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BestStart
BestStart is for families who want more from early-childhood education. Safe, nurturing and educationally focused, we’re committed to growing caring people with curious minds. Our vision is to work in partnership with families, whānau & communities to enable children to achieve their learning potential. We want everyone at BestStart to feel that they are valued and can bring their real, authentic self to work to support our tamariki, whānau, and each other. We’re big on growing our people. We’re committed to supporting you to grow and develop. We want you to grow in confidence and grow in capability. Right from day one you will feel supported. Together we teach, learn and nurture!
We want everyone at BestStart to feel that they are valued and can bring their real, authentic self to work to support our tamariki, whānau, and each other.
A bit about BestStart
BestStart is a registered charity, owned by the Wright Family Foundation. After meeting the resourcing and development needs of BestStart, additional funds go to the Wright Family Foundation for investment in other best starts such as Plunket, The New Zealand Spelling Bee, the Kids’ Lit Quiz, the Graeme Dingle Foundation’s Stars Programme and House of Science (to name just a few).
Just like each of us, our 260 centres across Aotearoa New Zealand are unique. They are part of their own communities with their own people, places, history and culture. We encourage our centres to build their unique identities. We want all whānau to feel confident in and connected to their BestStart centre and we work with whānau to understand what matters most to them.
Here at BestStart we’re committed to fostering a culture of diversity, inclusion and belonging, where we’re connected to each other, feel safe and are valued. We celebrate together what makes us unique. BestStart is your place, my place and it’s our place.
Joining Our Teaching Staff
United by our purpose and values, BestStart is the place to be for quality teaching and learning. Our goal is that every child becomes a confident and competent learner, knowing who they are and what they can do. We ensure their language, culture, and identity are deeply affirmed.
All our tamariki have equitable learning opportunities through a responsive curriculum consistent with Te Whāriki. It’s an exciting time to join us: Kia Tīmata Pai, our three year research project with Otago University is supporting the development of self-regulation and oral language for our tamariki across Aotearoa New Zealand.
We will support your ongoing development with a Professional Growth Cycle and we foster a culture of innovation which encourages us to be creative thinkers, opening up new ways of doing things for our tamariki. We have some great modern systems and tech solutions to make your life easy so you can spend time with our tamariki, including having access to devices to catch learning stories in the moment!
We have opportunities for PCTs and Teachers in training
We have a great mentoring and induction programme. You will join a cohort of other PCTs and Teachers in Training and have access to the best PD in the sector. You will be supported by other qualified teachers and your leader, together with support from our internal professional practice team. You will reach heights you never thought possible!
Joining us as a leader
Everyone at BestStart can be leaderful. We’ll support you to grow your leadership and practice through our commitment to ongoing learning. We have a wicked leadership programme! You will know what great looks like and have access to wonderful resources and frameworks to shape our culture with great leadership conversations.
Relievers
We have opportunities for relievers too – it might suit you to have flexibility to pick the shifts that work for you, rather than joining us on a permanent basis.
Life at BestStart
We’re big on growing our people.
At BestStart we’re committed to supporting you to grow and develop. We want you to grow in confidence and grow in capability. Right from day one you will feel supported.
Your leader will connect regularly with you through our rituals and you will have access to the best Professional Development in the sector. We even have our own online learning system, Whare Ako – Our House of Learning.
Your career pathway and growth matter to us. When you’re ready to move into a new role, we will be here to support you to be successful every step of the way! We have multiple pathways you can explore.
What we can offer you
As well as a flexible, inclusive and supportive culture, BestStart offers a range of benefits and resources to help you get the most out of working here.
Safe and well every day
Your health, safety and wellbeing is important to us at BestStart. Our Lead Team and Board are actively engaged in regular reviews of safety dashboards, hazard management and training. Our Mana Hauora holistic health and wellness programme equips you with the tools to build your resilience, to thrive and be your best self. We help you to explore your health and wellbeing in lots of different areas including mental and emotional, physical, social, spiritual and financial wellbeing.
We know how important it is to meaningfully connect and check in with our colleagues to see how they are feeling. Two of the tools we use as part of our rituals are the Wellbeing Traffic Light, and R U OK conversations.
A bit more about our benefits
Wellbeing
- Subsidised health insurance with Southern Cross*
- Free annual flu vaccinations
- Confidential counselling through EAP
- Wellbeing programme
- Employer contributions to KiwiSaver continue after 65
- Sick days available from the day you start
Supporting your studies
- A supportive new teacher mentoring and induction programme.
- Paid study support for year 2 and 3 Teachers-in-Training*
- Online learning through Whare Ako.
- Want to learn something new? We will support you in taking your career to the next level.
Career development
- Multiple career pathways with wrap around support to help you grow your career, your way.
- Access to tailored PLD opportunities to suit your passions and interests.
- Informal and formal recognition.
- Leadership programme for current and future leaders.
BestStart
- Generous centre equipment and resources.
- Time-saving and engaging technology such as Storypark.
- A community hub for staff to meet, learn and ask questions.
- Your voice matters – we use your insights and feedback to shape our future.
Extras for teachers
- Paid first-aid attendance and course.
- Paid teacher registration.
- Pay Parity in our centres.
Work & home
- 50% off childcare fees*
- Flexibility if you need support.
- One week additional leave for 10 years long service recognition.
- Refer a Qualified Teacher and receive $2000*
- Access to discounted after school care in selected locations*
We look forward to supporting you on your journey when you are ready to join us!
There are currently no jobs available
Unfortunately there are currently no positions available at BestStart, please check back soon.
