BestStart Shelly Bay Road

Our youngest learners, known as the ‘Determined Discoverers’ begin their journey in the Harekeke Room. Here, infants are encouraged to explore and make sense of the world around them through heuristic play, interacting with everyday objects rather than toys. Our dedicated teachers form strong bonds with each infant, ensuring warm and engaging interactions that build relationships, support attachment, and develop healthy brain pathways. We work closely with whānau to honour individual routines and rituals, making the Harakeke Room an extension of home.

In the Kowhai Room, our toddlers, known as ‘Energetic Explorers’, are immersed in a dynamic environment designed to captivate and engage their curious minds. Our toddler environment is meticulously crafted with engaging and interesting resources that invite exploration and imaginative play. By encouraging toddlers to follow their interests, we support their growing independence and sense of self, helping them navigate their social world and build resilience through meaningful, collaborative experiences.

Our preschoolers, known as ‘Aspiring Adventurers’ embark on experiences set around our ‘set for school’ programme. We aim to nurture children into confident, competent learners. Through exploring current interests and engaging in positive, meaningful interactions, our children build a strong sense of belonging and identity. Our approach celebrates individual uniqueness and nurtures innate curiosity and a sense of adventure. We incorporate outdoor adventures in our coastal community that deepen our connection with the natural world, fostering children’s natural curiosity and wonder. Our focus in the Pohutukawa Room is on nurturing independence, self-management, organising belongings, and strengthening social skills and communication. We believe in kindness and building strong, confident, resilient children who are ready to explore their world even further as they journey through school and beyond.