BestStart Ponsonby  

BestStart Ponsonby, formerly EduKids Ponsonby, is known for our special character and unique inner city early childhood centre setting. There is a strong sense of community within the centre. With many of our families having long lasting relationships. We’re just a short walk from Richmond Road School in Grey Lynn, and only a few minutes’ drive from Westmere, Herne Bay and Point Chevalier.

The team at BestStart Ponsonby believe our role is to assist children to “grow up as competent and confident learners and communicators, healthy in mind, body and spirit, secure in their sense of belonging and in the knowledge, that they can make a valued contribution to society.”

Parents are viewed as the first teacher therefore aspirations and expectations are valued and respected as teachers work closely in partnership with families to ensure that each child reaches their full potential.

Our separate Babies Cottage (3 months – 2 years) is situated in a cosy villa that provides a warm, home-like environment. Every baby has a primary caregiver who takes care of their key care moments, such as nappy changes, feeding and sleeping. Our babies are happy, settled, and thrive in an environment where they are emotionally content. Each child’s routine is individual and our teachers are respectful, following your child’s lead.

The Big House (2-4 years), a renovated villa, is a hive of activity. The Big House provides many different areas of choice for our curious toddlers. There is plenty of space for children both indoors and outdoors that supports both individual and groups of children’s current interests. Teachers are skilled in understanding and getting to know the unique and individual dispositions of each child.

The Workshop (4-5 years) is our boutique transition to school room that caters for 18 children. Workshop children, will gain  Be School Ready skills providing the foundations to give them the best start once they begin their journey at School. Children are taught in a fun and skilled way. There is a focus on supporting children to develop strong social competencies that see them having the necessary social skills.  This contributes to children having a successful transition to school.

We aim to provide an environment where children can experience every opportunity to enhance their learning and development through; encouraging and questioning, scaffolding and extending, fostering of Tuakana/Teina (older/younger) relationships and positive guidance. We believe that children learn best through play and when they engage in experiences they are interested in. We value the importance of discovery, creativity and exploration.