BestStart Gillies Avenue  

BestStart Gillies Avenue, formerly ABC Gillies Avenue, is a beautiful, purpose built childcare centre with a lovely natural outdoor area shaded by native trees. It is located within easy reach of Auckland city and motorway links.

In our centre, we have many cultures and languages from around the world and we enjoy celebrating our cultures together, through special occasions or festivals. 

We have developed a delicious, free-range, sugar-free and locally sourced menu for our children. Our talented chef creates tasty meals daily as well as sugar and additive free baking - ensuring the healthiest, tastiest meals possible. To support our healthy eating we have great relationships with local food suppliers, ensuring that our fruit and vegetables are sourced locally and are fresh! We also only use free range, corn fed chicken and free-range eggs. 

We value and recognise children as competent and capable learners, this is reflected in our environment where children are encouraged to develop their independence and build self-confidence. Our teachers work closely with you and your child to identify their interests and skills. We plan activities that extend their learning and development further.

To support your child’s learning and imaginative play we also have a secret garden and mud kitchen. As your child’s first teacher you have a vast amount of knowledge and insight into their learning and development. By working together, we can ensure that your child has the best possible start in life. We have regular excursions to explore nature in our local neighbourhood.  These experiences extend children’s interests, helping them feel connected to the natural world and their community.

Our Forest Kindy 

Forest Kindy encourages children to take supported risks within the natural environment. It develops a sense of wonder and discovery in the outdoors, encouraging children to get their hands dirty, explore mud, climb trees,  explore nature and develop confidence whilst using their creativity.  
 

What children learn from our Forest Kindy:

• Children becoming familiar with the local environment and their place in it
• Exploring nature close up, asking questions and investigating to find the answers
• Understanding how to keep themselves safe, whether it is climbing a tree or crossing the road, children are given strategies and tools that they can use to make sure that they keep themselves and others safe
• Taking responsible risks; in our society children’s ability to take responsible risks is very limited, by giving them the tools and strategies for keeping safe children can begin to understand the implications of the risks that they take