BestStart Rugby Park

Our centre embraces every child's unique background and experiences, fostering a warm and inclusive environment where all tamariki are celebrated.

Through collaborative approaches in learning and play, we empower tamariki to explore, discover, and grow together. At BestStart Rugby Park, we believe in nurturing social and emotional development, laying a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

Our centre is lucky enough to participate in the Wild @ Heart Bush Kindy programme here in Invercargill!

This is a minimum of a five-week programme where your child will join their friends, our Wild @ Heart leader, Mr Kevin, and one of the teachers from your child’s centre for a day of outdoor exploration! We leave at 9:30am and return by 2:00pm one day per week.

By spending unhurried time in nature we are able to be creative, drive our own learning, challenge ourselves and our bodies and take appropriate risk, and create lifelong memories. We also connect to our tūrangawaewae (our identity and place we call home).

There are so many benefits to spending time in nature:
Emotional development: Spending time in nature helps children connect with their feelings and emotions.

Physical development: Outdoor activities provides children with opportunities to develop gross motor skills and coordination.

Cognitive development: Nature provides a rich variety of stimuli in multiple areas such as language, problem-solving and critical thinking.

Sense of wonder: Children develop a sense of awe and wonder about the world in which they live which instils curiosity.

Environmental awareness: How to take care of ourselves and our environment.

Improved attention

Reduces stress: Nature is peaceful and calming, it reduces anxiety and helps us to relax and recharge.