BestStart MacDonald Street
About BestStart MacDonald Street
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 MacDonald Street, it is best to ask the centre directly how they apply 20 Hours ECE.
Community Profile
Roll & age distribution
BestStart MacDonald Street currently has a roll of 35 children tamariki , with most children enrolled in the 0–5 years age band.
Ethnicity profile
European tamariki are the largest group (49% of the roll), alongside māori, pacific, asian, 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
“Great spot for kids. We have both of ours in there, and the kaioko have been amazing with them and updating us when we need to know or otherwise ask. The opening hours are great too as it allows for parents with long working hours. Highly recommended.”
“Never have enough teacher as usual, one of the teacher her name sherly I spotted last Friday hitting my son in the head with the hose while I literally just arrived picked up my son. My son was climbing the fence and playing with the tab without any teacher supervising him, Really bad experience I have with my son been treating like that and crying really loud when that happened. I was so depastated when I spotted her done that to my son without she realized I was just arrived ready to pick up my kids. Really insane”
“In our opinion it’s the best kindergarten in Tauranga. We moved our daughter here as she was not settling in her old kindergarten even after six months being there. Today after one month at this center she is fully settled and happy. Everyone at this centre is passionate about their work. Great centre manager, nice admin, very nice and professional teachers. Kids are segregated into three main groups as per their ages and all have plenty of room and opportunity to enjoy themselves. They also have Peter for kids, if you don’t who is Peter you need to get down there to find out”
“My 4yo old son attends the MacDonald Street centre and we both couldn’t be happier with the amazing service we are provided. They truly care about the children they look after and include the parents in everything that’s happened in their child’s day. I recommend this centre to everyone I talk to. Nothing but positives to say about the team at Best Start MacDonald Street!”
“Brilliant care, couldn't ask for better. They have made the transition from being at home to going back to work so much easier than I had hoped for. Their receptionist GG is the most helpful person I have encountered in years. Thank you, Sarah & Jane”
Interested?
Contact the centre directly to check for availability or arrange a visit.
Getting ready for daycare?
See what your child will need for their day: labels, drink bottle, lunchbox, spare clothes, sunscreen and more.
Daycare Essentials ChecklistOther centres nearby
Explore other options in your neighbourhood.
Little Einsteins Montessori (MacDonald Street)
Mount Maunganui Playcentre
Gwen Rogers Free Kindergarten
Omanu Preschool
