BestStart Montessori the Gardens

BestStart is one of NZ's leading early childcare providers. BestStart Montessori The Gardens, in Dunedin’s North East Valley, near the CBD, Otago University and the Polytechnic, provides affordable, high quality education and award winning childcare for babies, toddlers and preschoolers.

At BestStart Montessori The Gardens, we nurture kind and respectful learners!

At our centre, we proudly embrace the rich cultural diversity of our tamariki and their families. Located in Dunedin's North East Valley, near the University and Polytechnic, we are a culturally vibrant community with many students having parents engaged in higher education. Celebrating culturally significant events such as Matariki, Chinese New Year, and Diwali is a core part of our tradition, helping to honor and integrate the unique identities, languages, and cultures of all our children. Our Montessori program is tailored to support each child's potential through self-discovery, with staff creating an engaging and relevant curriculum that aligns with the aspirations of their whanau.

Our well-resourced environment, filled with specially designed materials, promotes respect, inclusiveness, and a strong sense of community. Children learn from each other, fostering respect for themselves, their peers, and their surroundings, leading to self-confidence, concentration, and a sense of order and harmony. The Montessori philosophy instills a love of learning, healthy self-esteem, and social competence while fostering independence and self-discipline.

Montessori Method

Montessori education comes from observing children during their moments of development. Through observation, we allow children to show us where they need most support, allowing us to support their individual needs and interests. The environment is prepared to give the child autonomy and to help the child discover, concentrate and develop holistically. As part of our philosophy, we create a calm, peaceful environment to foster children's confidence and concentration.

Find out more about Montessori here

Our Team

We are a dedicated Montessori teaching team committed to nurturing each child's unique potential. With a blend of passion, qualifications, and extensive experience, we strive to cultivate a community of kind, respectful, and independent learners. Our approach encourages natural curiosity and a love for learning, fostering an environment of grace and courtesy. Additionally, we take pride in offering delicious and nutritious vegetarian meals prepared by our very own center chef, ensuring our children are well-nourished and ready to thrive. Join us in creating a supportive and enriching educational journey for every child.

What We Offer

• Spacious and thoughtfully prepared Montessori learning environment
• Fresh, healthy, nutritious Vegeterian meals and snacks provided throughout the day by a qualified chef
• 20 hours free for 3-5 year olds and WINZ subsidies available* if required
• Experienced tight-knit team of passionate teachers
• Regular Excursions
• Get Set for School programme

Our Spaces

We are lucky to have three, character buildings which provide spacious indoor and outdoor learning environments for our children. Our large, well established and sunny garden provides am expansive space for our tamariki to explore, challenge and learn. Our thoughtfully resourced, prepared environment with specially designed materials creates a respectful learning environment promoting inclusiveness and a strong sense of community.