BestStart Paerata Rise

In our Kākano room, we follow the principles of Te Whāriki to create a nurturing, responsive environment where each child’s growth is valued holistically. We support babies in becoming confident and capable learners by fostering exploration, curiosity, and self-expression. The space is designed to be safe and inviting, celebrating each baby’s unique cultural identity and sense of belonging.

We work closely with whānau to ensure that babies feel loved, secure, and understood. By listening to their cues and responding with care, we build strong relationships that support emotional well-being and independence. Our approach encourages babies to develop resilience and confidence, knowing they are valued and supported in their learning journey.

In the Mātātupu room, we are all about encouraging children to grow and learn through play. We help children learn to express themselves and their emotions. We are committed to preparing children for the next phase in their journey by ensuring they have the skills to aid them in their transition to the Māhuri and Huāwai rooms.

Within our space, we support the children to gain these skills through individual learning plans catered to their interests, as well as the goals you have for your child. These individual learning journeys help us work together and collaborate on how we can best support the children and prepare them for their next steps.

We offer both nappy changes and toilet training to all tamariki. We encourage them to dress themselves to foster independence and provide a sense of responsibility.

In the Māhuri room, we are deeply committed to nurturing our tamariki, supporting their growth, and helping them reach their full potential during their time in preschool. We believe that every child is unique and has their own strengths, and we strive to create an environment that celebrates these individual qualities.

Our focus is on fostering a sense of belonging, where each child feels welcome and valued. We encourage open communication, allowing tamariki to express their thoughts and feelings freely. This inclusive atmosphere promotes collaboration and friendship among the children, helping them develop social skills and emotional intelligence.

The key focus of the Huāwai Room is to prepare children for the transition to primary school. To achieve this, we carefully align our daily routines and activities with those in a primary school setting. This structured approach helps ease the children into the expectations and practices they will encounter as they progress in their education.

While we recognise the importance of free play in fostering creativity and social skills, we also incorporate a variety of planned activities that align with our Set for School programme. These activities are designed to develop essential skills in areas such as literacy, numeracy, and social interaction. Children are encouraged to explore these focus areas at their own pace, allowing them to choose which activities they engage in while gently guiding them towards participation in our planned sessions.

Independence is a crucial part of our programme. We empower children to take initiative in their learning and daily tasks. For example, before mealtimes, we encourage them to wash their hands and retrieve their water bottles, fostering a sense of responsibility and self-sufficiency. As they finish their meals, we guide them to dispose of leftovers properly, rinse their dishes, and return them to the designated trolley. This routine promotes good hygiene practices and enhances their self-help and self-care skills, reinforcing the importance of taking care of their personal space and belongings.

Throughout these activities, we provide the necessary support and guidance to ensure that each child feels confident and capable. Our goal is to create a nurturing environment where children can thrive, develop essential skills, and become well-prepared for the exciting challenges of primary school.

Our under 2’s playspace is a calm, nurturing space where our youngest tamariki can safely explore the world around them. Designed with soft surfaces, age-appropriate equipment, and sensory-rich features, this space supports early movement, curiosity, and gentle discovery. It’s a peaceful outdoor environment where babies can crawl, cruise, and connect with nature at their own pace, with attentive supervision from our caring kaiako.

Our over 2’s playspace is a dynamic and engaging space designed to support active exploration, physical development, and imaginative play. Tamariki can run, balance, and discover in a safe and stimulating outdoor environment that encourages independence and social interaction. With plenty of open space and natural elements, our playground promotes curiosity, confidence, and collaboration through play.