BestStart Merivale

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BestStart is one of NZ's leading early childcare providers. BestStart Merivale in Papanui, Christchurch provides affordable, high quality education and award winning childcare for babies, toddlers and preschoolers.

At BestStart Merivale, we are a home away from home!

We are a home-like villa set up with childrens comfort in mind. We implement the RIE philosophy in all our rooms and view our children as individuals with their own identities, abilities and interest which we extend through the experiences with provide each day. 

In a central location and close to bus routes we are in a convenient location for families. We are also conveniently located within our community to allow for regular excursions. We are able to have spontaneous excursions that follow children's interests but we also regularly visit our vege shop each month and our local primary school every term. Visiting the local primary school is an important part of our Get Set for School Programme where we prepare children for the transition to school.

Our Team

We are always getting comments from our families about what a passionate and friendly team we are! Although we are a new team we have a great team culture and like to have fun as a team and with the tamariki. We are a mixed team with a great range of strengths that are valued in our centre community. 

What We Offer

  • Gold EnviroSchools Award - sustainability and the environment are important to us
  • 20 hours free for 3-5 year olds and WINZ subsidies available* if required
  • Fresh, healthy, nutritious meals and snacks provided throughout the day 
  • Healthy Heart Award - we value nutrition and health 
  • Get Set for School Programme

Our Spaces

Both classroom’s have their own separate outdoor space’s, both large and filled with exciting play equipment to support and develop the children’s gross motor skills.  

Nursery

3 months - 2 years old

Preschool

2 years old and over

Video Gallery

Quality Service Award 2023

kind words from our parents

Parent

We are so thankful that BestStart Merivale came into our lives. We feel very valued as part of their community and they go the extra mile to ensure our son Finn is loved and nurtured. His development has been so much faster due to the staff challenging him and engaging him with the older children. He started at 5 months and we are so happy he did. We look forward to many more great years ahead with BestStart Merivale.

Parent

We chose BestStart Merivale because the staff were so welcoming when we called in to visit, the rooms are so clean and light and spacious, the outside garden/play area is huge and filled with activities, and the centre provides food for the children. We really love the relaxed and friendly atmosphere, and the way it is very child focused/led. Our girls (age 2 & 4) run in in the morning, and never want to leave at the end of the day. The staff are kind and really take care of the children, so we are delighted with our choice. Thanks for taking such good care of them.

Parent

The team were amazing with our baby's transition from staying at home with mum to the nursery. The separation wasn't easy but the BestStart team handled it like pros and helped one very nervous mum get back into the workforce with regular updates and amazing communication.

Parent

BestStart Merivale is the best decision we ever made. They have done amazing things through preschool since the new management team have come in and the centre is just phenomenal, you really couldn't find anywhere better. BestStart Merivale has truly been the best start our kids could have ever asked for and I will be forever grateful to Amy and the team for that.

Parent

BestStart Merivale is a fantastic centre which becomes extended family. They are true to their values. An environment that is both safe and nurturing providing children the tools to play and learn as they grow.

Parent

My son absolutely loves going to BestStart Merivale. They have a great team who are really focused on our children, family and community. It's an excellent centre that is always clean and tidy, and they have yummy healthy food. I would highly recommend.

Parent

BestStart Merivale has great teachers. They are passionate about what they do and are an amazing team. We are so happy that our son goes there and he really enjoys his time there. We really appreciate what they do.

Darryl

Staff are very accommodating and friendly

Kaden

The children's learning is amazing

Parent

The team have been so great and super welcoming to our little girl. Already in the last month we have seen improvements in her speech development just from being around other kids. The staff are brilliant and easy to talk with.

Mohamed

I gave this score because I can see the improvement with my child settling in. I Know it's only been a month but alot can happen in a month, thankyou!

Wilson

Amazing staff and very supportive staff and a very well-run centre.

Jonas

The teachers were so cooperative in helping my baby to settle.

Abram

Providing excellent care and looking after my 9-month-old one very well.

Parent

Amazing staff who genuinely care for my little one and also keep the children engaged with various activities and play experiences. The food provided at the centre is delicious.

Parent

I can see Sabreen learning development progress. She is becoming more social and learning more about how to make friends!

Parent

Everyone at Best Start is friendly, happy to help and genuinely caring about us and our family. The educators are enthusiastic and fun but don't take any nonsense!

Primary School Teacher

BestStart Merivale prepares the children well for their next formal learning with their amazing set to school programme!

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