BestStart Primrose Street

At BestStart Primrose Street we care for children aged 0-6 years old and are open all year, only closing for public holidays. We pride ourselves on recognising the importance of whanau/family relationships.

Learning begins with Aroha

Aroha- ‘an invisible thread that connects us people, places and nature, it is the essence of nurture; an infinite multifaceted way of being’

Here at BestStart Primrose Street we believe Aroha is at the heart of all we do. It is the very essence and way we approach getting to know new whānau. Aroha is in the way we interact and teach our tamariki. Aroha is something we believe connects us to whānau and tamariki, Manawa ki te manawa: heart to heart.

We know that when tamariki feels safe and secure, that is when the magic of learning can truly flourish.

Our Nursery - Kōwhai (0–2-year-olds)

Whakawhānautanga is crucial in the settling process for yourself and your pēpi. We suggest families start with a two-week settling process. This is a chance to get to know our Kaiako and for us to get to know you and pēpi.

We have an intimate play safe which allows ngā pēpi to explore with confidence in a calm and warm environment. In the Kōwhai room we have a unique bicultural approach to planning and assessment. Ngā pēpi experience an environment that has a deep connection with Atua Māori which ngā pēpi are encouraged to partake in holistic Kaupapa learning which connects them to Papatūānuku; the world around us. We know and recognise that each pēpi is a unique, precious individual who will develop and learn at their own pace.

Our Preschool - Pohutukawa (2–5-year-olds)

Aroha guides the passionate teaching team in the Preschool room. We believe in making discoveries that provoke and unleash the magic of learning. We follow the interests of children closely and use wonder to drive their passion for learning. You can hear, see, and feel the magic when you visit our preschool room.

We support ngā tamariki with Individual Development Goals which derive from whānau aspirations and kaiako observations. This Individual Development Plan encompasses the tamaiti, whānau, culture and traditions/customs. This unique planning and assessment tool which ngā kaiako use holistically, alongside Te Whāriki allows children to grow and learn with a deeper connection to Te Ao, through an integrated curriculum that connects each tamaiti to Atua Māori. This approach is used to guide, support and assess children’s learning journeys.

Meals

Our experienced Centre Cook makes the most amazing, fresh, and tasty ‘Healthy Heart Awarded’ meals and bakes nutritious wholesome foods to fuel our eager learners’ minds and bodies.

He aha te mea nui o te Ao? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata.

Who is BestStart?

BestStart is for families who want more from early-childhood education. Safe, nurturing and educationally focused, we’re committed to growing caring people with curious minds.

Together we teach, learn and nurture.

Our vision is to work in partnership with families, whanau and communities to enable children to achieve their learning potential.

Ko tō mātou tirohanga hei mahi ngātahi i te taha o ngā whānau me ngā hāpori, kia āwhinatia ngā tamariki, kia tū pito mata ai rāatou, hei rangatira mō āpōpō.

We are committed to being a progressive and responsive leader in early-childhood education. We do this by enhancing our services, investing in our people, developing our support structure and continuously improving the educational outcomes and experiences of our children, families and the communities we serve.

Some facts:

• We’re licensed to educate and care for 15,000 full-time children daily.
• 18,000 families use BestStart services annually.
• We have over 270 centres nationwide located from Whangarei to Invercargill.
• Each centre is managed by a Centre Manager who is supported by a local Area Manager. This gives our centre teams ongoing quality training and support.
• Te Whāriki, the world-wide acclaimed national early childhood education curriculum, is used in all centres.
• We have over 4500 permanent teachers nationally. Over 90% of our permanent teaching staff are either fully qualified with a diploma or bachelor of teaching (ECE) or higher, or are in training. These figures are very high by national standards within the ECE sector.
• We provide a two-year Advice and Guidance Programme for all recently certified teachers, providing further mentoring and training. This gives strong support for teachers from provisional registration to full teacher registration with the NZ Teachers Council.
• We regularly spend around $4 million on teacher training per annum.

We’re for children

At our heart is our commitment and passion for children. Central to this belief is our focus on the holistic development of children. We support children to explore the world around them, learning through relationships, creating a love of learning in an ever-changing world. Exploration, friendship and fun are part of the journey.

We’re for good

BestStart is a registered charity owned by the Wright Family Foundation. We support initiatives and programmes within BestStart and the wider early-childhood education sector (ECE) that support good outcomes for all children. We do this because we want to make a positive difference to the lives of all children.

Innovation leads us

At BestStart, innovation guides our thinking. We advocate positive change for learners through our research and practice. We’re proud to be thought leaders within ECE, openly challenging ourselves to think differently to provide the best for our children, families and staff.

We’re responsive

Our centres reflect their children, staff and communities. We celebrate individuality, uniqueness and diversity, encouraging a spirit of empathy, understanding and collaboration. Through our responsive relationships and our curriculum, we support learners to choose their own path.

Our people matter

At BestStart people come first. When we grow and develop our people, everyone benefits. We strive for whakamana/empowerment, nurturing a culture of excellence with engaged, talented professionals. Their commitment, skill and passion light our way.