Childcare options in Hamilton Central

At BestStart St Andrews early learning centre we encourage, extend and enhance children’s ideas as they actively explore and question the world around them. We're conveniently located in Sunshine Ave, Te Rapa with plenty of off street parking making drop offs and picks ups a breeze.

Growing Great Together

When we all work together our children feel supported and develop trust. It is from here that children build their confidence to try new things, extending their skills and opening up their world. This is our vision coming to life!

Family relationships – At BestStart St Andrews we take pride in the great communication we have between centre life and home and the partnerships we develop with our families. This enables us to take an holistic approach to supporting our children's growth and development. We have a strong process in which to connect to our families from the moment they enter through our doors. A shared plan for each child is developed that reflects parent aspirations. The team work to meet these goals through the strengths and interests of the child. Parent teacher meetings, centre events and the use of StoryPark, enhance these connections to develop authentic partnerships for positive learning and growth. 

Culture – Acknowledgement and integration of a family's culture into our programme is essential for us to grow great together. The sharing of cultural celebrations from families that are experts in the knowledge as well as the staff that hold these celebrations and rituals close to their hearts is important. The exposure and traditions create a cultural respect that are essential aspects of a child being firm in their cultural identity. You will see these reflected in the children’s individual development plans as well as through group celebrations such as Matariki, Diwali and Holi.

Community – Our vision 'Growing great together' is important from a community perspective as well. We have created connections with our local community and include these in the learning and development focuses in the centre. Visits to the SPCA to learn about how to care for animals and then introducing a new bunny into our learning environment is an example of this. We regularly show our continued support here through fundraising efforts too. Bunnings is another site we visit to add to our community garden that the children tend to, providing produce for those in need. We continue to strive to include the community in our centre environment and to expose the children to the wider world.

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.

BestStart Peachgrove offers a warm and caring environment, where our children are encouraged and supported to be independent and imaginative. We offer a child-initiated learning programme with amazing support from a group of passionate Early Childhood Education teachers.

Nurture the seed and it will grow – Poipoia te kākano kia puawai

By creating trusting relationships with our whanau and families, developing working partnerships and implementing manaakitanga, our children and whanau know they have a place with us at BestStart Peachgrove. Our tamariki know this is their place to learn, develop and grow. 

Nau mai, harere mai ki BestStart Peachgrove.

We are a small centre licensed for 36 tamariki with a maximum of 10 children under two years old. We love our small size as it allows us to form, maintain and nurture strong connections and relationships with all of our whānau and tamariki. We feel strongly about planting our seed into our community where we endeavour to spread our roots and make strong, meaningful connections. We are proud to be helping to grow our future generation.  

Te Anuhe (Caterpillars) – Children under 2 years – Poipoia te kākano/Nuture the seed.

We believe it takes a village to raise a child. Providing a nurturing and educational environment where your pepi is supported to reach their milestones in a safe and loving environment. We plant the seed for learning by allowing and encouraging your pepi to make new discoveries each day and developing independence and self management. We believe in nurturing our pepi to then be capable and confident to grow their wings

Te Pūrerehua (Butterflys) – 2 - 5 year olds – Waangai te pakiaki, Kia puiwai to putiputi / nourish the roots, the flower will blossom.

Our Te Pūrerehua room is an environment where play is the essence of learning, our Kaiako/teachers support and encourage your tamariki/children to become independent, confident and capable learners through learning experiences that support their natural urge to play and explore. We see our tamariki as being innately wise, curious and capable beings. Through this we feel we are nourishing their roots to set a strong foundation for learning.  As kaiako and tamariki work together through shared learning, we ensure that the sharing of interests and experiences helps support our tamariki to spread their wings and flourish.

Whāngai te anuhe

Kia puawai te pūrerehua.

Ka rere ki te rangi

Nurture the caterpillar,

The butterfly will blossom

And fly up in the sky

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.

Welcome to Go Bananas Childcare!

Leaving a child with a childcare facility is an important decision. For most of the children, it marks the first time they will be away from their parents for a long period of time. We are delighted that you are considering our services as an integral part of your child’s upbringing. We are committed to providing the best quality care and education for children from 3 months to 6 years old. 

