Find Our Kindergarten
Why Choose Us
At Kidsfirst Avonhead, we create a welcoming, child-centred environment where tamariki discover the joy of learning through play. Day-to-day kindergarten life emphasises exploration, creativity, and kaitiakitanga, fostering a strong connection with the natural world.
Children deepen their connection to nature and community as they explore Stavely Reserve and their neighbourhood on daily adventures. Regular community experiences nurture a sense of whanaungatanga and an understanding of their place in the world.
Our registered, qualified kaiako practice manaakitanga, responding thoughtfully to each child’s interests, strengths and capabilities. We take time to know tamariki and their whānau well, creating strong partnerships that support each child’s learning journey.
We maintain strong relationships with local primary schools, supporting a smooth transition when your child is ready to take the next step in their education journey. Our commitment to sustainability weaves through all aspects of our programme, helping tamariki develop as kaitiaki of their environment.
In our spacious Big Backyard, children engage in hands-on experiences that nurture curiosity about the natural world. Inside, carefully chosen resources and activities provide opportunities for focused exploration and creative expression.
Nau mai, haere mai – make a time to visit us and remember, you’re always welcome at Kidsfirst.
Why Kidsfirst Kindergartens
With over 100 years of proud legacy, Kidsfirst Kindergartens is a not-for-profit organisation that supports and leads kindergartens across Canterbury, the West Coast and Central Otago. Generations of South Island tamariki and whānau have passed through our gates, and we have strong ties to local communities.
Our kindergartens are down to earth places with warm, nurturing teachers with a rich range of resources and environments to explore.
One of the hallmarks of our kindys is that you’re always welcome here – whānau are encouraged to visit and stay, and take part in kindergarten life. We love it when families share their skills, and culture too – our kindergartens are some of the most diverse learning environments around, and children learn best when teachers and whānau work together.
Te Whāriki, the New Zealand Curriculum, guides our teaching and learning programmes, while the kindergarten philosophy underpins all we do. Tamariki learn through play in their own time, through their own interests, guided by trained teachers who are registered with the Teaching Council of New Zealand. You’ll often find our kindergartens located on, or near, local primary schools. Preparation for school and a smooth transition are a key part of the work for our kaiako.
Our kaiako are overseen by Professional Leaders with a focus on quality and ensuring the highest educational standards. Formerly known as the Canterbury Westland Free Kindergarten Association, Kidsfirst – and its kindergartens – consistently receive strong reports from the Education Review Office. You can read more about their assessment of our governing organisation here.
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A proudly New Zealand owned and operated not-for-profit kindergarten association with over 110 years of kiwi heritage
