BestStart Petone

BestStart has won the Most Trusted Brand four times and the Quality Services Award for 7 years in a row! We’re so proud to have the trusted care and quality of our service recognised by NZ parents voting for us.

BestStart’s Set for School programme assists with a smooth transition to get children ready for primary school. We partner with families, encouraging pre-literacy and numeracy along with developing children’s independence and self-help skills.

We provide all meals at our centre, with a menu available for parents to view. Our cook ensures children are served a variety of tasty, healthy and balanced meals, tailored to the community and children’s individual needs, such as allergies and food requirements.

Our philosophy follows the RIE/Pickler model of respectful, responsive caregiving to nurture infants' autonomy and confidence. We value unhurried routines, free movement and uninterrupted play in a safe environment. This attachment based approach ensures a strong foundation for healthy development and lifelong learning.

We have regular nature excursions, providing your child with opportunities for hands on learning in the natural environment. Our excursions foster a deep connection to the environment encouraging curiosity and environmental stewardship while enhancing overall wellbeing and emotional self regulation.