BestStart Park Green

Welcome to BestStart Park Green, and a warm welcome to our nursery room, Pikopiko.

In the nursery, babies grow and flourish, surrounded by love, care, and connection.

We believe the care and education of infants require specialised knowledge and practice. A curriculum for infants recognises the importance of individual care moments as meaningful learning opportunities. Our kaiako work in close partnership with parents and whānau to support each child’s holistic wellbeing and sense of belonging.

We find joy in communicating daily with whānau about their baby’s day at the centre, including their growth, learning, and magical moments. We strive to maintain open communication about each baby’s changing interests, needs, and capabilities, creating delightful and detailed learning stories that capture their wonderful development.

We follow babies’ care routines and rituals from home, creating smooth and reassuring transitions between their home and centre environments.

Our beautiful open-play environment promotes social group play and the fostering of friendships. Babies develop their curiosity as they gain confidence to explore and make their own discoveries.

Pikopiko is the Māori name for the young, unfurled fronds of the hen and chicken fern, a native New Zealand plant. We see the fern frond as a symbol of the child. Like the pikopiko, a child is initially tightly wound, with each frond representing part of their character and disposition. As they are nurtured, the child gradually unfolds, just as the pikopiko unfurls with growth.

Welcome to Wheki Ruma, a place where our toddlers begin to grow, explore, and develop their sense of wonder. The name Wheki comes from a native New Zealand fern, symbolising new beginnings, resilience, and gentle growth — just like our tamariki as they take their early steps in learning.

In Wheki Ruma, we nurture children’s curiosity through meaningful play experiences that encourage exploration, creativity, and independence. Our environment is warm, calm, and inviting, thoughtfully designed to support toddlers as they grow in confidence and capability.

We believe that, just like a young fern unfolding its fronds, each child in Wheki Ruma grows at their own pace, supported by aroha, patience, and strong whanaungatanga (relationships). Together with our whānau, we celebrate every small step and milestone in their beautiful journey of learning and discovery.

Welcome to Ponga Ruma, a warm place where our tamariki aged three to four begin to stretch their curiosity, courage, and creativity. The name Ponga (the native silver fern) represents new growth, resilience, and unfolding strength — just like our little learners as they practise new words, take safe risks, and discover who they are.

In Ponga Ruma, we nurture children through playful, hands-on learning that builds independence, language, and social confidence. Our environment is calm, inviting, and intentionally arranged to encourage exploration, with cosy reading corners, open-ended play provocations, and small-group experiences where children can practise problem-solving and cooperative play. Our kaiako provide gentle encouragement, follow each child’s interests, and scaffold their learning with aroha and patience.

We trust that every tamaiti develops in their own time, much like the ponga as it gently uncurls its frond. Through strong, caring connections between kaiako, children, and whānau, we acknowledge and uplift each moment of progress — growing self-assurance, increasing independence, blossoming friendships, and the meaningful discoveries that guide their learning journey.

Welcome to Mamaku Ruma, where our tamariki aged four to five continue to grow, explore, and prepare for their transition to school. The name Mamaku (the native black tree fern) symbolises strength, resilience, and readiness — just like our confident, curious learners as they take the next steps in their learning journey.

In Mamaku Ruma, we foster independence, problem-solving, and social skills through engaging, hands-on experiences. Our kaiako support children to follow their interests, take on challenges, and collaborate with their peers, all while nurturing aroha, confidence, and strong whanaungatanga (relationships).

As part of our Set for School Programme, we guide tamariki through activities that build early literacy, numeracy, and self-management skills, helping them feel ready, confident, and excited for school. Through strong connections between kaiako, children, and whānau, we celebrate every achievement and milestone as our tamariki prepare for this exciting next chapter.