Find Our Kindergarten
Why Choose Us
At Kidsfirst Halswell, we create an environment where learning comes naturally through play, discovery and meaningful relationships. Our regular visits to Te Hāpua library nurture early literacy while our daily routines incorporate the natural environment to foster confident and curious learners who care about the world around them.
Our purpose-built environment features adaptable learning spaces that evolve with our children’s interests and abilities. Our qualified kaiako intentionally design experiences that respond to each child’s learning journey, while our flexible indoor areas encourage tamariki to problem-solve, discover and flourish together.
We embrace the concept of ako, recognising everyone in our kindergarten community as both teachers and learners. Whānau and tamariki actively contribute to shape our programme planning, ensuring learning experiences reflect our community’s diverse voices and aspirations.
Our spacious outdoor environment invites tamariki to explore and grow their physical capabilities at their own pace. Through ever-changing play spaces and resources, children discover new challenges that spark their curiosity and build their confidence. This natural playground also deepens their connection to Papatūānuku, as tamariki embrace their role as kaitiaki of their environment.
Through strong connections with local schools and regular visits to community facilities, tamariki develop a deep sense of belonging in their wider world while building the foundations for successful transitions.
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
A big week with EIGHT birthdays
A big rā whānau ki a koe (happy birthday) to eight kindergartens across our Kidsfirst network. Portsmouth Street, Redwood, Trengrove, Karoro, Hawthornden, Hei Hei, Halswell and Avonhead are all celebrating this week! It’s the perfect occasion to take a look back on some historic photos of the kindy’s over 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
