Discover BestStart Northwood – Award-winning childcare centre in Northwood, Christchurch. Learn about our early childhood education programmes and book a visit today!
BestStart Northwood, located at 1 O'Neill Ave in Northwood, Christchurch, describes its approach as learning that goes beyond the classroom and into the heart of the local community. Children are welcomed into a warm and caring environment where learning is guided by play, curiosity and meaningful group experiences, with families encouraged to come in, meet the team and explore the centre from their very first visit.
The centre's curriculum is enriched through hands-on learning that builds on children's current interests, paired with regular excursions into the local community. Children visit nearby parks, cafés, supermarkets, vegetable markets and the city library, helping them connect what they learn in the centre to the world immediately around them, in ways the team describes as meaningful and memorable.
BestStart Northwood is proud of its warm, welcoming environment and multicultural team, who help create a space where children feel included and supported. Strong partnerships with families are central to how the centre operates, supported by annual cultural celebrations and engaging holiday programmes that bring the wider community together throughout the year.
The centre highlights several reasons families choose it: regular excursions to surrounding schools, parks and the local community; healthy and nutritious morning and afternoon teas provided each day; a warm, dedicated team of qualified teachers and caregivers; 20 hours free funding for 3-5 year olds, with WINZ subsidies available if required; a Set for School programme to help prepare children for the transition to primary school; and ample carparking for busy families managing daily drop-offs and pick-ups.
Parents describe BestStart Northwood as a place where their children feel genuinely happy and cared for. One parent shared that their child "always felt welcome and happy at this preschool," praising the staff as lovely with "a great routine with lots of fun activities." Another described their daughter as having "settled in so well," adding that the staff "give me peace of mind knowing she is in their care." Several parents describe the teaching team as feeling like family, consistently treating children with respect while keeping them safe, nurtured and engaged in learning.
BestStart Northwood is open Monday to Friday from 7:00am to 6:00pm, and can be reached by phone on 03 323 7875. Families interested in enrolling are invited to book a visit or send an enquiry directly through the centre's website, with the option to view a photo gallery of the space online before visiting in person.
With its focus on community-connected learning, a warm multicultural team, and practical support like ample parking and school-readiness programmes, BestStart Northwood offers Christchurch families in the Northwood area a welcoming early learning environment close to home.