BestStart Riccarton

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

At Beststart Riccarton, we are one big family!

We are proud to be a huge part of the Riccarton community for over 10 years! Close enough to the Riccarton Bush to hear the birds singing, we are in the heart of the community, only a few minutes away from the centre of town and close to our major bus routes. 

We want out centre to be a home away from home, we share kai together like a big family, and celebrate whats important to each other - from small wins to large cultural festivals. We invite families to share whats important to them, as this is important to us too. 

 Our goal at BestStart Riccarton is to provide a welcoming, exciting, and safe atmosphere that fosters aroha. We accomplish this by forming a collaborative relationship with the tamariki (children) and their families, getting to know the Tamariki' needs and interests, and learning about the goals their parents have for them. We believe Children learn from hands on experiences, our Kaiako setup environments for children to explore and take control of their own learning.

Our vison is “let the uniqueness of the child guide our work”.

Our Team

Our Kaiako love setting up the environments so your child can be seen exploring a range of activities , and you can hear their delighted calls and laughter when they explore these experiences. Together with the children, our Kaiako love to exploring and learn alongside the children, having stimulating conversations and a laugh, and empower the children to have a voice in their day / making plans for the day. Whanau is a family, and our team's unwavering dedication and hard work each day demonstrate their respect and aroha for the families. Our Kaiako strive to offer to ensure their learning environment offers each child to build friends & lovely memories for life.

We have multiple bilingual teachers, and all up we can speak seven languages so we can support children and families from a range of cultures and those with English as a second language.

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
  • Nappies Supplied
  • Regular Excursions
  • Fresh, nutritious meals and snacks provided each day
  • A bronze healthy heart award 

Our Spaces

BestStart Riccarton is situated in the heart of Riccarton and across our two buildings, we offer engaging learning environments along with three large natural outdoor areas.  Our beautiful outside environments are large and spacious, offering your child opportunities to explore and develop their gross motor skills.

Rimu Room/ Nursery

Under 2s (Tahi Building)

Harakeke Room /Toddlers

2-3 years (Tahi Building)

Kowhai Room/Preschool

3+ years old (Rua Building)

Totara Room /Prep

4+ years (Rua Building)

Video Gallery

Are you our new nursery teacher?
Quality Service Award 2023

kind words from our parents

Parent

I love it; I don’t worry about my son in any way whilst he’s at preschool. He loves being there and I couldn’t be happier. We are very happy about our child attending BestStart Riccarton, the staff are amazing and we know our child is in very good hands.

Parent

We are very happy about our child attending BestStart Riccarton, the staff are amazing and we know our child is in very good hands.

Parent

I love it; I don’t worry about my son in any way whilst he’s at preschool. He loves being there and I couldn’t be happier.

Parent

Thank you all for being Mina's teachers & having her for the last almost 2 years. Watching her grow into a little person over the last 2 years has been amazing, when she first came she was so introverted and now seeing her come in with confidence & security in your care. So Thank You! I know you guys will all be deeply missed from her life, it's so sad to leave knowing she will have to start again & find new friends. You have all been a great part of her life & we are so grateful to you all. All the best for the future! With love, Mina & Family

Parent

To all the teachers, we would like to thank you for all your hard work, support and encouragement that you have given our son, Dong, during his time at school. He loved every minute of Preschool and always came home full of enthusiasm and stories to tell. Thank you so much to all the teachers. Dong will miss you all. Love Dong's family.

Parent

Thank you for everything you've done for me, its greatly appreciated and you and your amazing team will be missed. These are going to be big boots to fill!!!! Miss you.

Parent

I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the amazing time and all the teaching that you an your amazing teaching team have done for Mason - he is ready for school now.

Parent

It is a great kindergarten and all teachers are fantastic. Thank you for all the efforts you made to make Atrisha happy here. Best Wishes for the future.

Tiffany

We would just love to thank ALL the nursery staff for everything you have done for Johnathon over the last year and a half. He has benefited so much from all the interactions between children and staff. I have been into a few centres before I even had my own children and right from the day I came in to enroll Johnathon I have always felt the warm, relaxed, welcoming environment that you have got at BestStart Riccarton and I can not wait for Oliver to get the same experience.

Parent

Due to the Covid 19 level 4 lockdown Amber won’t be coming back to preschool once this is lifted. Amber will start her primary school as she has turned 5 years old once it opens. I want to take this opportunity to thank every teacher at BestStart Riccarton who has supported Amber's journey so far. Special thanks to the wonderful Centre Manager who is a wonderful manager and supported Amber throughout this time.

Parent

Thank you so much for teaching and caring for our son and most of all he learned to speak English and interact with other children.

Parent

Riley has loved coming to daycare and will miss everyone so much. Thank you to everyone who had a part of Riley's time at the centre.

Parent

Thank you for everything you have done for Riley over the past couple of years. He has loved every minute and will miss you all very much.

Parent

Thank you so much for all you do! We wanted to express our appreciating for the affection, care and support you have shown to our precious boy.

Parent

Thanks for giving Braxton the 'BestStart' to his education. I have appreciated everything you've done. Thank you. Here's some favourites for our favourites.

Parent

Every single day my daughter is having an awesome time in school and I would also love my friends kids to have the same experience.

Parent

The kaimahi show manaakitanga towards our entire whanau and genuinely show interest in our needs and our pepi

Parent

Thank you so much for all you do! We wanted to express our appreciation for the affection, care and support you have shown to our precious boy.

Parent

Thanks for giving our son the 'Best Start' to his education. Appreciate everything you all have done.

Parent

Thank you all teachers for all your love, care and support towards our daughter. We will always be grateful to you all, and you will always be a part of our lives. Thank you for helping her grow and make her a competent girl.

What we're proud of

e-Portfolios e-Portfolios Click here to read our ERO report Click here to read our ERO report Most Trusted Childcare Most Trusted Childcare We have a Healthy Heart award We have a Healthy Heart award Quality Service Award Quality Service Award Set for School Set for School

LATEST STORIES FROM OUR BLOG

Harakeke at BestStart Riccarton

We have catered our learning environments to our children after observing their desire to move, challenge themselves, and have the opportunity to explore new things. This was done with the children's interests in mind and they are loving the change!

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