BestStart Leeds Street  

BestStart Leeds Street (formerly Early Years Leeds Street) is conveniently situated in the Wellington inner city, our extended learning environment. We provide opportunities for children to develop their independence, building self-esteem and pride in themselves.

We are seen weekly at the Wellington City Library, and on Fridays we explore the city for art whether it be the streets, art galleries or museums, we photograph it, draw it, and have discussions about it.

Mondays and Wednesdays we are seen leaving the city to go on our Nature Connection Program where the children head to the bush for the morning to discover nature at its best,  giving them opportunities to be active and adventurous.

Richard Louv who founded the Children and Nature Movement said, “The child in nature is an endangered species, and the health of children and the health of the Earth are inseparable” (2005).

Alongside our Primary Caregiving practice, which is inspired by the RIE philosophy, we believe partnership with whanau is important in providing quality care and holistic education for our children.  We believe our children’s home culture is an important part of a child’s developing identity as they bring with them new language, knowledge and experiences to share with us and guide their learning.  We provide opportunities for our children to develop their independence, building their self-esteem and pride in themselves.  Our programme also fosters children’s communication and sense of expression through implementation of baby sign language.

Literacy and numeracy is incorporated through the daily programme with opportunities for children to explore and understand in a supported environment.

We have our own resident cook who prepares healthy and delicious morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea for the children each day.