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BestStart Hokowhitu offers a lovely atmosphere that feels just like home. We're conveniently located close to the city centre, near several high-quality schools and the Esplanade, with ample parking spaces for drop-offs and pickups.
A Whānau Inspiring Unique Minds
We respect our children to be capable and curious learners, where they develop an awareness of who they are in an open and supportive whānau inspired environment.
At BestStart Hokowhitu we are dedicated to supporting children’s emotional awareness by acknowledging their feelings and those of others while developing their self-empowerment. We see this as an integral part of learning and development.
We offer something unique as each aged-based area offers a quiet space designated for children to learn about self-regulation and to have the opportunity to engage in activities that encourage mindfulness play such as books, puzzles, open experiences (touch, sight and smell) or creative play, all while soft ambient music plays in the background.
Infants-Tui
In our Infant Room our teachers embrace an environment where love is expressed everyday and which celebrates the uniqueness that each child and family brings. We have a welcoming environment that feels like home, where our small teaching team build strong relationships with our families and children.
Our babies learn through experiences designed to engage and inspire curiosity. They explore their senses through art, manipulative play, sandpit play and activities that develop their co-ordination such as dancing, climbing, throwing, and jumping. We read children's cues, which allows us to respond to the individual needs of each child, both in comforting and empowering them.
Toddlers- Pihipihi
Within our Toddler Room children are acknowledged for their unique individual strengths. The knowledge they bring with them is extended through their interests and the aspirations of parents and family. Our curriculum is tailored to each child’s unique style of learning.
Our programme provides activities based around arts and crafts, with opportunities for literacy and numeracy such as recognising and writing their name. Children love imaginative play with their friends which helps develop their social skills and creativity.
Our large outdoor area means there is heaps of space for jumping, climbing, challenging their physical skills and developing confidence. We have lots of outdoor sensory activities where children learn about early science concepts and generally have fun and get messy.
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.