BestStart Te Atatu  

BestStart Te Atatu is a small family-orientated centre with warm and positive relationships with our children and families. Our centre feels like a home away from home – we are friendly, nurturing and provide children with wonderfully rich learning experiences. Our centre cares for children aged 3 months to 5 years and is open Monday to Friday from 7.00am to 6.00pm.

Whānau relationships are important as we believe it takes a village to raise a child.  Settling visits and a good transition help children develop a sense of belonging and we work with families to ensure every child is happy and secure. We work alongside whānau and welcome your involvement in the centre through our many events. Our teachers have many years of experience and design learning experiences for each child’s individual age and stage of development.

Age Appropriate spaces - Our infant space is a warm, calm and nurturing environment where children develop naturally and in their own time. Guided by philosophies of respectful interaction and practice, the infants enjoy open ended play and opportunities to explore and discover. The specialised infant teachers provide daily sensory play which includes active movement, dance and music everyday as this supports brain development. Children learn self- help skills and as soon as they are ready, are supported to take care of themselves and their belongings through clearing their own plates/cups after meals, washing their own faces/hands, placing their own belongings in their bags.

The preschool room at BestStart Te Atatu caters for children from 2 ½ to 5.  Our children gain skills, confidence and independence through active exploration. Our unique Be School Ready initiative prepares children individually and in groups for Primary School focusing on literacy, numeracy, socialisation and independence skills.

Bicultural - Bicultural practice is valued within our centre and leads to the celebration of the many cultural identities represented by the teachers and whānau. Our children are given opportunities to know and share their whakapapa – who is in their family. Our vision is for children to have the opportunity to participate in Te Reo, Te Ao Marama and Te Ao Māori. Come and find out what that means!!

Connected with the Community - Fostering a strong sense of community matters to the BestStart Te Atatu team. We support local organisations and involve our whānau in centre life as well as our many events and celebrations. We support our children to have opportunities to be out and about in the community.