At BestStart Papakura East Kindy, staff support children on a food journey with an understanding that the journey can be full of twists and turns. For the teachers and cook, the focus is not on building the perfect menu but finding passion in educating happy and nourished children.
Shant (Centre Manager) and Nicki (Centre Cook) have been at BestStart for over two years. Together with their larger team of trained teachers they look after 37 children from ages two up to five years old.
"Some of the children at our centre require learning support, and we have teachers who are trained to provide it," says Shant.
2024 was the centre's year of growth. For Shant, it’s important for teachers to all share the same goals towards food. "There have been a lot of positive changes," says Shant.
A centre's collective vision
The centre staff are passionate about children having proper nourishment to learn and grow. Together, they identify opportunities to benefit children and whānau.
"It is not easy," says Nicki. "I have been doing this for 25 years, and this centre is different to all the others I have been at."
"Some children particularly look forward to the meals we prepare," says Shant. "We want to support families by providing food for children at the centre.”
"With the budget we have Nicki is amazing,” says Shant. “She knows how to shop on a budget with a variety of seasonal vegetables and fruit."
In 2025, the staff are working hard to grow other parts of the centre continue while supporting nourished children.
"This year our innovation project is about getting the community garden running again."
Relationships are core
An important part of building positive relationships with food is bringing whānau onboard. BestStart provides a variety of opportunities to stay involved with the centre and bring learnings home.
"Our whānau engagement is amazing during school pickups," says Shant.
"We have whānau come in during celebrations. Christmas and Matariki were very busy last year. Everyone brought a plate of food and we enjoyed this together."
BestStart Papakura East Kindy recipe card
Pineapple and carrot muffins [PDF]