BestStart Redwood

Words can’t fully express how grateful we are for our time at BestStart Redwood. Our daughter has journeyed through all three rooms from the nursery to Prep-School! And every step of the way has been filled with care, warmth, and support. Even after relocating from Redwood to Hornby, we chose to keep her enrolled because of the strong bond and trust we had with the center and its staff. It wasn’t until we moved overseas that we had to say goodbye, which was truly bittersweet - and we still miss it. The staff at BestStart Redwood have been absolutely incredible. They created such a nurturing, safe, and joyful environment that gave us peace of mind every single day. After each drop-off, I walked away knowing she was in great hands! Thank you, BestStart Redwood, for being such a significant and cherished part of our daughter’s early years. We will always remember you with deep appreciation and fondness.

Our grandson attended this centre, we found the staff to be knowledgeable, friendly and experienced. My grandson became a superstar at school due to the lessons and preparation he received at Redwood. We were always made to feel welcome as a family and part of the Centre family.

It's taken me a long time to write this, but I needed to share my experience. My son attended best start redwood in 2021 in the nursery for a short period before I pulled him out, he was around 7 months old. I was desperately upset when I left my son, each time he would cry and chase me to the door (which can be normal by the way but still distressing) the staff made no attempt to ease the drop offs and would leave him to cry at the door. I noticed other kids crying unattended when i would drop off or pick up also. The teachers were often chatting and not watching the children. It was quite smelly in the class room most days due to nappies not being changed promptly. The centre requires a packed lunch for the children, although my son was only attending for a few hours and only very young his whole lunch would be gone, I knew it wasn't him eating it all. I'm happy for shared lunches but I was told he was eating it all and I felt I wasn't getting the whole truth and not knowing if he had eaten or not. He was constantly coming home missing clothes and items from his bag which was disappointing as staff couldn't find his belongings. Unfortunately these factors led me to pulling him out and eventually changing to a Montessori preschool in papanui which I have had a completely different and positive experience at. Our time was upsetting at best start redwood and I've recently learnt they are under supervision due to not complying with welfare standards which rectifies my decision to shift. I hope they can aim higher and lift the centre standards for child care. Thanks!