Find Our Kindergarten
Why Choose Us
There’s a world of learning and discovery behind our kindy gates, with a wide range of resources and equipment to feed busy young minds. Every day kaiako look for opportunities to spark interest, expand horizons and support tamariki as they learn to navigate the social world.
A calm and engaging environment supports tamariki to develop as confident learners and get ready for school and beyond. Our thoughtfully designed spaces support both independent exploration and collaborative play, with quiet areas for creativity and imagination.
We embrace the tikanga principle of ako, recognising that everyone in our kindergarten community is both teacher and learner. Through manaakitanga, we nurture an atmosphere of respect and care where each child’s unique journey is celebrated. This foundation supports tamariki to develop social skills and a lifelong love of learning.
Our daily practice is guided by kaitiakitanga, as we support tamariki to develop awareness of our natural spaces, and understand their role as guardians of the environment, and our Big Backyard is the perfect place for tamariki to explore, no matter the season.
Our long-standing relationship with Bromley School supports smooth transitions for our older tamariki. We value whanaungatanga and creating opportunities for whānau to participate in kindergarten life through sharing stories, joining excursions or simply enjoying a cup of tea in our welcoming space.
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
