BestStart Dinsdale  

Nau mai haere mai ki BestStart Dinsdale (formerly ABC Dinsdale) We're a lovely purpose-built centre with individual rooms created especially for the different developmental stages of our tamariki. At BestStart Dinsdale, we value every tamaiti (child) as an individual. We believe that their independence should be valued and promoted; through exploration, play and cultural identity.

Kākano Room - Our whānau in Kākano pride themselves on the nurturing relationships they have with our pēpi and their whānau. We believe in the 'Care as Curriculum ' approach, which promotes the utmost respect for each tamaiti, through this we follow the individual routines for each pēpi. We understand that positive interactions with pēpi at this age will support their physical, emotional, social and intellectual development. We believe it takes a village to raise each pēpi, our kaiako work closely together to create an educational and nurturing home away from home. 

Pakiaka Room - Our whānau in Pakiaka welcomes tamariki 2-3 years of age. Kaiako have developed a programme and environment that enhances this unique stage. Toddlers love to get physical! The programme for toddlers is centred on a philosophy of ‘play with purpose.’ A variety of activities are planned each day to provide experiences covering all areas of play. The environment fosters independence through building competence in self help and self care skills to work with and alongside others. 

 Putiputi Room - Welcomes children from 3 years old until they are ready for school. In preschool there is a bigger emphasis on independence, curriculum extension through project based-learning, and pathways to kura. We utilize the links we have in the community to extend tamariki by taking regular excursions, school visits and attend annual events with our extended BestStart whānau; rippa rugby, and the cultural festival. We pride ourselves on the commitment we have in ensuring tamariki thrive in a bi cultural space where they experience karanga, karakia and waiata. We foster a mindfulness curriculum where we support children's hauora. Taha tinana, taha hinengaro, taha whaanau, and taha wairua through building awareness of managing emotions, developing a growth mindset, nurturing gratitude and kindness. 

Poipoia te kākano, whāngai te pakiaka, kia puāwai te putiputi. Nurture the seed, nourish the roots, and the flower will blossom.