BestStart Waikanae

Our Pīwakawaka Room is a warm and nurturing space for babies under 2 years, where your child's individual routines, personality and pace are respected. We know you know your baby best, so our teachers work closely with you to understand what they enjoy, what comforts them and what helps them feel safe and settled while they're away from home.

• Responsive, individual care: Our teachers practise “serve and return”, noticing and responding to your baby's sounds, gestures and cues. These everyday interactions help build trusting relationships and give your baby the confidence to communicate, explore and learn.

• Start with Heart: Our Start with Heart programme supports your baby's development through nurturing relationships, respectful care and an unhurried approach that allows them to grow and learn at their own pace.

• Safe spaces to explore: Our baby nest provides a protected space for our youngest, less-mobile babies, while open areas give our movers and shakers plenty of freedom to move, play and safely discover what their bodies can do.

In Pīwakawaka, your baby is given the time, space and support to develop at their own pace, surrounded by caring teachers who work alongside you to make their transition into early learning feel as comfortable and reassuring as possible.

Our Tūī Room is designed for children over 2 years, embracing the curiosity, energy and growing independence that come with this exciting stage. By getting to know what your child is interested in, our teachers create engaging experiences that build on their ideas and encourage them to explore, question and discover.

• Learning built around your child: We work with you to develop an individual learning plan for your child, using their interests and strengths to create experiences that keep them engaged and excited about learning.

• Newly renovated outdoor space: Our large, natural outdoor environment has been newly renovated, giving children plenty of opportunities to move, explore, hunt for bugs, make mud pies and enjoy adventurous play. With the Hemi Matenga Nature Reserve right on our doorstep, children can also enjoy regular adventures beyond the centre.

• Set for School: Our close relationship with Waikanae Primary School next door helps children become familiar and comfortable with the school environment as they get closer to starting school. Alongside our Set for School programme, this connection supports children to build the confidence and skills they need for a positive transition.

In Tūī, your child has the freedom to follow their curiosity, challenge themselves and grow in confidence, while building strong foundations for learning and, when the time comes, a positive transition to school.