Research shows a child’s first five years are critical to all future learning and development as their brains develop most rapidly during this time. By age three a child’s brain has already developed to 80% of its adult size with brain connections formed through the interactions, experiences, and relationships the child makes. 

The quality of these interactions, experiences, and relationships is crucial and that is why a child’s involvement in a quality early learning program is so important.

Why Choose Us?

• Provide indoor and outdoor educational spaces which are age-appropriate and designed to engage and support children to discover, grow and learn.
• Offer children the experiences to support their cognitive, emotional and physical development.
• Plan from each child’s individual interests, we aim to work alongside their interest, making them to be creative, curious and confident to develop positive and lasting relationships with their peers.
• Promote the very best practices to nurture children’s well-being and support them to fulfil their potential.
• Partner with families to ensure our children feel a sense of belonging.
• Acknowledge and respect the diversity of our families and communities in which they reside.
• Have educators, teachers, and leaders who are passionate, dedicated and they support and celebrate each child’s individual talents and strengths through meaningful interactions, experiences, and relationships.

Kia ora, and welcome to YMCA Hamilton Early Learning Centre, where the most important thing is having fun!

Our childcare centre in Hamilton provides a safe, caring environment that is all about children having a go, from creating a play dough sculpture, to building the biggest ever block tower. We have heaps of activities for children to take part in, and our fully licensed teachers ensure kids are always learning lots, and having a fantastic time.

We love our multicultural environment, which sees us frequently speaking in Te Reo and following Tikanga Maori, so your tamariki can learn the importance of using one of our other official languages. Whanau are also incredibly important to us, so the more you can be involved, the better.

No day at our childcare centre in Hamilton is the same, and we are certain your child will look forward to walking through our doors, excited for the fun that lays ahead

Well known for our nature based learning programmes and passion for sustainability, Active Explorers Farnborough is the ideal early childhood centre for celebrating and growing enquiring minds. Located just six houses down from a wetlands reserve and park, our tamariki benefit from a large natural playground that’s quite literally on their doorstep. This dishes up a wealth of opportunities for exploration and learning.

Our team of highly experienced and passionate educators also place great emphasis on expressive arts, encouraging children to cultivate their own unique talents and potential in an environment that is nurturing, encouraging and respectful.

Our philosophy

We believe…

• Families and whanau are a vital part of the learning process. We welcome and celebrate all cultures and promote the historical backgrounds that recognise our dual heritage
• Children learn best when they are interested. We encourage children to use their imagination and inspire them to develop a love of life and learning
• Children have the ability to lead their own learning. Our holistic programme encourages this through flexible routines, experiences which are varied and challenging, and myriad opportunities for exploration
• Our staff are role models, and we value them for their vision, their skill and knowledge, their heart and playfulness, their delight in children and their commitment to our families and whanau
• In an environment that encourages children to take risks within their play and learning; an environment that fosters confidence, self-esteem, communication skills and life skills; and an environment that instils a sense of belonging in every child

Our Rooms

Active Explorers Farnborough has two separate buildings catering for different age groups – under 2.5 and over 2.5 years.

Mini Explorers

The youngest members of our centre family are our Mini Explorers. Children here enjoy a nice natural playground perfect for toddler investigation, and we even have some much-loved baby rabbits. The space is staffed by a multicultural team who work under an umbrella of respectful practices, and who support key teacher roles. Our centre offers a family setting, and children who have older siblings are able to spend time together.

Active Explorers

Our Active Explorers have a large nature playground with free range chickens, a wilderness garden, a flower garden and even a fairy garden. There’s a big focus on expressive arts – the children are exposed to real artists, music of different genres and lots of storytelling. They also enjoy a wide range of activities such as Tai Chi, yoga and soccer. Our multicultural team have been with the centre for a long time and are highly experienced and dedicated.

Why choose us?

