BestStart Riverbend Road  

BestStart Riverbend Road (formerly EduKids Riverbend) is nestled within the Onekawa community on Riverbend Road, between Taradale and Kennedy Roads and next door to St. Patrick's school. Our centre caters for children from birth through to when they take the next step in their learning journey and move on to school.

Our Vision - Our Vision is for BestStart Riverbend Road to be a place for everybody, to come together, to belong, to learn, to fly!

Whether it be a place where you as parents feel comfortable to have a cuppa with teachers while your child is transitioning, or a learning environment where your child develops strong connections with teachers, we strive to make everyone feel welcome and to know that this is their place. Parent and whanau evenings and events are an opportunity to come together and share stories, skills and knowledge. Regular fun days and events reflect the diversity of our centre and the things that are important to our local community.

Our Infant Room - The Kowhai Room boasts a Pikler inspired approach to education and care. We provide a secure space for your baby to play and explore.  Supported by their key teacher, your baby will have the freedom to develop at their own pace. After graduating from the nest, your child will join the toddlers in the Kowhai Room where they are provided with opportunities to explore and learn using all of their senses.

Our Toddler Room - In the Pohutukawa Room we work in partnership with parents and whanau to develop individual plans that support our 2 and 3 year old's learning and development. Our large playground offers opportunities to wonder at nature as well as to develop foundation skills for learning.

Our Preschool Room - In the Totara Room our Be School Ready initiative helps us to prepare children for the next step in their learning journey. Through play, teachers support children to develop communication and social competence, maths and literacy, science and technology skills and knowledge, as well as physical skills and knowledge about how to keep safe and healthy. Regular visits to local schools also support children to Be School Ready.