Find Our Kindergarten
13 Robertson Street
Frankton
Queenstown
New Zealand
Why Choose Us
Kidsfirst Frankton sits in a stunning location with mountain and river views that inspire tamariki to explore, create and feel a sense of connection to the region that is their home. The purpose-built kindergarten is a place where local tamariki come to learn, grow a love of learning and make friends that can last a lifetime.
A large covered deck means tamariki can enjoy outdoor play in all seasons, with views of the Kawarau River and Lake Wakatipu. The ever-changing mountain views of The Remarkables sparks tamariki curiosity and inspires their imagination throughout the day.
The kindergarten offers a light-filled and stimulating play space that is richly resourced with teaching and learning materials to support child-initiated learning. It caters for quiet learning spaces as well as large group times for our tamariki.
Outside, our Big Backyard gives tamariki lots of opportunities to explore, be curious and discover through the natural world. Tamariki choose from and learn to use a range of real resources such as saws, hammers, nails, gardening equipment, spades and shovels, learning about managing risk and making safe choices.
A diverse team of qualified kaiako work day-to-day with tamariki to help engage their curiosity through individual strengths, interests and challenges. Manaakitanga and relationships are the foundations of our philosophy and we strive for every child to be happy and healthy during their learning journey.
Your involvement in your child’s learning and development as well as strong ties between home and kindergarten are some of the ways kindy is special. We highly respect and value each family’s language and identity and welcome whānau to join and contribute to kindergarten life through activities and the sharing of culture and traditions.
We have strong links with our local primary schools and value the Tuakana-Teina relationships with the older children. Building strong ties supports the transition to school for you and your child as you move on from Kindergarten.
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.
What Families Say
Latest News
Classical musicians wow tamariki
Kidsfirst Frankton tamariki were captivated by classical musicians who visited the kindergarten during this year’s At World’s Edge music festival. This is the fourth year that the kindy has welcomed the group, and tamariki shared their manaakitanga with some kindy-baked cheese muffins for everyone to enjoy. Ka mau te wehi, Kidsfirst Frankton, here’s to celebrating whanaungatanga
Sparking joy and passion everyday
At Kidsfirst, our values underline everything we do, every day – and every year, we celebrate the teams that exemplify them at our AGM. The team at Kidsfirst Frankton were recognised this year with the Passionate award, for the ways they have fun at kindergarten. Bringing uniqueness and the essential spark of joy to every day, they always find new ways to engage their tamariki, whānau, and community. Whether it’s dog-safe biscuits for furry friends, or special family paving stones, the kaiako always strive to make things accessible and exciting for their tamariki in their important developmental years.
Our thanks to Portacom New Zealand, for their sponsorship of this year’s Passionate award.
Constructing fun at kindy
When the curiosity of busy Kidsfirst Frankton sandpit builders was sparked, Frankton Dad, Josh, was happy to come along and show them how it all worked. A construction site appeared in the big backyard, complete with a concrete mixer for paving stones. Decorated stones went home to brighten up family whares. What a way to learn through play, grow whanaungatanga, and make lasting kindy memories. Ka rawe, Kidsfirst Frankton 🦺👷🚧
Deepening connections with Aotearoa
We love celebrating the beautiful culture of Aotearoa New Zealand at kindergarten. Tamariki are exposed to ideas and concepts from te ao Māori, and get to use everyday te reo, too. Kaiako at all of our kindergartens are committed to creating an environment that celebrates the diversity of our country, and encourages tamariki to get excited about their place. As Kidsfirst Frankton Head Teacher, Alli Hickey, explains, it’s part of the joy of kindergarten
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A proudly New Zealand owned and operated not-for-profit kindergarten association with over 110 years of kiwi heritage
