BestStart Merivale
About BestStart Merivale
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 Merivale, it is best to ask the centre directly how they apply 20 Hours ECE.
Community Profile
Roll & age distribution
BestStart Merivale currently has a roll of 57 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
“Beststart merivale feels like a home away from home. The staff are so lovely and my children feel a strong sense of belonging. The meals are so healthy ans the set to school progoramme is incredible. Highly recommend”
“BestStart Merivale has been amazing for our child! Their set to school programme has prepared them so well for the next step, and the meals are healthy and delicious. The teaching team is warm, skilled, and truly dedicated, and we love how often they take the children on excursions into the local community. Couldn’t recommend them more!”
“The teachers are phenomenal, my wife and I feel so well supported, as if we have a third parent raising our children with us”
“Have recently enrolled our son in with Best Start Merivale, and couldn't be happier. The staff have been very welcoming and supportive, and our Son is enjoying his time at the preschool. Fantastic environment and lots to keep the kids busy 😊”
“Extremely happy and satisfied with my decision to send my son to BestStart Merivale. The team are wonderful, my boy loves it and I know he’s safe and happy. It’s more like dropping him to family everyday, they care and they go the extra mile which I’m so appreciative of. Love the place!”
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.
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