Find Our Kindergarten
Why Choose Us
At Kidsfirst Burnham, we support children to take a lead in their own learning journey through innovation, inquiry and hands-on learning and discovery.
There are new opportunities every day for tamariki to be inspired, have their thinking ignited and curiosity sparked. Our qualified kaiako recognise the mana, wairua and mauri each child brings as they lead their own learning journey through exploration. With a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces, tamariki can follow their curiosity and make discoveries at their own pace.
Kidsfirst Burnham is a learning hub for all. Families and caregivers spend lots of time in our kindergarten, meeting new friends and sharing their skills and interests with tamariki to extend their learning.
Whanaungatanga is important to us and we have wonderful support from our kindergarten whānau for kindy events and fundraising.
You will see us out and about visiting in Burnham and beyond, as tamariki explore their community in their role as kaitiaki of our environment. We’re lucky to be close to the military camp, farming communities and the Rolleston township. Strong links with Selwyn primary schools help to support the all-important transition to school.
In our Big Backyard, a special forest-bush area creates a unique outdoor classroom where tamariki develop confidence through safe risk-taking and exploration. Under established native trees, children learn kaitiakitanga as they connect with nature in all seasons and weather conditions.
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
Getting crafty for ANZAC Day
This ANZAC Day, ka maumahara tonu tātou ki a rātou – we will remember them. It’s a time to reflect on the sacrifices made to protect our way of life, and the freedoms we so often take for granted. One of the ways the Kidsfirst Burnham team shows their deep respect for the occasion is with simple craft projects, that can engage tamariki with the meaning behind ANZAC Day – they’re easy to do at home, too.
Veggie garden box wins big
Kidsfirst Burnham tamariki were lucky enough to be the proud winners of Intelligro‘s “Grow a Veggie Garden Box”, just before lockdown. As committed kaitiaki of their kindergarten, the prize is a fantastic way for each tamaiti to grow a lifelong love for the taiao (environment). Ka rawe te mahi koutou, nice work from everyone involved!
Rā whānau ki a koe to three kindys!
We all love a birthday, and with almost 70 kindergartens, there’s always something to celebrate across the network. Kidsfirst Niu, The Bays, and Burnham have all had big days over recent weeks. Rā whānau ki a koe to all of you.
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A proudly New Zealand owned and operated not-for-profit kindergarten association with over 110 years of kiwi heritage