At Active Explorers Farnborough we give children the best possible start through a nature based learning programme that also celebrates arts and creativity. Our passion in these areas is a big drawcard for many families, but there are a host of other reasons to choose Active Explorers Farnborough…

• Healthy Heart cooked lunch daily
• Daily fitness classes including tai chi, yoga, dance, exercise to music and fitness skills
• Our 4 year olds can do soccer from March to October, with coaching and weekly practices culminating in an end-of-season game between the Hot Cheetahs and the Fiery Dragons
• Four big bus trips each year outside of Hamilton (eg. Auckland Zoo)
• Regular process cooking classes
• Music sessions following the Orff method
• Regular community excursions based on children’s interests 
• We have chickens, a rabbit,  a worm farm and compost
• Children tend our community vegetable garden which we share with neighbours
• Multicultural environment that celebrates many special events and occasions including birthdays, Diwali, Cambodian New Year, Chinese New Year and Matariki
• We are part of the He Waka Eke Noa Community of Learners Group – a group of secondary schools, primary schools and ECE centres that work together to support good transitions for children

BestStart Clarence Street is a beautifully converted villa situated in central Hamilton. We're open right through the year, only closing for public holidays and care for children from 0-6 years old.

Building Wisdom Through Kindness

We work in partnership with our families to create a learning environment where every child feels confident to explore and learn. 

At BestStart Clarence Street there is a warm, home-like feel when you walk through our doors. This helps our children and families feel comfortable and secure in our learning environment. After all, a happy child allows for growth and development, fulfilling their potential.

We believe in making learning magic and provide experiences that help create a life-long love of learning. In our beautiful, nature-rich learning environments, our teaching team offer something different everyday to inspire our children and spark their imaginations. We encourage them to be creative and express themselves.

We are committed to promoting and nurturing the social, emotional, physical and spiritual wellbeing of our mokopuna. We show respect, integrity and kindness to all. Showing and feeling aroha (love) is paramount for us. Through love we create an inclusive whakapapa (knowing who you are and where you belong) where everyone has a voice and is heard.

Nursery

Our Nursery has a real sense of warmth and comfort. The room is full of laughter, smiles and fun.

Our Nursery is a space ready for children to explore with soft furnishings providing a modern, homely feel. Our room is designed to support age and stage development of infants and toddlers with interconnected options for working independently or together.

We respect our families cultural practices which develops trusting relationships with open communication between the centre and the whanau.

Preschool

Our Preschool room is an inspiring space which encourages children to explore and challenge themselves. Our room is beautifully set out, with carefully planned areas of interest to ignite imaginations.

We recognise the cultural diversity of our children and celebrate by acknowledging special events and learning about customs and culture through arts, cooking, singing, dancing and more.

We develop individual learning plans with a focus on whanau aspirations and children’s strengths to support each child with their learning. We have three monthly parent-teacher meetings to review, reflect and focus on the next steps.

Our playground provides lots of opportunities to explore and have fun – we even have a treehouse! It’s a wonderful space where children are busy making new friends and learning each and every day.

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.

At BestStart Somerset, we put care and relationships first, creating long lasting whanau connections. We care for children aged 0-6 years old and are open right through the year, only closing for public holidays.

Because we care

Our commitment to care is a passion. As kaiako we make sure each and every tamariki is heard, appreciated, and advocated for.

At BestStart Somerset, your whānau becomes ours as we grow and learn together. From the little things to the big, we incorporate and respect our whānau and tamariki’s diversity, identity, and needs as we dedicate ourselves to getting to know you and your child.

Building relationships is the foundation of who we are. We engage in continuous conversations with whānau about progress, achievements, and sad times. Our tamariki’s moments of happiness and learning are highlighted through their learning stories to all whānau.

The wellbeing of each tamariki is our priority and through these relationships, we strive to be inclusive, engaging, and responsive to tamariki. Trusting relationships help tamariki learn how to think, understand, communicate, behave, express emotions, and develop social skills. 

Hidden among the urban buildings of Hamilton Somerset resides. Follow the sounds of laughter as tamariki race around the bike track and the music as we dance and sing. Tamariki welcome you from the sandpit where they dig for buried treasure, build volcanoes, and engage their imagination. Listen to the water as it flows from our very own river and fountain connecting to the sandpit through our tamariki’s mahi-ā-ringa; manipulative play. Come on an adventure and explore the wonderful, wide space available to run and create as your tamariki strive to be kind, courageous, and ready to take on the world.

We have four aged-based learning rooms to meet the changing needs of our tamariki as they grow.

