Find Our Kindergarten
Why Choose Us
At Kidsfirst Hornby, the rich multicultural fabric of our community comes alive as whānau share their skills, languages, and cultures, creating strong connections within our diverse community of learners.
Our well-resourced environment supports our dedication to early literacy. Regular visits from HIPPY (Home Interaction Programme for Parents and Youngsters) coordinators, the Christchurch City Libraries and Heartland Community Services enrich our strong language and storytelling programme, nurturing a love of books from an early age.
Inside, tamariki discover areas designed to spark curiosity and creativity inside our spacious and light-filled rooms. In the large gardens, young kaitiaki learn to nurture and care for the environment, experiencing the full cycle of growing kai – from planting tiny seeds to harvesting and sharing fresh vegetables with friends and whānau.
Fully qualified, registered kaiako encourage appropriate risk-taking through the use of real tools and equipment, helping children develop confidence and practical skills. Close relationships with South Hornby Primary School support smooth transitions when tamariki are ready to take the next step in their educational journey.
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
Singing & dancing into Fiafia night
Kindergarten is such a great place to learn about the many worlds that make up te ao kindy. Kidsfirst Hornby tamariki were the stars of Hornby High School’s recent Fiafia night, when they performed Samoan pese on stage. Tamariki sang and moved to the beat of the pātē, all in front of a captivated audience. Kei hea kē mai koutou – what a way to bring the learning to life
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A proudly New Zealand owned and operated not-for-profit kindergarten association with over 110 years of kiwi heritage
