BestStart Pioneer

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BestStart Pioneer (formerly First Steps Pioneer) early learning childcare centre is conveniently located at the Pioneer Recreation and Sports Centre in Spreydon. We pride ourselves on our centre’s family feel which is proven with the strong relationships our teachers have with both the children and their whanau. At First Steps Pioneer we believe in supporting our children to become capable and confident through learning, discovering and exploration.

Our learning spaces - The centre has two separate areas, the under two area catering for children aged three months to two years old and the over two area catering for children aged two to five years.

Infants and toddlers - In our nursery room we have a maximum of 8 children with two full time teachers.  Our teachers pride themselves on the warm, caring atmosphere they have created as well as the strong relationships they have developed with families.

In the under two area teachers follow the children’s cues and routines providing a respectful, calm and unhurried environment to explore at their own pace and in their own time. Our children children explore, discover and challenge themselves while having fun.

Preschoolers - In our over twos area we have a large outdoor space that promotes healthy physical activities. We focus on children developing their confidence and independence as well as the ability to work cooperatively with others.

We provide stimulating learning opportunities that will challenge and extend your child’s learning and development and instill the skills needed for successful lifelong learning. We want children to leave First Steps Pioneer with a love of learning and a thirst for knowledge.

Learn, Explore, Discover Akona, Tuhuratia, Rakahaua!

What else you can expect from our childcare centre:

  • Small home-like environment with a family feel
  • Licensed for 36 children
  • Close proximity to the recreation centre
  • Large natural outdoor environment
  • Strong partnerships with families
  • Unique Be School Ready initiative
  • Come along and see our fantastic centre today!

kind words from our parents

Parent

We couldn’t be more happy of our choice of nursery for our little boy, he has settled in so well. The nursery teachers and other staff are great, very friendly and caring. We love it that they change the activities regularly to keep him stimulated and learning. We feel confident that when we leave him he is happy and well looked after.

Parent

Since joining First Steps Pioneer, our daughter has thrived. She has learned new skills and developed numerous friendships. The teachers have embraced and encouraged her individual identity and personality. First Steps offer a range of learning resources and opportunities. I am able to feel confidence in the care my child will receive and with the arrival of our second child, I can take comfort in the fact that they can be together at the same facility with both nursery and preschool areas available.

Parent

First Steps Pioneer is a smaller centre with caring, giving and qualified staff who deliver ECE with a whanau and community centred approach. Our daughters love coming and we know they are going to be loved, nurtured and supported wherever their play and creativity will take them.

Jane Beesley

We are really happy with the care, environment and resources at First Steps Pioneer. It is not a convenient choice for us, as we have to travel 20 mins each way. Instead we choose to send Louie because we have been so impressed by the centre. We find the staff to be professional, friendly and helpful. I love how they tell me what Louie has been up to when I collect him each day. Louie has been at the centre for two years and transitioned from the baby room to the preschool room. This was done in a smooth, well planned manner and he has thrived. Louie also really enjoys attending the centres many out of hours events and the commitment of the staff to these activities is admirable. We would highly recommend First Steps Pioneer.

What we're proud of

Click here to read our ERO report Click here to read our ERO report e-Portfolios e-Portfolios

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At First Steps Pioneer, we participate in the Terracycle recycling programme, this is to help look after our environment

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​At First Steps Pioneer we have built a relationship with our local school Hoon Hay Primary and walk down, spend some time in the classroom and explore the school grounds.

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