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.

Family orientated and welcoming, Lollipops Waikato Hospital provides top quality care and education for the early years. Our dedicated and experienced teachers will nurture and inspire your child, helping them reach their full potential and setting them up with a love of learning. Well resourced, with two separate rooms for different ages and stages, Lollipops Waikato Hospital has everything your little one needs to learn and grow.

Set your child up for a bright future. Enrol today at Lollipops Waikato Hospital.

Our philosophy

• At Lollipops Waikato Hospital we believe in creating a warm, rich and welcoming environment for all who come through our doors.
• We believe in offering quality care and education through building respectful, reciprocal relationships with our children and their families/whanau.
• We believe in providing an environment that is stimulating and challenging regardless of age and where children are encouraged to make their own choices and decisions.
• We acknowledge and support our commitment to Te O Waitangi by respecting all children’s cultural identity, heritage and language.
• We are a team of dedicated, passionate professional teachers who are open, friendly, fun and exciting people. This is a culture we pass onto our children and their whanau.
• Our motto is Wonder – Explore – Learn – Fun, and this is how we teach, learn and support our children, their families and each other on a daily basis.

Our Rooms

Lollipops Waikato Hospital has two separate rooms, enabling us to deliver safe, nurturing and age appropriate learning experiences for all our children.  Each of our rooms have their own indoor space with a shared outdoor area.  There is a spacious covered deck, which allows children to play outside even on very wet days.

Why Choose Us?

There are a host of reasons why families choose Lollipops Waikato Hospital. Here are just a few of them:

• Long opening hours to cater to a range of whānau needs (6.30am – 6.00pm)
• Healthy meals cooked fresh daily
• Both covered and open outdoor spaces
• Inspiring teachers who love what they do
• We work in partnership with parents to achieve the best for each child
• Well resourced, purpose built centre
• Bronze Healthy Heart award
• Free nappies
• Strong community focus

BestStart Jones Kindy cares for children aged 2-5 years old in an amazing learning environment that sparks wonder and inspires creativity and discovery. We're open 8am to 4.30pm right through the year and have full and part time childcare options to suit our families needs.

Unlocking the treasure within

When you enter BestStart Jones Crescent Kindy's lovely, converted villa you will be greeted with big smiles, laughter, and eager learners wanting to show off their work and share their discoveries.  

The learning spaces utilise the environment as the third teacher, allowing our learners to drive their own learning, developing their confidence to be innovative and creative.   

All around the indoor area there is the busy hum of children engaged in different areas of play that foster imagination, independence and leadership. Our children explore open-ended play in well-defined play spaces.    

We are very lucky to have a multi-level playground surrounded with beautiful large trees filled with buzzing bees, butterflies, and birdsong. In winter, the falling leaves cover our playground in a blanket of colourful brown, orange, yellow, and red leaves.  

Our orchard is the treasure of the Kindy. As you enter you will be greeted by three chickens wanting to be fed and two bunnies eagerly waiting for a gentle pat! We dig for worms and explore logs for bugs and worms to feed our chickens and frog. The orchard is filled pf fruit trees meaning there is always a tasty treat ready to be picked. 

Teachers focus on each child’s potential and what they bring as an individual to Kindy. Teachers ako (teach and learn) alongside tamraiki. We aim is to instil an awareness of our children’s individual uniqueness and have respect for themselves, others, and their immediate surroundings. We stand by being kind, caring, and unlocking the treasure within.

Children have ample opportunities to build and strengthen their language, mathematics, science, and social skills whilst being empowered as an individual.  As teachers, we aspire for our children to have good self-esteem, self-confidence, self-discipline, and respect for others as they continue their learning journey. 

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.

Citylimits opened in a charming, fully renovated two-storey villa, catering for 52 children from birth to five years. In 2000 the operation expanded to encompass a neighbouring bungalow on the same site, which currently houses the Under 2’s 

With its central location Citylimits is easily accessed by families who work in the CBD or Hamilton East, Innovation Park & Waikato University. Staff place great value in getting to know the families, whanau and communities of our children. Being an independent centre helps Citylimits to best meet the needs of the children and their families.

