BestStart Whangamata

"Children experience a broad and rich curriculum. This is enhanced by the centre's strong connections with children's whānau and local community. Features of the curriculum include: a project approach to learning which enables children to contribute ideas and helps them develop working theories about their world a physical environment that provides challenge and many areas for children to engage in self-initiated play meaningful and integrated literacy learning many opportunities for children to revisit prior learning."

Broad curriculum with project approach, but assessment system needs embedding and refinement.

"Close, respectful relationships between teachers, children and their families promote positive outcomes for learning. Children up to the age of two years are cared for in a calm, unhurried environment. Their oral language skills are well supported and non-verbal communication responded to."

Strong relationships and responsive care, particularly for infants and toddlers.

"Reported ratios of staff to children Under 2 1:5 Meets minimum requirements Over 2 1:10 Meets minimum requirements"

Ratios meet minimum requirements; comprehensive systems documented.

"The centre manager provides effective leadership for teachers. Particular strengths of centre leadership includes: modelling the use of te reo and tikanga Māori and strengthening links with local hapū mentoring and coaching for teachers and the use of robust appraisal and induction systems regular internal evaluation practices that are focused on promoting positive outcomes for children and leads to ongoing improvements to centre systems and practices."

Effective management with strong mentoring; strategic evaluation and improvement systems.