Find Our Kindergarten
121 Shillingford Boulevard
Rolleston
New Zealand
Why Choose Us
Your child will thrive in an environment rich in natural resources and meaningful experiences that spark curiosity and foster a love of learning. Each child’s learning journey is unique, with plenty of time and space for making their own choices and discoveries. Through these daily opportunities for exploration, tamariki develop confidence, creativity, and critical thinking skills that lay the foundation for lifelong learning.
In our spacious Big Backyard, tamariki embrace adventure and discovery through climbing, building, and creative play. This natural outdoor environment fosters kaitiakitanga – teaching our tamariki to be guardians of the environment as they learn, play, and explore. The Big Backyard becomes a place of wonder where tamariki can test their physical abilities, learn about the natural world and develop important social skills through collaborative outdoor play.
Children’s curiosity flourishes as they engage with both structured and open-ended activities throughout their day. Whether working independently or collaborating with peers, each child is supported to develop at their own pace, building the skills and confidence they need for future learning. Social skills blossom as tamariki learn to communicate, share ideas and work together in both small and large group settings.
Nau mai, tauti 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