City Limits provides a seamless educational programme in a fun-filled family environment and the staff’s aim is to encourage parents, grandparents and whanau to be as connected to the centre as they can. We believe that this is important to provide the highest standard of care and “a home away from home” as we possibly can.

Our two character houses sit in a quiet suburban street surrounded by magical playgrounds planned around mature trees and gardens. Our indoor setting is homely, well resourced and intimate. We believe strongly in maintaining a physical environment that creates a positive climate within which the children are free to explore, experiment and extend all areas of their development, experience fun and laughter, while feeling secure and valued at all times.

A free choice of activities is provided to foster the physical, intellectual, social and emotional aspects of the children’s development. We encourage creativity and self-expression through a variety of language activities, music and movement, dramatic play, arts and crafts. Participating in various outdoor activities including gardening, carpentry, walks, swings and trampolines strengthens physical capabilities.

Philosophy

Our Preschool Philosophy is based around four essential elements:

• Our unique country setting
• A welcoming extended family atmosphere within the centre
• Providing an well-rounded early childhood educational programme
• Quality teacher/child ratios

Each of our Whare Kohungahunga (early learning centres):

• has a high proportion of qualified and registered early childhood teachers (at least 80 percent of staff). 
• provides a learning environment embedded in Te Whariki (the early childhood education curriculum). offers competitive and comparative fees. 
• is registered with WINZ (for those who are eligible for a childcare subsidy) 
• provides 20 hours of early childhood education (ECE) each week for children three to six years old. 
• supplies healthy meals for all children at no extra cost.

Happy Little Learners is a small, family oriented, Early Childhood Centre licensed for 23 children. We provide a nurturing learning environment for children from 3 months to 5 years with qualify and experienced teachers.

We offer

• A family home like enviornment
• Mixed age group layout,sibling can stay together
• Caring, Nurturing staff
• High teacher/child ratio (Exceeding Ministry Guidleines)
• Large, Traditional Kiwi back garden for fresh air and running around
• Nourishing lunch, Morning/Afternoon tea
• Nappies
• Sunscreen lotion

Our mission is to provide the children with an environment which is warm, loving and caring, in order to develop self- confidence, self-discipline and love for learning.

We believe that each child is unique and wonderful in his/her own way and it is our responsibility to understand them and provide them with ample opportunities and experiences to unleash their potential.

Centred around the Montessori Philosophy we have developed our own philosophy based on,

• Relationships
• Accountability
• Professionalism
• Empathy

to guide us on our journey as educators

Our vision is to provide each child with the most positive experiences, hence they become responsible adults of the future.

We are committed to providing a meaningful learning environment by giving the children a sense of belonging through listening, caring and showing respect in what we do.

OUR VISION

The vision for our early childhood education programmes is to work in partnership with families and the community.

OUR MISSION

Our philosophy and practices are informed by philosophers and pedagogy of Reggio Emilia, Rudolf Steiner, Maria Montessori and the International Baccalaureate that, as well as Te Whariki – the New Zealand curriculum framework for Under 5 years, as well as our own experience, observations and interactions. We pride ourselves on understanding the rights and needs of our community and providing high quality education and care to children and their families.

Our mission

To provide an environment in which tamariki have a strong sense of belonging, their play is valued and they are encouraged to guide their own learning pathways. We believe in empowering tamariki by offering them opportunities to make decisions and solve problems. We respectfully encourage their independence and self-esteem, so that they develop a strong identity and shine as individuals. Te reo Maori and tikanga Maori are an integral part of our teaching and learning. Our decisions are based on what is best for the tamariki in our care.

Peachgrove Kindergartens Waikato is well-respected for providing high-quality, affordable education and childcare. We provide an environment where children’s learning is enhanced through both planned and spontaneous learning experiences.  We believe in providing learning opportunities that develop the skills necessary to enquire and explore.

• Warm & welcoming staff who are passionate about teaching and learning.
• Safe, caring and stimulating environment.
• Well resourced and huge outdoor play area.
• Children develop social interaction and respect.
• Private online learning portfolios for parents (sharing photos, videos and stories about your child).
• An exclusive early childhood partnership with the Enviroschools Programme (eg. recycling, composting, gardening).
• In Partnership with Sports Waikato Under5 Energize to eat healthy, be active & have fun! 
• Learning based on the NZ Early Childhood Curriculum, Te Whāriki.
• Value family/whānau and kindergarten partnership.
• Transition to school programme.

