Find Our Kindergarten
119A Fisher Avenue
Beckenham
Christchurch
New Zealand
Why Choose Us
At Kidsfirst Beckenham, fully qualified and registered teachers guide tamariki to learn, discover and connect with one another at their own pace. Our spacious, well-resourced centre encourages creativity, curiosity and independent learning through play-based learning.
There are opportunities every day to try new things, inspire curiosity and develop creativity through play. It’s an atmosphere full of fun that gives our tamariki independence and a sense of belonging.
We value whanaungatanga, and our families past and present are an important part of everyday kindergarten life. We also understand there are other pressures on parents, whānau and caregivers – you can be involved whenever and however it suits you.
There’s lots of natural shade in our Big Backyard from established trees, with challenges and endless opportunities for curiosity and exploration. There are native plantings, edible gardens, and equipment specially designed to support children’s physical growth and development. It’s the perfect environment for preschoolers to try new things, stretch their abilities, make friends and practice being kaitiaki.
We work closely with local schools and early learning centres to ease the transition to school for tamariki and lay the foundations for life-long learning.
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.
What Families Say
Latest News
Kindy neighbours share the aroha
One of the benefits of being part of Kidsfirst is our kotahitanga – we’re so much better together, thanks to having nearly 70 kindys in our network. It’s the Kidsfirst way to offer manaakitanga when somebody is in need, so when Kidsfirst Ōpāwa St Martins needed a temporary home while their kindy was being renovated, our Hargest Crescent, Beckenham and The Bays kindergartens welcomed them with open arms. Ōpāwa St Martins kaiako kept tamariki settled and whānau connected through it all, and in the spirit of ako, there was learning and growth for everybody. We were proud to recognise the teams as Ngā Whetū at this year’s Annual General Meeting for their whakaute, whanaungatanga and more. He whānau kotahi tatou – we are all one big family at Kidsfirst.
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A proudly New Zealand owned and operated not-for-profit kindergarten association with over 110 years of kiwi heritage
