In the Kiwi Room, our approach is inspired by RIE (Resources for Infant Educarers), where we prioritize care as the curriculum, meeting the needs of infants and toddlers in a calm, respectful manner that aligns with whānau and family home routines. We support children in developing a Freedom of Movement, allowing them to naturally progress through the physical stages of development at their own pace. Our teaching practices are guided by three key principles: Be Kind, Be Safe, and Be Respectful. These principles help create an environment where children feel safe, courageous, and curious, fostering a natural love of learning about the world around them. This approach provides reassurance for families, knowing their children will be cared for, safe, and supported to grow and explore. It also empowers our teachers to passionately create the best learning environment for each tamaiti.
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BestStart Te Whāriki offers a warm, intimate, and homely environment, with four age-specific classrooms that cater to small groups of tamariki. This allows for personalized attention and a close-knit community feel. We support smooth transitions with regular termly evenings for families to meet teachers, learn about classroom routines, and connect with the next room’s team. Our fun classroom rituals, like the mascot bird taking turns for weekly adventures, further strengthen the bonds between tamariki and their learning environment. Through regular parent-teacher interviews, we maintain a strong partnership with whānau, ensuring the best outcomes for each child.
Kiwi0-2 years old
Piwakawaka2-3 years old
The Kiwi Room at BestStart Te Whāriki is a dedicated space for two-year-olds, licensed for a low number of 17 children to ensure a safe, supportive environment. Here, tamariki develop their language skills, social and emotional competencies, and confidence through fun, engaging experiences that cater to their individual interests. Our experienced kaiako focus on building strong, positive relationships with both children and their whānau, ensuring we meet the holistic needs of each child and support their growth and development in every way possible.
Kea 3-4 years old
In the Kea Room, our dedicated teaching staff work collaboratively to foster strong social and emotional development through tuakana teina (peer relationships), helping children build meaningful connections. We focus on nurturing a strong sense of well-being and independence in each child, empowering them to explore and grow confidently. Our excellent transitioning procedures ensure that both children and their families feel supported and strengthened as they move into and out of the room, providing a smooth and reassuring experience for all.
Tui4+ years old
In the Tui Room, our experienced kaiako have developed a strong Set for School programme to support tamariki as they transition to school, working closely with whānau and new entrance teachers to ensure continuity in their learning. Each child has an individual learning plan that focuses on key competencies from the New Zealand Curriculum, such as managing self, participating and contributing, relating to others, thinking, and using language, symbols, and texts. These plans are created in partnership with whānau, fostering a love for lifelong learning and preparing tamariki for the exciting next step—moving on to school.