BestStart Taradale

BestStart Taradale has been providing outstanding childcare for Hawke’s Bay families for over 20 years. Located on the edge of Bledisloe Park in Napier, the natural environment and gardens around our centre make for great learning opportunities.

Together we learn, grow and lead

Superior childcare - We appreciate that selecting the right early years environment can be a daunting task and are delighted that you are exploring the possibility of joining us at BestStart Taradale. The Education Review Office has rated us one of the top childcare centres in New Zealand. When you visit us we know you will find it a refreshing experience - there aren't many centres around that are as good as ours! 

Convenient location - The Taradale Hills and Sugar Loaf provide a beautiful backdrop to our centre. We couldn't be positioned in a more convenient location, right between Napier and Hastings and near EIT Tairāwhiti in Gloucester Street - perfect for commuting families and students. 

Relationships - Teachers live a philosophy of respectful practice where your child can play and explore at an unhurried pace and be given freedom to develop in their own time. You'll meet teachers who are mature and sensitive to the needs of both family and children. Your child’s key teacher is there for your child throughout the day, offering support and guidance during care moments and teaching opportunities. Your key teacher is always there to listen making sure all the significant and magic moments about your child’s day is passed on to you.

Special places for special people 

We're a destination centre for those parents looking for a place that feels like home. The centre is based in two spacious houses which stand side by side on full sections with impressive, large, spacious outdoor play areas.

Environment - The quality of the learning environment is very important to us. When children find themselves in environments that are beautiful, soothing, full of wonder and discovery, they feel intrigued, respected and eager to spend their days here. 

We have won awards for our child friendly gardens. Children play in and out of plants, bridges, butterflies and trees  They learn about worm farms, gardening, chickens, eggs, recycling and nature.

Atmosphere - Influenced by a Reggio Emilia approach and Pikler, natural materials, soft furnishings and calming colours are found throughout. Plants, soft lighting and quiet background music, along with a lovely natural environment, all help to create a homely, nurturing atmosphere. 

Fresh baking and yummy cooking smells drift from the kitchen through the rooms as our cook prepares meals and healthy snacks for the children. When it’s time to rest, we have spacious sleep rooms with fresh bedding and that favourite blanket, or toy from home. 

Babies and toddlers are offered rich sensory spaces that provide for safe exploration and active whole-body learning. When babies have familiar objects around them, their security and wellbeing is nurtured making transition a peaceful time. 

Learning for life - When children turn four they begin BestStart’s Be School Ready initiative. Cutting edge teaching styles support children to be resilient, resourceful, creative problem solvers, who can work alone and in teams to achieve their goals. These children enjoy challenging, edgy learning and are continually stretching their brains, their skills and their dispositions. We are lucky to have Bledisloe, Greenmeadows, Taradale, Arthur Millar and Reignier Primary Schools all situated close by. Our relationships with these schools really supports our children transitioning to school. 

We welcome you and your child to come and visit us at any time to find out just how wonderful our centre is.