Find Our Kindergarten
Why Choose Us
Kidsfirst Cromwell’s teaching team ignites an excitement for learning in children by recognising and responding to their interests. Play is essential to learning and development in our tamariki, and our programme is based on exploration, inquiry, creativity and nature-based education. We believe in uninterrupted time and space to grow and learn – our children and whānau are heard, and time to learn is unhurried. We see knowledge as a process, a discovery and a building of understanding.
Building trusting, caring and respectful relationships with whānau over time is key to our success in supporting children’s learning. Parents and whānau contribute in many ways including discussions about their aspirations for children, spending time with us in session and sharing their knowledge and strengths with kaiako and children. The language, culture and identity of our families are highly respected and valued – families are viewed as significant partners and are included in our early learning journey. We have strong links with our local primary school which supports the transition to school for you and your child as they move on from Kindergarten.
The Cromwell kindy Big Backyard offers tamariki the freedom to explore, connect with others and learn through play. There’s space for running, jumping, climbing, swinging and exploring, as well as peaceful places to connect with nature, garden and make sense of our natural world. We place a strong emphasis on sustainability, and caring for our natural environment plays a large part in our daily programme – supporting the children to develop eco-awareness and to understand their role in it as kaitiaki.
Inside, our large, light-filled space provides lots of opportunities to try new things, inspire curiosity and develop creativity through play. It’s an atmosphere full of fun in an environment that gives our children independence and a sense of belonging.
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
Water play makes kindy day shine
Raumati is always great at kindy, and in Central Otago they’ve been loving the warm weather that comes with the summer. Kidsfirst Cromwell tamariki Daisy, Natasha, and Flossy wanted to host a pool party, and kaiako brought out the sprinkler so everybody got a chance to have fun in the sun while keeping cool ⛱️☀️❤️
Back to Kindy for 2025
Tamariki at all our kindergartens, including Kidsfirst Cromwell, were back yesterday – and it didn’t take long for the smiles to appear. Here’s to a full year of fun and learning at Kidsfirst. Nau mai hoki mai, welcome back 😊❤️
Sharing some Christmas cheer
Christmas has well and truly come to Kidsfirst Cromwell, where everyone’s in a happy holiday mood, spreading aroha and wishing a big Meri Kirihimete 🎄❤️
Sharing a kapa haka journey
Our kindergartens are proud to be part of Kāhui Ako – local communities of learning that keep important connections going between educational providers to the benefit of tamariki. Kidsfirst Cromwell children got to perform kapa haka for the very first time last week as part of a Kāhui Ako initiative. Ka pai to all involved – what a great way to keep tamariki at the heart of learning, no matter where they are on their educational journey 😊❤️
Tūrangawaewae: the place we stand
Tūrangawaewae – the place we stand – is an important part of who we are, along with our sense of connection to community. Kidsfirst Cromwell have been exploring these themes with other early learning centres and schools in their area, Te Wairere, recently and created a beautiful mural and other artwork that went on display for all to see. Inā kei te mohio koe ko wai koe, i anga mai koe i hea, kei te mohio koe, kei te anga atu ki hea – if you know who you are, and where you are from, then you will know where you are going. Great mahi, Kidsfirst Cromwell.
Manaakitanga for Cyclone Gabrielle
They wear their manaakitanga on their sleeve at Kidsfirst Cromwell, recently donning their favourite sports team’s jerseys, in support of those impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle. All of the proceeds went to KidsCanNZ, to fund clothing and other supplies for whānau in need. Kei hea kē mai koutou, Kidsfirst Cromwell, what a great initiative ❤️👏
Cromwell bring the Autumnal fun
There’s nothing like a Central Otago day in Autumn. Ngahuru is always one of the best times of the year for creativity, exploration, and having fun out in nature. These Kidsfirst Cromwell tamariki show us how they have fun in their big backyard.
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A proudly New Zealand owned and operated not-for-profit kindergarten association with over 110 years of kiwi heritage
