Find Our Kindergarten
Why Choose Us
At Kidsfirst Edmonds Smith Street, we continue over a century of educational heritage while creating modern learning experiences for today’s tamariki.
We work to create a home-like environment where children and whānau feel comfortable and secure that this is “their place”. When you visit, there’ll be a warm welcome from our friendly tamariki and teaching team.
The inside environment is large, light, warm and beautifully decorated with many examples of our children’s wonderful learning and artwork.
A range of educational resources and defined play areas make for a great environment in which to play, learn and have fun. Our education programme reflects and values the rich cultural diversity of our community, encouraging tamariki to build their self-confidence, develop their own interests and explore a broad range of learning experiences – laying a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
Our Big Backyard is a highlight, with lots of natural shade and inspiring spaces for stories, games or quiet times. It’s a wondrous space filled with native plantings and is ideal for curious learners and creative imaginations. Here, tamariki develop confidence through appropriate risk-taking with real tools, from gardening equipment to woodworking materials, all under careful supervision. There’s a variety of challenging climbing and physical play equipment inviting active exploration, too.
Our team is committed to enriching children’s lives in a caring, inclusive and respectful environment. The values of trust, honesty, respect and responsibility are woven through every day and the close relationships which our teachers develop with parents and families contribute greatly to each child’s learning.
Our qualified kaiako create an inclusive, caring environment where close relationships with whānau support each child’s unique learning journey. These partnerships, combined with our strong connections to local primary schools, ensure smooth transitions when children are ready to move on to school.
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
