BestStart Raumati

BestStart is one of NZ's leading early childcare providers. BestStart Raumati in Paraparaumu provides affordable, high quality education and award winning childcare for babies, toddlers and preschoolers.

Welcome to Beststart Raumati! 

Our families often describe our centre as a 'home away from home'

From the moment you walk in the door at BestStart Raumati you will be greeted by the aroma of fresh baking, friendly kaiako and a warm homely feeling. Our days begin with a karakia and some waiata. This is a really nice way to greet each other in the morning before settling in for a day of exploring, discovering, and imagining together. We have familiar and predictable routines which the tamariki know well. New whānau often comment that these are helpful for their tamaiti during settling in times.

At BestStart Raumati our centre vision is "Our Community, Our Learning". Our community is us - our tamariki, kaiako, whānau and the people, places and things within our place. Our learning is what sets our tamariki up to be life-long adventurers, explorers and experts.  Our tamariki know their community, belong in their community, and have confidence to learn in their community. Community learning takes place inside and outside the centre as we provide opportunities to explore our wider world.  Coach Mattie leads Game Time sessions each week and Whaea Meg runs a te reo waiata session for tamariki each week too. 

Our philosophy: He aha te mea nui o te Ao. He tangata, he tangata, he tangata. We believe in prioritising relationships with people, places and things by embracing shared values of reliability, peacefulness, enthusiasm, integrity and kindness.

Through our localised curriculum journey, children are developing a connection to their local area and discovering the importance of their place in it.

Our Team

We are a small but close team with each teacher bringing their own unique skills to the table. With regular professional development and learning from one another we are consistently upskilling to provide the best possible care and education to our BestStart Raumati community.

What We Offer

• 20 hours free for 3-5 year olds and WINZ subsidies available* if required
• Experienced tight-knit team of passionate teachers
• Get Set for School Programme
• Fresh, nutritious meals and snacks provided each day
• Regular Community learning experiences in the centre

Our Spaces

Our centre is a converted home which helps us to create environments that feel safe and cosy. We pride ourselves on making everyone at our centre feel safe, welcomed, valued and cared for. Our two classrooms are set up with resources to encourage children to lead their own learning by making discoveries, developing friendships and test their physical abilities. 

The outdoor area has loads of space and we have a big sandpit, and room for running, throwing and kicking balls. We have a dedicated section for vegetable gardens, fruit trees and planting, a project tamariki really enjoy being involved with.

Community Sessions

At our centre we also offer Te Reo waiata and Game time sessions for tamariki

Te Reo Waiata Sessions

On Tuesday’s Whaea Meg joins us for our te reo waiata session. Over time tamariki become familiar with the kupu and actions to each of the waiata. Taking part in these opportunities extends tamariki communication through music and songs. Inclusion of waiata creates a rich oral language environment as tamariki connect with words, rhythms, imitation, turn taking and social interactions, strong in culture and their identity.

Game Time Sessions

On Monday’s Coach Mattie runs ‘Game Time’ sessions for our older tamariki. These fun games focus on developing and improving tamariki fundamental movement skills, such as jumping, throwing, running, kicking and catching. Over time, tamariki learn to take part, follow a sequence of instructions and develop and build skills that will support them in the future, with writing, reading, maths and social skills.