Kidsfirst Hawthornden

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Find Our Kindergarten

146 Hawthornden Rd
Avonhead
Christchurch
New Zealand

03 358 2915

021 721 656

hawthornden@kidsfirst.org.nz

2 to school age

8:30am to 2:30pm
Monday to Friday
Term Breaks

Located in the heart of Avonhead Park, Kidsfirst Hawthornden is a magical learning space for tamariki to explore. There’s endless adventures to find in our Great Big Backyard, where native trees and real grass create a natural environment perfect for discovery and growth.

Why Choose Us

Our individualised approach to learning recognises each child as a competent learner, and works alongside their natural interests. Through uninterrupted play time, tamariki develop their understanding of the world while building the confidence to tackle new challenges.

Fully qualified, registered kaiako support children’s nature-based learning experiences, where, in our Great Big Backyard, tamariki set their own physical challenges using moveable equipment. They learn to be kaitiaki in an environment sheltered by established trees, where outdoor exploration and discovery continues throughout the changing seasons.

Inside our well-resourced spaces, our tamariki find opportunities to inspire their curiosity and develop creativity. Quiet reflection areas sit alongside space where tamariki can spend time with their friends – and is all designed to support independence and belonging.

Manaakitanga and whanaungatanga form the foundation of our kindergarten culture. We value the diverse languages, cultures and identities of our families, creating strong partnerships that enrich our learning community.

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 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

Lovely staff, lots of activities for the kids every day, and a fabulous environment.

- Kidsfirst Hawthorden whānau

If you are looking for the best Kindy then this is it! They have a large outdoor and indoor space with a huge variety of equipment to help all kids grow and learn. It is tucked away off the main roads which I love for added privacy and safety. The fully trained teachers bring a huge amount of knowledge, kindness and care in all that they do. They are so welcoming and nothing is ever a problem :) There is always new activities set up each day so its never boring, I am always delighted to see what they have set up for the kids to enjoy. I visited other places and nothing compared, I knew this was the kindy for us from the first visit. My son is an outdoor boy, and there is plenty of playground equipment to challenge them plus many many additions that get set up each day, we loved the bikes, the woodwork hut, music, waterplay, marble runs, the large sandpit, the fort with the red slide, the swings, lots of ball play, messy play and so much more. If you are considering visiting then absolutely do it! You won't regret it, you will always feel welcomed and included. These kaiako are wonderful and they look after the children with such care! They have helped my son with gaining independence and getting ready for school. We will miss them so much!

- Kidsfirst Hawthorden whānau

Hawthornden has fabulous professional fully qualified teachers with a wealth of knowledge and experience behind them. They are kind and understanding and welcome all to their place of fun and of learning. Please visit and see for yourself what I mean as you won't be disappointed. The outdoor environment is large and inviting and is a place where children can challenge themselves yet be safe in their play.