Education & Care Service 20 Hours ECE

BestStart Gillies Avenue

Auckland, Epsom
4.7|
Ages
0–5 years
Roll Size
64 children
Subsidies
20 Hours
Rating
4.7/5

About BestStart Gillies Avenue

BestStart Gillies Avenue is a education & care service in Epsom, Auckland, with children currently enrolled aged 0–5 years. It’s well suited for families needing flexible full-day or part-day childcare with a balanced, mainstream early learning programme. This centre offers 20 Hours ECE funding.

About Education & Care Service

Education & Care Services are mainstream early learning centres that offer full-day or part-day care with a structured curriculum, qualified teachers, and a focus on learning through play. They cater to families needing flexible childcare options and wanting a balanced approach that supports social, physical, and early academic development in a diverse environment.

What Is 20 Hours ECE funding?

20 Hours ECE is a government-funded initiative that helps reduce the cost of early childhood education for families with tamariki aged 3–5. Eligible children can receive up to 20 hours of funded care and education each week at participating services. Centres can set their own enrolment patterns and may ask for optional charges, but the funded hours themselves should be free of compulsory fees. If you are unsure how this works at BestStart Gillies Avenue, it is best to ask the centre directly how they apply 20 Hours ECE.

Community Profile

Roll & age distribution

BestStart Gillies Avenue currently has a roll of 64 children tamariki , with most children enrolled in the 0–5 years age band.

Ethnicity profile

Asian tamariki are the largest group (42% of the roll), alongside european, māori, pacific, other children.

Roll and demographic figures are based on data supplied by the Ministry of Education and were last updated on 01/07/2024.

Parent Reviews

Google Verified
PM
Portia Malatji
May 2025

“Our son’s home away from home. We’re so grateful for the warm, welcoming environment at this kindy. Thelma always greets us with a smile and is happy to answer any questions, making us feel truly supported. The teachers are genuinely caring and attentive, and it’s clear they have a real connection with the children. The meals, lovingly prepared by the cook, are another highlight, healthy and thoughtfully made. The kindy itself is clean, safe, and well organised , with plenty of age-appropriate toys and activities that keep our little one engaged and happy. We especially appreciate the regular updates and photos, which give us peace of mind while we're at work. Since starting here, our son has shown wonderful progress in both his social and motor skills, and it's clear he enjoys every moment. Thank you for providing such a loving and nurturing space for our child to grow.”

AE
Ava Eyles
October 2023

“Our son joined the centre when he was 7 months old and from day 1 the team at Beststart Gillies Ave have provided a warm and nurturing environment for him to grow. During the transition from home to daycare the teachers were incredibly supportive & worked closely with us to help our son settle. The team are always coming up with fun and innovative activities for the children, and keep us updated with photos and stories! It has been wonderful to watch the relationships form, and we couldn’t ask for a better place for our child.”

MT
Marian Theresse Mansing
October 2023

“Cheers to the amazing team of BestStart Gillies! Everyone is just so nice, pleasant, and really good in taking care of the kids. My son is enjoying all the exciting activities and the super yum food as well. Thank you for making everyday fun while learning☺️ I highly recommend them with their efforts and especially Sara, the center manager, for sharing your creative ideas and your positive energy🥰”

GD
Gabrielle de Jong
September 2023

“We love BestStart Gillies Avenue! My daughter has been attending for 2 years and the centre just keeps going from strength to strength under the wonderful Centre Manager and staff. I love the facilities, the food (Lee the in-house Chef is amazing) the principles and the communication.”

GH
Georgia Hirst
January 2022

“My son has attended BestStart Gillies Ave for the last 3 years, since he was 5 months old. He absolutely loves attending the centre each day. The teachers are all warm, welcoming and friendly and have formed wonderful relationships with my son. The transition between the baby/toddler room and preschool room was seamless and my son still enjoys visiting his old teachers in the baby room from time to time. It is such a relief knowing that my son is happy and well cared for whilst I am at work. Thank you Best Start Gillies Ave!”

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Contact Details

181 Gillies Avenue, Epsom, Auckland

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