BestStart Redwood

Group Shot
Bubs
B&W Slide
Red Car
B&W Sand
Trees
Baking
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Mud kitchen
Plank
Glue
Leaves
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Redwood-exploring
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BestStart Redwood is an inviting and engaging education and care centre that encourages our tamariki (children) to connect and engage with the world around them. Our learning environments are safe and well resourced. You will be amazed and delighted with our outdoor spaces. They are large, inviting, stimulating and reflective of our respect for Papatūānuku (the land).

At BestStart Redwood, as we grow together, we learn together

At BestStart Redwood, we pride ourselves on fostering a nurturing and engaging environment where children thrive as learners. Our dedicated kaiako (teachers) are passionate about creating rich learning experiences that recognize and support the mana of each tamaiti (child). With a responsive curriculum full of language and cultural artifacts, tamariki are empowered to explore, grow, and build meaningful connections with the world around them.

Our learning philosophy strikes a balance between structured activities and self-directed exploration. Children have access to a wide range of developmentally appropriate resources that encourage curiosity and creativity. From music to painting, our kaiako provide opportunities for tamariki to discover and express themselves while developing key skills.

Our vision, As we grow together, we learn together, reflects our commitment to nurturing confident, respectful, and resilient learners. Tamariki leave BestStart Redwood with a positive attitude towards learning, a thirst for knowledge, and empathy for people, places, and things.

Our Team

Our dynamic team is made up of professional, experienced, and passionate kaiako who work collaboratively to ensure the best outcomes for tamariki. Many of our teachers bring over a decade of experience, and we actively support the development of teachers in training, as well as welcome student teachers and work experience participants. Together with whānau, our kaiako treasure the opportunity to create a vibrant, inclusive community where children and their families feel valued and involved.

What We Offer

  • 20 hours free for 3-5 year olds and WINZ subsidies available* if required
  • Experienced tight-knit team of passionate teachers
  • Flexible session times to meet the needs of your whānau
  • Bronze Healthy Heart Award
  • Regular special events and celebrations 
  • Environmental education and sustainability focuses including garden to plate initiatives

Our Spaces

BestStart Redwood offers an inspiring, well-resourced environment where tamariki can flourish. Our indoor and outdoor areas are thoughtfully designed to encourage exploration and connection with nature. The large, free-flowing outdoor spaces in both the nursery and preschool are secure, stimulating, and full of opportunities for play and discovery. With a strong focus on the environment, tamariki learn about growing fruit and vegetables while embracing a garden-to-plate philosophy. Indoors, our inviting spaces provide a sense of belonging and excitement for learning, ensuring every child feels supported and valued.

Manuka Room

Under 2's

Pōhutukawa Room

2-3.5 years old

Kahikatea Room

3.5 years and over

Video Gallery

Quality Service Award 2023

kind words from our parents

Parent

Thank you to the wonderful staff who have helped teach Hayden throughout the years. We are forever indebted to you. We will miss you all and so will Hayden.

Parent

Thank you to the BestStart team, we appreciate the effort you make with our child. We love the playground improvements and the effort you make with changing the indoor outdoor play equipment. I appreciate the knowledge that you share that helps me with my parenting. Its great you let the children move throughout the centre during the day so they can with with different children and different equipment.

Parent

I really like this centre and would recommend it to others for their children, communication between parents and staff is good. Teachers are fantastic and always involved with all children, staff and families and very welcoming.

Parent

Was great to be invited and able to be involved in the preschool celebration of Matariki. The disco was a great event.

Parent

The play based learning at BestStart will help with Lochlann's introduction to school, we can already see how his independence and confidence has grown.

Parent

The staff at BestStart Redwood are always very caring and loving towards all of my children. There is consistency of staff and all staff are approachable and willing to help.

Parent

The staff are always friendly, helpful and approachable. I feel I can openly talk to the staff about my child. The staff are happy and there is a nice relaxed atmosphere in the rooms.

Parent

Both of my children have recently started at BestStart Redwood and we have all felt very welcomed. When we arrive in the morning we are met with smiling faces and genuinely excited teachers. The kids love the activities and are definitely thriving in their new environment. The hard part is getting the kids to leave at the end of the day!

LATEST STORIES FROM OUR BLOG

Building relationships in the Manuka ruma at BestStart Redwood

In the Manuka ruma we have been supporting our tamariki to gain mana through building positive relationships with their Kaiako and their peers. We have loved watching our tamariki build new relationships and form bonds with others.

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Water and Sand Play at BestStart Redwood

Introducing children to new water-related textures (slippery, slimy!) and temperatures can be an amazing sensory experience

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Messy play with BestStart Redwood

Exploring different textures through play, including sensory or messy play, is a sociable activity, so naturally, it will enrich relationships through social interaction.

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