• We provide a happy and positive child-centred learning environment.
• The programme allows children’s interests to be noticed, the significance of their learning is recognised and teachers respond in ways that foster and extend learning. 
• Warm & welcoming staff who are passionate about teaching and learning.
• Safe, caring and stimulating environment. Well resourced and huge outdoor play area - well shaded, including an all weather verandah 
• Children develop social interaction and respect. 
• Learning based on the NZ Early Childhood Curriculum, Te Whariki. 
• An exclusive early childhood partnership with the Enviroschools Programme (eg. recycling, composting, gardening). 
• In Partnership with Sports Waikato Under5 Energize to eat healthy, be active & have fun! Value family/whanau and kindergarten partnership. 
• Transition to school programme.

Each of our centres specialise in working with a specific age group. Four of our centres are located at the University of Waikato on large park like grounds and our fifth centre is at Fraser High School.

Our centres have a high number of qualified and experienced teachers with lower staff/child ratios than Ministry of Education regulations. We run nature based programmes for children to regularly participate in. This gives our children an opportunity to explore natural places and become competent confident learners in the natural world. 

Campus Creche has a family atmosphere where children are valued and respected, building strong foundations for life.

We understand that every child is unique and young children can learn and develop in different ways from one another. 

Join us in realising your child’s potential. 

At McKenzie Centre, you’ll find a welcoming team of early intervention specialists dedicated to partnering with your family/whanau to realise your child’s potential. We are here to help you and your family. Our focus is on understanding and supporting the whole family to learn, grow and develop, to achieve a good life. 

Your child is precious – we know that and so do you. At McKenzie Centre, we recognise that you are an expert when it comes to your child, and through a caring and respectful partnership, we’ll work together to set and attain each goal, and celebrate every achievement!

Kindy Tweenz is a private Preschool and Childcare that specialises in quality educational daycare for children aged from 3.5 to 5 years. Enjoy the flexibility of all day, morning or afternoon sessions that suit you. 

A semi-structured educational programme in a safe, fun and nurturing learning environment. Because every child develops at their own pace every child receives a personal learning programme combining care and education. Our teachers plan whole class and individual activities to incorporate all the different levels and abilities. Consequently your child will become confident in their own learning as they prepare for school.

What is Conductive Education?

Research indicates in the first five years, the brain develops faster than any other time in life, supporting learning and development at a higher rate.

Development is how your child grows physically, cognitively and emotionally; how they learn to communicate, to think (reason) and socialize.

When an event impacts development before, during or after birth, children risk missing important opportunities that support their developmental milestones. Conductive Education’s range of services can help to bridge that gap.

Come a join us for 3 FREE visits, we’d love to see you and meet your little one/s.

We have a large, modern centre and extensive outdoor area, catering to a wide range of interests and needs. 16+ areas of play are always available – from outdoor physical play, to water, paint, collage, puzzles and playdough. 

We are proud of our awesome Playcentre whanau and what we achieve together for our tamariki (children). We run four general all-ages sessions each week as well as one Big Kids’ session aimed at fostering independence and school readiness for children aged 3.5 years and over. 

Drop in or call to make a time to visit, we love seeing new faces and welcoming new members. Your first three visits are free!

Nau Mai Haere Mai – Welcome everyone. 

• Enrol from birth. 20 FREE Hours from 2 years of age.
• Bellmont Kindergartens Waikato is well-respected for providing high quality, affordable education and childcare in Hamilton. 
• The programme is developed from children’s evolving interests with the term topics and excursions happening around these. 
• Teachers work in partnership with parents and whanau/families to promote and extend the learning and development of each child. They provide a quality programme in a stimulating and safe environment. Their goals are that children become competent learners, healthy in mind, spirit and body, secure in their sense of belonging; secure in the knowledge that their contribution is valued.
• Well resourced and large outdoor play area.
• Located beside Bankwood Primary School allowing easy transition to school.
• An exclusive early childhood partnership with the Enviroschools Programme (eg. recycling, composting, gardening). 
• In Partnership with Sports Waikato Under5 Energize to eat healthy, be active & have fun! 
• Learning based on the NZ Early Childhood Curriculum, Te Whariki. 

