BestStart Totara Park
About BestStart Totara Park
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 Totara Park, it is best to ask the centre directly how they apply 20 Hours ECE.
Community Profile
Roll & age distribution
BestStart Totara Park currently has a roll of 86 children tamariki , with most children enrolled in the 0–5 years age band.
Ethnicity profile
European tamariki are the largest group (66% of the roll), alongside māori, pacific, asian 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 Totara Park has a beautiful family feel — it truly is a home away from home for our tamariki. I feel so confident leaving my daughter there, knowing she’s in a warm, secure, and enriching learning environment. The outdoor area is fantastic, with sheltered spaces that allow the children to enjoy fresh air and play even during the winter months. The teachers are not only excellent and caring, but the centre also hosts lovely family events throughout the year. A big thank you to everyone for the love, effort, and dedication you put into caring for our tamariki!”
“What can I say 10/10. The facilities are top notch and the food is amazing. But what makes the heart of best start is the staff. All the team are amazing. The care and attention they put into all the kids is second to none. The activates they do daily with jaxson are impressive I have seen him grow so much and to see him do the things he learns each day at home makes me the proudest dad ever. I would recommend Best Start to anyone. Thanks team I really appreciate what you guys do day in and day out. Big thank you”
“Highly recommend Best Start Totara Park. Teachers and staff are welcoming and friendly. Communication is fantastic and they always go the extra mile. Centre is always warm and inviting. Always plenty of activities to explore for the children! It's hard to get my child to leave at the end of the day as she is so happy there! Thanks for being so amazing!”
“We have had our three kids come through Best Start Totara Park with our youngest due to move onto school knowing he will miss it as his siblings did when they moved on. We have enjoyed our time here with the support from the teachers over the years teaching and working with our family to get the best out of them by building confidence and importance of values. Helping them achieve goals along the way and preparing them for school. It has been an awesome journey for our family where we have been able to have a better understanding of other cultures and celebrate this along the way.”
“Sending my two daughters to Best Start Totara was one of the best decisions we made. Thank you for taking care of Gwen and Solana, helping them progress, and building their confidence. Thanks to all of the staff: the office, receptionist, cook, and teachers. You guys are amazing. I will definitely recommend you to all of my friends.”
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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