are encouraged to explore their curiosity, develop new skills and grow in confidence. Through play-based learning and meaningful, hands-on experiences, we provide a safe and welcoming space where children can discover the world around them at their own pace.

Our Tupu-ā-nuku tamariki enjoy a variety of experiences that support their learning and development, including:

• Everyday independence: Building confidence through everyday routines and opportunities to practise communication, self-help and practical life skills.

• Music and group learning: Enjoying daily mat times, songs and movement activities that encourage language development, social skills and a sense of belonging.

• Baking and food exploration: Taking part in monthly baking experiences, discovering different foods while practising counting, measuring, following instructions and working together.

• Messy play and outdoor discovery: Exploring water, sand, mud, paint and natural materials through creative sensory experiences.

• Fine motor development: Strengthening hand coordination and control through activities such as threading, painting and using tongs, building foundations for future writing skills.

• Strong whānau connections: Working closely with families to understand each child's individual needs, celebrate their progress and support their learning journey.

As tamariki grow and become ready for their next adventure, we gently introduce them to our Waitī Preschool Room, helping them feel familiar and confident in their new learning environment.

Welcome to our Waitī Preschool Room, a calm and nurturing early learning environment where tamariki are encouraged to follow their interests, take the lead in their learning and grow into confident, independent learners. Through a child-led, play-based approach, our kaiako guide and extend children's discoveries, creating meaningful opportunities to explore, ask questions and develop new skills at their own pace.

Our Waitī tamariki enjoy a balanced programme of learning experiences that support their development and prepare them for their next steps, including:

• Set for School: Our Set for School programme supports tamariki as they develop the confidence, independence and foundational skills they need for a positive transition to primary school.

• Learning through interests: Exploring ideas, asking questions and following their natural curiosity through engaging, child-led play experiences.

• Literacy and numeracy: Developing early reading, writing, communication and mathematical thinking through everyday play and activities.

• Science and discovery: Investigating the world around them, experimenting and developing problem-solving skills.

• Creativity and movement: Expressing themselves through music, rhythm, creative activities and physical play.

• Social and emotional development: Building positive relationships, recognising emotions, developing self-regulation and learning to navigate friendships.

We celebrate every child's growing capabilities and encourage them to take an active role in their learning journey, helping them become confident, capable and curious learners who are ready to embrace new challenges.

Welcome to our Waitā Preschool Room, a vibrant and nurturing early learning environment where curiosity is celebrated, creativity shines and tamariki develop a love of learning. Through play-based experiences and meaningful discoveries, children are encouraged to explore their interests, build friendships and grow in confidence as they prepare for their transition to primary school.

Our Waitā tamariki enjoy a range of learning experiences that support their development and prepare them for the exciting journey ahead, including:

• Set for School: Our Set for School programme helps tamariki build confidence in early literacy, numeracy, communication and problem-solving. Through our Letter and Number of the Week, children explore new concepts in fun and meaningful ways. Special take-home book bags also encourage reading and learning with whānau.

• Learning through play: Following their interests, asking questions and sharing ideas through child-led experiences, storytelling, group times and everyday play.

• Connecting with te taiao: Exploring nature, gardening and caring for our environment while developing an understanding of their role as kaitiaki and guardians of the natural world.

• Celebrating culture and identity: Embracing te ao Māori through te reo Māori, waiata, karakia and pūrākau, while celebrating each child's unique identity and sense of belonging.

• Building relationships: Developing friendships, independence and social skills in a supportive environment where children feel heard, valued and encouraged to be themselves.

• Growing confidence and independence: Taking on new challenges, making decisions and developing the skills to navigate everyday experiences with confidence.

We believe strong relationships are at the heart of great learning. By working closely with whānau and our community, we nurture confident, capable and happy learners who feel a strong sense of belonging and are excited about their next learning adventure.