BestStart Wooing Tree

Here we provide a dynamic, nurturing environment that supports the rapid growth and development typical of this exciting stage. Children in this age group are naturally curious and eager to explore, and our carefully designed space encourages safe movement, hands-on discovery, and increasing independence.

Our experienced kaiako take the time to build strong, trusting relationships with each child, fostering a secure base from which they can confidently engage with the world around them. Through play-based learning, familiar routines, and intentional teaching moments, we create meaningful experiences that support language development, social interaction, and emerging self-help skills.

We pay close attention to each child's interests and developmental needs, tailoring our approach to nurture their sense of agency and belonging. In this supportive setting, children are encouraged to make choices, express themselves, and form connections—with people, materials, and ideas—laying the foundation for confident, lifelong learning.

Kerepe is designed for our curious and active toddlers aged 1–2 years. At this age, tamariki are exploring their independence, forming their identity, and learning through hands-on discovery. Our kaiako create a safe, engaging environment where toddlers are free to explore at their own pace, supported by warm, responsive relationships:

• Sensory play: Water trays, gloop, playdough, sand, and natural materials support exploration and brain development through touch, smell, and sight.
• Creative experiences: Painting, drawing with chunky crayons, simple collage, and musical instruments allow toddlers to express themselves freely.
• Physical play: Climbing equipment, obstacle courses, tunnels, and ride-ons promote coordination, balance, and gross motor skills.
• Music and movement: Action songs, dancing, and instruments help develop rhythm, language, and body awareness.
• Storytime and books: Repetitive stories, big books, and picture books nurture early literacy and attention span in a fun, interactive way.
• Role play and imitation: Dress-ups, dolls, toy kitchens, and pretend play offer tamariki the chance to copy real-life routines and express new ideas.
• Puzzles and construction: Large wooden blocks, inset puzzles, and stacking toys encourage problem-solving, spatial awareness, and fine motor skills.
• Outside play: Daily outdoor time includes digging, water play, running, and connecting with the natural world, helping build resilience and wonder.
• Care routines with aroha: Nappy changes, kai times, and sleep routines are carried out with respect and consistency, creating a sense of security and trust.
   

Our programme offers a vibrant, engaging environment where rich, play-based learning supports every aspect of a child’s development. At this stage, children are becoming more expressive, social, and curious about the world around them. We nurture these emerging skills by providing hands-on experiences that spark imagination, encourage exploration, and promote guided discovery.

Our qualified and caring teachers create meaningful learning opportunities that foster communication, collaboration, creativity, and confidence. Through play, storytelling, art, music, and movement, children are encouraged to express themselves, build friendships, and develop a strong sense of identity and belonging.

As children grow in independence and begin to make sense of their experiences, we support them in developing the foundational skills—social, emotional, cognitive, and physical—that will prepare them for the next stage of their learning journey.

Aperkoti is a vibrant, dynamic space for our tamariki aged 2–4 years. At this stage, children are developing their independence, social skills, and deeper curiosity about the world around them. Our kaiako support this growth through responsive relationships and thoughtfully planned experiences that encourage exploration, creativity, and collaboration:

• Creative arts: Painting, drawing, cutting, gluing, clay, and open-ended art experiences allow tamariki to express their ideas, feelings, and creativity.
• Imaginative play: Role play areas like family corners, dress-ups, shops, and construction sites support storytelling, social development, and communication.
• Sensory exploration: Activities like water play, sand trays, slime, and dough provide opportunities for problem-solving and exploration using all senses.
• Physical challenges: Large blocks, climbing frames, balancing beams, and obstacle courses help develop coordination, confidence, and risk assessment.
• Music and dance: Group singing, rhythm games, instruments, and spontaneous dance sessions support language, cultural knowledge, and joy in movement.
• Puzzles and games: Matching games, memory cards, and simple board games build concentration, turn-taking, and early mathematical thinking.
• Kaiako-led learning experiences: Science experiments, group stories, mat times, and baking activities encourage curiosity, collaboration, and conversation.
• Group experiences: Circle times, shared storytelling, and collaborative projects help strengthen relationships and a sense of belonging.
• Outdoor play: Gardening, running, climbing, bike riding, and nature-based play connect tamariki with Papatūānuku and promote well-being.
• Manaakitanga and social learning: Teachers intentionally model kindness, empathy, sharing, and problem-solving to support social competence.

We offer a specialised school readiness programme designed to nurture independence, resilience, and a genuine love of learning. In a balanced setting where structured activities blend with ample opportunities for free play, children explore and develop essential skills in a supportive and stimulating environment.

Our carefully planned activities build early literacy and numeracy through interactive storytelling, group reading sessions, and engaging numerical games. Problem-solving is encouraged through age-appropriate challenges and hands-on projects, while everyday tasks support the growth of self-help skills that foster independence.

By integrating both guided learning and creative exploration, our programme not only builds academic foundations but also nurtures curiosity and confidence. This comprehensive approach helps each child transition smoothly into primary school, equipped with the social, emotional, and cognitive tools they need for success in their next learning adventure.

Pititi is our learning-rich space for tamariki aged 4 years and older. This is a time of rapid development where children begin to see themselves as capable, confident learners. In Pititi, we nurture independence, support deeper inquiry, and encourage social and emotional growth in preparation for the transition to school. Our kaiako offer meaningful, intentional experiences that challenge thinking, build resilience, and empower each child’s unique learning journey.
Typical Activities in Pititi:

• Project-based learning: Tamariki explore topics of interest through group projects, investigations, and problem-solving tasks, fostering inquiry, collaboration, and leadership.
• Early literacy and numeracy: Games, name writing, storytelling, patterning, and number recognition are woven naturally through play and mat times.
• Creative expression: Opportunities to explore art materials, make props for dramatic play, and experiment with different media support imagination and self-expression.
• Construction and design: Lego, magnetic tiles, loose parts, and woodworking encourage planning, creativity, and perseverance.
• Scientific discovery: Simple experiments, nature exploration, and questioning “why” things happen foster critical thinking and curiosity.
• Social play and role modelling: Group games, turn-taking, negotiating roles, and conflict resolution build strong peer relationships and a sense of responsibility.
• Te Ao Māori: Waiata, tikanga, and storytelling are embedded throughout the programme to strengthen identity and cultural belonging.
• Transition to school experiences: Lunchbox practice, extended mat times, self-help routines, and visits to local schools help prepare tamariki for their next step with confidence.
• Outdoor challenges: Physical play with more complex movement—climbing, balancing, running games, and sports—builds coordination and healthy risk-taking.
• Leadership and tuakana-teina: Older tamariki are given opportunities to guide younger peers, fostering mana, confidence, and community connection.