Find Our Kindergarten
Why Choose Us
Nestled behind Ryeland Reserve, Kidsfirst Ilam offers tamariki a peaceful haven with the very best in early learning experiences, where they can explore and discover away from the urban bustle while staying connected to their community.
Fully qualified, registered kaiako celebrate each child’s unique qualities and contributions, responding to individual interests through a programme rich in exploration and creativity. Sustainability and kaitiakitanga weaves through our daily experiences as tamariki develop hands-on understanding of the natural world.
Wearing bright hi-vis vests, our tamariki become familiar faces in the local area as they venture out to explore – these adventures help build confidence and understanding of their place in the wider educational community.
In our bright indoor spaces, tamariki can explore thoughtfully arranged resources that encourage both independent discovery and collaborative play. The outdoor environment invites hands-on learning with real tools and equipment, where children develop practical skills while learning to assess and manage risks.
We embrace the diverse languages and cultures of our community, welcoming whānau involvement in ways that work for each family – whether lending a hand or simply joining us for part of our day.
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
Bringing more te reo Māori everyday
At Kidsfirst, we’re all on a journey together to bring more te reo Māori into our lives, and to support tamariki, whānau and communities to do that, too – not just during Te Wiki o te Reo Māori, but every week. There are some great rauemi – resources – to help us do this. The Tākaro game is one of the ways Kidsfirst Ilam kaiako keep the learning alive. Wananei, Ilam team, what a way to ako.
Embracing Kāhui Ako for everybody
Tamariki steal show with waiata perfomance
Kidsfirst Ilam tamariki were the stars of the show at the 2022 Waimairi-iri Kāhui Ako Cultural Festival, where they performed with poi and carefully practiced waiata for proud whānau and others. Many of our kindergartens are active in these communities of kaiako and learners, who share learning and experiences with one another. Kei runga noa atu, tamariki – what fantastic mahi.
Rocketing into a science experiment
Shoot for the stars. Kidsfirst Ilam had the sky on their mind this week when they designed, made, and flew their very own bottle rockets. With the help of a science teacher from Burnside High School, tamariki were treated to a morning of scientific discovery, each lining up, pumping the water into their rockets, and watching intently as they shot up into the air, and floated back down, some more gracefully than others. Take a look at some of the photos from the day.
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A proudly New Zealand owned and operated not-for-profit kindergarten association with over 110 years of kiwi heritage
