BestStart Mount Wellington

The beginning of a journey

Like seeds nestled in rich soil, our pēpi are nurtured through aroha (love), care, and connection. This is where their journey begins — where the roots of language, culture, and identity start to form. Just like te kākano, they need warmth, time, and nourishment to grow strong and flourish.

From the moment they are born, our pēpi begin communicating — not with words, but with wide, searching eyes, gentle body movements, and soft sounds. As kaiako, we learn to read these signs — the way a baby might reach out a hand, turn their head, or cry softly. Each gesture is a story waiting to be heard; each signal, a chance to build trust.

So we move slowly, with intention. In moments of feeding, changing, and rocking, these everyday care routines become powerful times of learning. This is when pēpi learn that they matter, that they are loved, that they are safe. In these calm, respectful spaces, trust is planted — and with trust, growth.

For many of our pēpi, this is their first time away from home. It’s a big change — not only for them, but for their parents and whānau too. That’s why we make our nursery more than just a place to learn — we make it a place to belong.

The environment is calm and sensory-aware, offering consistency and comfort. We understand how quickly emotions can shift, and how important it is to respond with patience and care.

We engage in “serve and return” — those back-and-forth interactions that help pēpi learn the rhythms of communication. A smile is met with a smile. A sound is echoed. A gaze is returned. These small moments are the beginnings of language, understanding, and deep connection.

This is the heart of our practice.
This is Te Kākano — the seed, the beginning.
From here, everything grows.

A story of growing confidence and connection

In our toddler room, something special is always growing — quietly, steadily — just like roots beneath the surface of the earth.

This is Te Pūtake, the stage where tamariki begin to discover who they are. Like the roots of a tree, this time lays the foundation for strong, confident growth. Here, toddlers begin to learn important skills: how to move their bodies, use their words, understand their feelings, and build relationships with others.

Our space is calm, loving, and secure — a place where children feel safe and supported. This strong sense of belonging helps them settle, explore, and trust the world around them. Every interaction — whether it’s a cuddle, a smile, or a story — helps nurture that sense of security.

Communication blossoms in many forms. A first word, a pointed finger, a happy squeal, or even a frown — all of these are ways toddlers share how they feel. Our kaiako respond with gentle conversations, music, stories, and movement, helping each child grow in confidence and language.

Emotions can be big and sometimes tricky at this age. Our role as kaiako is to stay calm and kind, helping tamariki name their feelings and learn how to manage them. With each comforting moment, we support their emotional development.

Toddlers are also learning how to be part of a group — taking turns, sharing space, and playing alongside others. Sometimes they lead, sometimes they follow, but always they are learning. We create many opportunities for social play, cultural connection, and leadership, building on their growing independence.

We honour each child’s roots — the family and culture they bring with them. In our daily routines, we celebrate these backgrounds through stories, language, songs, and meaningful traditions. This helps tamariki feel proud of who they are and where they come from.

Transitions into the toddler room happen slowly and gently. We know that strong relationships take time. A child might begin by spending time in the room with Mum or Dad — watching, listening, maybe sharing a care moment. We talk softly, observe gently, and slowly build trust.

Because just like a tree needs strong roots to stand tall, our tamariki need love, time, and connection to grow into who they are meant to be.

This is Te Pūtake — the roots.
Deep beneath the surface, the foundation is forming,
and from here, everything begins to grow.

A story of growing strength and readiness

In the life of a tree, the trunk is where growth becomes visible and strong. It stands tall between the deep, steady roots and the wide-reaching canopy above. The trunk holds everything together — supported by what has come before and preparing for what is yet to grow.

In our centre, this stage of learning is called Te Tinana — the trunk. Our tamariki have already begun their journey in Te Kākano (the seed) and Te Pūtake (the roots), and now they arrive here, in a space designed to help them stand tall and strong, ready for the next part of their learning journey in Te Kauru — the crown.

Just like the trunk of a tree depends on its roots for nourishment and support, our room builds on the skills, knowledge, and relationships formed in the earlier years. And just as the canopy depends on a healthy, strong trunk, we help prepare tamariki for what’s ahead, offering support, structure, and encouragement as they grow.

This is a time of rapid development — bodies are stronger, minds are busier, and curiosity is endless. Our goal in Te Tinana is to extend the foundations already in place and prepare tamariki for the more formal learning that lies ahead.

Every day in Te Tinana is full of opportunities to strengthen the skills that will support success in life and school. Little hands grow strong and steady through cutting, painting, drawing, and building — fine motor skills essential for writing and creating. Big movements are encouraged as tamariki run, climb, jump, and explore — building coordination and confidence through gross motor play. Independence blossoms as children practise self-care: washing hands, tidying up, dressing, and making their own choices. Language and social skills flourish through conversations, group play, and moments of leadership — learning to take turns, share, solve problems, and support each other. Thinking minds are nurtured with early literacy and numeracy experiences — recognising letters, counting, exploring sounds, and beginning to form words and numbers. Life skills grow quietly too, like packing a bag, caring for belongings, and helping others. These small moments build confidence and independence.

All of this happens within a warm, safe, and connected environment where each child is seen and supported by their kaiako. We follow their lead, extend their learning, and gently guide them toward readiness for Te Kauru, their next step.

Because just like a strong tree needs a solid trunk to hold it steady and lift it higher, our tamariki need support, encouragement, and belief in their potential to grow tall and proud.

A story of confidence, identity, and reaching upward

At the top of a tree is the crown — strong, wide, and full of life. It reaches for the sunlight and moves with the wind. But the crown wouldn’t be there without the strong trunk, the deep roots, and the small seed where everything began.

Our Te Kauru room represents this stage — the crown. It’s where our tamariki begin to fully express themselves as confident, capable learners. They have grown from seed (Te Kākano), been grounded by roots (Te Pūtake), and strengthened through the trunk (Te Tinana). Now, they are ready to reach outward and upward.

In Te Kauru, our tamariki begin to show who they truly are. They think deeply, ask questions, and explore what they love. They take pride in their learning and start to see the power of their own voice. Like the crown of a tree reaching outward, they begin to support others — helping younger children, showing leadership, and demonstrating kindness and responsibility in their learning environment.

We continue to build on essential skills, but we also focus on identity, resilience, creativity, and critical thinking. This is a time to shine — to show what they’ve learned and who they are becoming.

In Te Kauru, we help prepare our tamariki for the next big step — starting school. This is a time where they grow in confidence, independence, and leadership. We support children to build on what they already know and help them feel proud of who they are as learners.

Every day includes opportunities to:

• Learn school routines — focusing, following instructions, and taking responsibility.

• Develop early literacy and numeracy — through fun and meaningful activities.

• Build friendships and emotional skills — learning to play with others, express feelings, and solve problems.

• Practice self-care — looking after belongings and making independent choices.

• Grow in leadership — helping younger children and showing readiness for what’s next.

As our tamariki near the end of their journey with us, we celebrate their incredible milestone — graduation. This is a proud and emotional time for children, whānau, and kaiako alike. We reflect on how far they’ve come and honour the unique path each child has taken.

Graduation marks not just the end of their time at the centre, but the beginning of a new adventure. With strong roots, a solid trunk, and a proud crown, our tamariki leave Te Kauru ready to continue growing, learning, and flourishing in the world beyond.