Hamilton West Kindergartens Waikato is established and well-respected for delivering high quality, affordable education and childcare. We have an 'open door' policy whereby we welcome family participation and contribution.

• Warm & welcoming staff who are passionate about teaching and learning.
• Safe, caring and stimulating environment.
• Well resourced and huge outdoor play area.
• Children develop social interaction and respect.
• Private online learning portfolios for parents (sharing photos, videos and stories about your child).
• An exclusive early childhood partnership with the Enviroschools Programme (eg. recycling, composting, gardening).
• In Partnership with Sports Waikato Under5 Energize to eat healthy, be active & have fun! 
• Learning based on the NZ Early Childhood Curriculum, Te Whāriki.
• Value family/whānau and kindergarten partnership.
• Transition to school programme.

A semi-structured educational programme in a safe, fun and nurturing learning environment.​

A private Hamilton kindergarten where very child receives a personal learning programme. We encourage every child to find their own strengths and develop areas of interest. We combine quality care with early childhood education. Consequently your child will become confident in their own learning. They will also be well prepared for school.

Insoll Kindergartens Waikato is so much more than you would expect - such a vibrant learning environment! Insoll Kindergartens Waikato is well-respected for delivering high quality, affordable education and childcare.

• Qualified teachers provide a rich learning opportunities which are designed to stimulate children’s emerging interests. There is a strong focus on early literacy, numeracy, music, science and art. Our rich environment allows children to develop as confident and independent learners.
• Warm & welcoming staff who are passionate about teaching and learning.
• Safe, caring and stimulating environment.
• Well resourced and huge outdoor play area.
• An exclusive early childhood partnership with the Enviroschools Programme (eg. recycling, composting, gardening).
• In Partnership with Sports Waikato Under5 Energize to eat healthy, be active & have fun! 
• Children develop social interaction and respect.
• Learning based on the NZ Early Childhood Curriculum, Te Whāriki.
• Value family/whānau and kindergarten partnership.
• Transition to school programme.

Our qualified staff carefully plan programmes that fulfil the early childhood curriculum. We aim to ensure children are competent, confident and successful learners. Children will learn and develop:

• A strong foundation in reading, writing and maths
• Art, creativity, music and dance skills
• An understanding of sustainability and their environment
• The importance of New Zealand's heritage
• Social skills, behaviour management and manners
• Self confidence
• Learning skills such as independence, creativity and curiosity
• Friendships that may last throughout their schooling
• Relationships with consistent, familiar teachers
• To understand and operate within a structured routine

Teachers provide learning extensions that prepare you child for school which include numeracy & numbers, literacy & language, nature & science, computers & technology, puzzles & games, creative arts, sand & water play, trips, transition to school programme, child friendships and more!

Children work together at mat time to share daily information, stories, songs, movement, drama & waiata.

Grasslands Kindergartens Waikato is well-respected for delivering high quality, affordable education and childcare. The staff believe in having fun, celebrating children's achievements and in providing a warm, welcoming and supportive environment to our families and extended whanau.

• Safe, caring and stimulating environment.
• Well resourced and planned outdoor play area.
• Children develop social interaction and respect.
• An exclusive early childhood partnership with the Enviroschools Programme (eg. recycling, composting, gardening).
• In Partnership with Sports Waikato Under5 Energize to eat healthy, be active & have fun!
• Learning based on the NZ Early Childhood Curriculum, Te Whāriki.
• Value family/whānau and kindergarten partnership.
• Transition to school programme.

Crawshaw Kindergartens Waikato is well-respected for providing high quality, affordable education and childcare in Hamilton.

We provide a stimulating and exciting learning environment with a strong focus on Tikanga Maori, technology, literacy and numeracy and the development of sound social skills.

We endeavour to equip children with a curiosity for the world in which they live, which will stimulate them to be learners for life.

