BestStart Riccarton
About BestStart Riccarton
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 Riccarton, it is best to ask the centre directly how they apply 20 Hours ECE.
Community Profile
Roll & age distribution
BestStart Riccarton currently has a roll of 75 children tamariki , with most children enrolled in the 0–5 years age band.
Ethnicity profile
Asian tamariki are the largest group (48% 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
“The staff are just wonderful, they went above and beyond to make my daughter feel welcome. We're only staying in Christchurch for 6 weeks for a work engagement, but BestStart were more than accommodating with our requested dates, and she was able to start attending pretty much on the next business day. Despite being a little shy initially, she quickly warmed up to the new environment, and had a lot of fun by the end. The teachers are caring, attentive and always engaged with the children, whether it's art projects, playtime, exploring, or making banana cookies, which is so awesome!”
“I’m happy my daughter has grown up going here, she loves all the teachers and all of her peers. The teachers and centre manager has gone above and beyond to help me with my daughters behaviour and given me advice and has always helped me out which I am so appreciative and grateful of. This is the only pre-school my daughter has attended and she has really thrived and grown into a smart young lady. Off to primary school this year (2024) we will miss all the teachers and her friends she’s made! Thank you for everything you have done to help us. Best wishes from us both X”
“My babies truly enjoy learning and playing at this school, especially my daughter's teacher, Sarah Cousins. She skillfully nurtures my daughter's love for music, dance, and rhythm. Much gratitude.”
“I love the friendly environment and the joy my kids have with learning, making friends and having their needs met. The teachers keep me updated on what my kids are learning via their app or in person communication. Definitely been a great place for them.”
“Love this preschool. We have been here 3 years now and even when we have moved across town we kept our kids here because we liked it so much! Have had some amazing teachers and an amazing centre manager that all the kids adore! Highly recommend :)”
Interested?
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Getting ready for daycare?
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