BestStart Railway Road

We believe every pēpi and tamariki deserve more than just a classroom. They deserve a place that feels like a home away from home, where they feel safe, secure, loved and truly known. Our Kaihopara environment has been intentionally designed to reflect a Curriculum of Care, where nurturing relationships, responsive caregiving and thoughtful environments are recognised as the foundation for meaningful learning and development. 

Inspired by Pikler principles, our environment supports pēpi in experiencing free movement, allowing them the time and space to explore their bodies, develop confidence, and build independence at their own pace.

Through our "Start with Heart" programme, we follow each pēpi and their individual cues, rhythms and interests, creating a peaceful environment where they can explore, discover, connect and grow in their own time. Every carefully considered space, every responsive interaction and every moment of care is an opportunity to build trust and a strong sense of belonging.

Our Kaitirotiro Rūma is a nurturing toddler space where tamariki are supported, encouraged and empowered to grow with confidence.

With the gentle guidance and support of their kaiako, our toddlers are given the time, space and freedom to explore, take safe risks, test their capabilities, problem-solve and follow their own play and interests. We don’t rush the journey - we walk alongside them.

Our environment is thoughtfully designed to provide opportunities for toddlers to develop confidence, courage, independence and a strong sense of mana and agency. We encourage our tamariki to have a go, make choices and discover what they are capable of, knowing their trusted kaiako are always close by to support, encourage and celebrate them.

Every little step is a big achievement and every child is given the space to grow in their own way, at their own pace.

Our Kairangahau Rūma is our "Set for School" space, where tamariki are supported to build the confidence, skills and independence they need as they take their next steps towards school. We have strong relationships with our local schools, creating meaningful connections and opportunities for our tamariki to become familiar with the school environment.

Our graduated children often return for visits, and regular excursions give our tamariki the opportunity to experience local primary school classrooms and build excitement for what lies ahead. We follow and respond closely to the interests and strengths of each child, creating meaningful opportunities for learning through play. Our environment is thoughtfully resourced to encourage a love of literacy, numeracy, language, symbols and communication in ways that are engaging, purposeful and fun.

Lunchbox Days give our tamariki the opportunity to practise independence as they prepare and enjoy their own lunchboxes, developing practical skills and confidence. Letter of the Week brings language and literacy to life, with a special Show and Tell where tamariki can share something meaningful to them, build confidence speaking in front of others and listen respectfully to their friends.

Our Kairangahau Rūma is about more than preparing children for school - it is about helping them become confident, capable and curious learners who are excited about their next adventure.