• Warm & welcoming staff who are passionate about teaching and learning.
• Safe, caring and stimulating environment.
• Well resourced and huge outdoor play area.
• Children develop social interaction and respect.
• Learning based on the NZ Early Childhood Curriculum, Te Whāriki.
• Value family/whānau and kindergarten partnership.
• Located beside Crawshaw Primary School allowing easy transition to school.
• An exclusive early childhood partnership with the Enviroschools Programme (eg. recycling, composting, gardening).
• In Partnership with Sports Waikato Under5 Energize to eat healthy, be active & have fun! 

In the heart of the Hamilton CBD, you’ll find our City Centre branch. Families from all over Hamilton attend. To accommodate the different hours that parents work, our City Centre has slightly longer hours, 7.15am to 6.00pm.

A high teacher-to-child ratio and strong family values ensure quality care and education. Creating a family atmosphere where relationships are nurtured and respected is a hallmark of Curious Cubs. We pride ourselves on knowing each family well, and we have several siblings who enjoy learning and growing together. 

Our child care centres provide a warm, welcoming environment for children and their families. A family and a centre should feel like a natural extension of each other, so children can maintain fluid connections. The centre greatly appreciates your participation

At Rainbow Kids, we provide a professional learning community where our tāmariki, Kaiako and whānau feel a strong attachment to our home away from home. This is guided by respectful teaching and learning practices, where we build trusting and responsive relationships in a safe environment, filled with aroha.

We believe tāmariki learn through exploration. Our Kaiako encourage child led learning and emphasise that play is a valued learning opportunity. 

Rainbow Kids is a modern, purpose-built centre located in central Hamilton. We are licensed for 115 children aged from 0 to 5. We have five separate learning areas and 3 spacious outdoor playground areas. Rainbow Kids delivers a high quality care and learning environment in a place that feels like a ‘home away from home’ for your child.

Rainbow Kids has a knowledgeable, nurturing teaching team with over 80% of our staff fully qualified early childhood educators. Our teachers are experienced and passionate educators who specialise in providing the best education and care for every child.

The curiosity and creativity of our tamariki is nurtured in a way that allows them to learn about themselves and their world. 

Your child will be given a chance to explore, create, climb, read, sing, experiment, play music, wear costumes, have their face painted (or do it themselves!), garden, do carpentry with real tools, bake and cook, build sandcastles, swing, slide, dance, spend time in nature and get messy. The activities change every day.

Playcentre parents all bring different skills, interests, and cultural backgrounds to add to the rich learning environment.

Nau Mai Haere Mai, Welcome!

We are a small home- like centre nestled in suburbia Hamilton. We are proud to offer an expansive back yard, filled with trees for climbing and gathering kai, green grass, fresh air and space for your to explore alongside peers, safely.

We are licensed to educate and care for our precious tamariki from our Community. Our tamariki can be aged from birth to 6 years if this is what your Whanau requires. We offer two learning spaces – Kowhai for our up to toddler age group and Tui for our Preschoolers. Movement between the two spaces is supported by our shared spaces philosophy. 

• Our experienced and culturally diverse kaiako are focused an building strong, loving relationships with our tamariki and whanau, to provide the best learning and care outcomes for all.
• Our tamariki learn from the meaningful relationships and experiences, created each and everyday. 
• Our curriculum weaves Te Whariki with the aspirations of our whanau, and supports our tamariki to lead their own learning through play.
• Our environment supports learning alongside others and through Tuakana Teina.
• Our low ratios and smaller licensed centres enables a strong culture of whanaungatanga to be built. 
• Our kaiako come from diverse backgrounds and cultures, which strengthen our ability to connect with our communities, our individual tamariki and their whanau.

With the passionate teachers at Central Kids Dinsdale your child will be supported, encouraged and develop learning pathways through relationships of trust, joy and shared experiences. 

Our home-family atmosphere promotes learning alongside others naturally, including a specialist room tailored for infants and toddlers.

By providing a large outdoor space and well-resourced environment inside, your child experiences an abundance of learning opportunities, enabling a love of learning, as well as building a strong foundation of skills and knowledge necessary for school and life.

Central Kids Dinsdale is conveniently located near the Dinsdale shopping centre in Hamilton. Our door is always open, come in and see us anytime.