Find Our Kindergarten
62 Cotswold Ave
Bishopdale
Christchurch
New Zealand
Why Choose Us
At Kidsfirst Cotswold Avenue, tamariki connect with each other and learn through their own interests, at their own pace. Through play and exploration, tamariki build relationships while discovering our environment and connecting with the local community.
People and relationships are the heart of our place. Together whānau, kaiako and community are here to support tamariki to develop as competent and confident individuals. We are a community of learners where adults and tamariki learn together and where links between kindergarten and home are strongly valued.
Our Kindergarten encourages exploration through play and auahatanga (creativity), which supports the emergent interests of tamariki. Learning occurs in all spaces at the pace of the tamaiti, acknowledging the mana, wairua and mauri they bring. Tamariki are encouraged to be mindful of, and inspired by the world around them, while being respectful of the environment they play and learn in.
We look forward to making new connections and embracing the multiculturalism and diversity of our community. Whānau are encouraged to share their skills and interests with tamariki to extend their learning.
We value exploring our local community which includes our local parks. There are regular visits to Cotswold Mātāhae School as well as positive, ongoing connections with other local schools.
Our Big Backyard is ideal for curious learners and creative imaginations with a variety of physical challenges including climbing and physical play equipment. Spacious play areas and specialised equipment give tamariki plenty of opportunities to develop their physcial skills and confidence.
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
Building Bonds Beyond Kindy Gates
Whanaungatanga is alive and well at Kidsfirst Cotswold Avenue, where tamariki enjoy a special relationship with their neighbours at Cotswold Mātāhae School. Being right next door means regular waves over the fence to siblings and old friends, cheering on the school’s cross country runners, and fortnightly trips to the school library for story time. Each term, tamariki also get to visit a new entrants classroom, making those important connections that help with the transition to school when their time comes. These ties strengthen tamariki’s sense of community and belonging – showing them that learning happens everywhere, and how friendships extend beyond the kindy gates. Koia kei a koe, Kidsfirst Cotswold Avenue, what a wonderful way to nurture those lasting bonds with kura whānau 📚💖
Whanaungatanga over morning kai
Whanaungatanga was in full swing at breakfast time at Kidsfirst Cotswold Ave this week as tamariki bundled up warm and enjoyed shared kai with family and friends. Everybody’s always welcome at Kidsfirst and the smiles on their faces say it all. Ka pai, Kidsfirst Cotswold Ave – what a wonderful way to start the kindy day ☀️
Two hens make kindy crew complete
The kindy experience is so much about sharing manaakitanga and aroha for one another and all beings. Kidsfirst Cotswold Ave tamariki found a new way to practise both this year when they welcomed two new chickens to their kindy whānau. Oreo and Speedy – named after a tamariki vote – fast became very close feathered friends, as tamariki learned what their hei hei need, and how to care for them. Ka mau te wehi, Kidsfirst Cotswold Ave, koia kei a koe – you’re the best chicken whānau ever 🐓❤️
Community spirit in action
As a not-for-profit, Kidsfirst is grateful for the support of whānau, local businesses and others. While government funding and whānau donations cover the basics, the generosity of local communities means our kindergartens can do more, for more tamariki. Kidsfirst Cotswold Avenue took the kindy fundraiser to the next level in their recent Run, Ride, Slide triathlon, with funds earmarked for enhancements to the kindergarten’s Big Backyard. Ka pai tō mahi, Kidsfirst Cotswold Ave, great work! And thanks to the whānau organisers, and those who donated prizes for the big day, including Harcourts Bishopdale – Cheryl Wright – Real Estate Salesperson, Arthur’s Pass Alpine Motel, Gardenfresh Greengrocers Bishopdale, Rebecca McQueen, Hotel Elms, Spagalimis, The Naked Baker, Unichem Bishopdale Pharmacy, Peter Timbs Butchery – Bishopdale, Copenhagen Bakery, Cocoa Black Cafe, Launch Pad Trampoline Park, Lee Burt, and Ina McFadden.
Celebrating over a half a decade of learning
Happy 52nd birthday to Kidsfirst Cotswold Ave. To celebrate, they unveiled their new #betterbecause outdoor area with a colourful mural as its centrepiece, and this afternoon hosted a fun filled party for whānau, tamariki and friends of the kindergarten throughout the years.
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A proudly New Zealand owned and operated not-for-profit kindergarten association with over 110 years of kiwi heritage
