BestStart Cornwall Street is an early childhood education and childcare centre in Lower Hutt, part of BestStart, New Zealand's largest provider of early childhood education. Founded in 1996 by Wayne and Chloe Wright in Tauranga, BestStart has grown from a small team of four into a New Zealand-owned charitable organisation with over 260 centres nationwide, from Whangarei to Invercargill.
At Cornwall Street, kaiako (teachers) embrace a place and play-based philosophy rooted in Te Tiriti o Waitangi, taking a holistic approach that focuses on the cognitive, emotional, spiritual, physical and cultural wellbeing of tamariki. The centre lives by the vision He Waka Eke Noa — We Are All In This Together — connecting tamariki, kaiako and whānau through the values of Whakaute (Respect), Mahi Tahi (Working Together), Mana (Identity) and Whanaungatanga (Community). Located next to Queensgate shopping mall and a short walk from War Memorial library, the centre features a Localized Curriculum, individualised learning plans with intentional teaching, and a spacious environment supporting exploration both indoors and outdoors.
BestStart Cornwall Street offers early childhood education and care in Lower Hutt, guided by the vision He Waka Eke Noa — We Are All In This Together, connecting tamariki, kaiako and whānau in one shared journey.
At Cornwall Street, kaiako embrace a place and play-based philosophy rooted in Te Tiriti o Waitangi, taking a holistic approach that considers the cognitive, emotional, spiritual, physical and cultural wellbeing of every child. Learning moments flow from tamariki's natural interests and play, fostering a warm, engaging environment built on connection, curiosity and exploration.
The centre places a strong focus on whakapapa (Māori genealogy) and maintains links to the whenua (land) and moana (sea), helping tamariki build genuine connections to their cultural heritage. This is woven throughout the centre's approach, alongside its core values of Whakaute (Respect), Mahi Tahi (Working Together), Mana (Identity) and Whanaungatanga (Community).
BestStart Cornwall Street features a newly created Localized Curriculum alongside individualised learning plans with intentional teaching, giving each child a tailored path through their early learning years. The centre's spacious environment supports exploration both indoors and outdoors, giving tamariki room to grow and discover at their own pace.
The centre offers Game Time Sports Classes to keep tamariki active, alongside a Set for School programme designed to help prepare children for the transition into formal schooling. Fresh, nutritious meals and snacks are provided throughout the day, and the centre holds a Bronze Healthy Heart Award recognising its approach to health and wellbeing.
BestStart Cornwall Street offers 20 hours free for 3 to 5 year olds, with WINZ subsidies available if required, helping make quality early childhood education more accessible to local families.
BestStart was founded in 1996 when Wayne and Chloe Wright opened the organisation's first early childhood education centre in Tauranga. What began as a small team of four has grown into New Zealand's largest provider of early childhood education, with over 260 centres nationwide from Whangarei to Invercargill, all following the New Zealand early childhood curriculum Te Whāriki.
BestStart Cornwall Street is located next to Queensgate shopping mall and just a short walk from War Memorial library, making it a convenient option for families in the Lower Hutt area.
Parents have praised the centre's caring, dedicated teachers and strong sense of community, with one describing it as having "a great spacious facility and very experienced educators helping to build a great community," while another highlighted the staff's skills, expertise, care and humour.
BestStart Cornwall Street is located at 3 Cornwall Street, Lower Hutt, Wellington, open Monday to Friday from 7:30am to 6:00pm.