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BestStart
BestStart is the place for people who are passionate about early childhood education and making a difference in young lives.
Our centres are safe, nurturing, and focused on helping children grow into caring, curious individuals. We believe in working closely with families, whānau, and communities to support every child in reaching their full potential.
We value every team member and create an environment where you can bring your authentic self to work each day. We’re dedicated to supporting your personal and professional growth, helping you build confidence and develop new skills. From your very first day, you’ll feel supported and encouraged. Together, we teach, learn, and nurture – making a positive impact in the lives of tamariki and in our communities.
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, proudly owned by the Wright Family Foundation. After making sure our centres and teams have what they need, any additional funding is reinvested into important community initiatives like Plunket, The New Zealand Spelling Bee, the Kids’ Lit Quiz, the Graeme Dingle Foundation’s Stars Programme, and the House of Science (just to name a few). Supporting the wider community is a big part of who we are.
Across Aotearoa, we have 260 centres that reflect the diverse communities they’re part of. Each centre has its own unique identity, shaped by the people, places, and stories that surround it. We work closely with whānau to build strong, trusting relationships and ensure every family feels confident, supported, and connected to their centre.
At BestStart, we’re passionate about creating a workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging. Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of what we do, and we value the different perspectives and experiences each person brings. BestStart is a place for learning, but it’s also a place where people come together, feel safe, and are celebrated for who they are
Joining Our Teaching Staff
At BestStart, we’re united by a shared purpose and values, making it a great place for quality teaching and learning. Our goal is to help every child become a confident, capable learner, with a strong sense of who they are and what they can achieve. We celebrate and affirm each child’s language, culture, and identity, ensuring they feel seen and supported.
Every child at BestStart has access to fair and meaningful learning opportunities through a curriculum guided by Te Whāriki. It’s an exciting time to join us, with Kia Tīmata Pai, our three-year research project with Otago University, focused on supporting self-regulation and oral language development for tamariki across Aotearoa.
We’re here to support your growth, too. Our Professional Growth Cycle ensures you’re always developing your skills, and we foster a culture of innovation that encourages creative thinking and fresh ideas. Plus, our modern systems and tech tools make it easier to focus on what matters most – spending time with the children. You’ll even have access to devices that help you capture learning stories as they happen!
We have opportunities for PCTs and Teachers in training
We offer a fantastic mentoring and induction programme to help you feel confident and supported from the very start. You’ll be joining a group of other Provisionally Certified Teachers and Teachers in Training, with access to some of the best professional development opportunities in the sector. Along the way, you’ll be guided by experienced, qualified teachers, your leader, and our internal professional practice team. With the right support, you’ll achieve more than you ever thought possible!
Joining us as a leader
At BestStart, everyone has the chance to step up and be a leader. We’re here to help you build your leadership skills and grow through continuous learning. Our leadership programme is awesome – you’ll learn what great leadership looks like and get access to amazing resources and tools to help shape a positive, supportive culture.
Relievers
We also have opportunities for relievers if you’re looking for more flexibility. You can pick the shifts that work best for you, instead of signing on permanently.
Life at BestStart
We’re big on growing our people.
At BestStart, we’re dedicated to helping you grow and develop in your career. From day one, you’ll feel supported as you build your confidence and skills in a nurturing environment.
Your leader will stay connected with you through regular check-ins and team rituals, and you’ll have access to some of the best professional development opportunities in the sector. We even have our own online learning platform, Whare Ako, our House of Learning, designed to help you keep growing at your own pace.
Your career journey matters to us. When you’re ready to take the next step, we’ll be there to guide and support you every step of the way. With a range of career pathways to explore, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to shape a future that’s right for you.
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
At BestStart, your health, safety, and wellbeing are a top priority. Our leadership team and board are actively involved in keeping our workplaces safe, with regular reviews of safety practices, hazard management, and training.
We also support your overall wellbeing through Mana Hauora, our holistic health and wellness programme. It’s designed to give you the tools to build resilience and thrive, helping you be your best self. We focus on all areas of wellbeing – mental, emotional, physical, social, spiritual, and even financial – so you feel supported in every part of your life.
We know how important it is to stay connected with each other, and we make time to check in with our teams regularly. Two simple ways we do this are through the Wellbeing Traffic Light and R U OK conversations, which help us make sure everyone feels seen, heard, and supported.
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’re excited to support you as you take the next step in your journey with us!
There are currently no jobs available
Unfortunately there are currently no positions available at BestStart, please check back soon.
