Find Our Kindergarten
Why Choose Us
Located in Burnside, our kindy’s eye-catching mural has become a local landmark reflecting the vibrant learning environment where your child’s curiosity can take flight. Open-plan spaces provide tamariki with room to explore, create and problem-solve building confidence in themselves or playing with their friends.
Here, our tamariki thrive under the guidance of fully qualified, registered kaiako who understand that learning to persist through challenges and careful risk-taking builds resilience. Your child will develop strong communication skills and positive relationships while discovering their place in the wider world.
Our Big Backyard offers children endless opportunities to develop kaitiakitanga – becoming guardians of their natural world. Here, tamariki explore the outdoor environment, discover its wonders and develop a deep connection with Papatūānuku. These experiences foster environmental awareness and respect for nature that can last a lifetime.
Both tamariki and whānau actively participate in programme planning, giving them ownership of their learning journey. This approach develops confident learners who feel empowered to contribute ideas and explore their interests. Children’s voices, combined with whānau aspirations, shape daily experiences.
Inside, the thoughtfully designed environment encourages both independent discovery and collaborative play, helping your child develop essential social skills for lifelong learning. In this stable and caring atmosphere, children’s natural curiosity flourishes alongside their confidence and sense of wonder.
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
Friendship blossoms at Kendal Ave
Aroha on a Feel Good Friday
We’re having a Feel Good Friday as we roll into the long weekend with a moment of whanaungatanga at Kidsfirst Kendal Ave. These two had only been apart for a matter of days when they turned up to kindy on Monday, but the mutual ‘I missed you!’ was as heartfelt as it could get. What a great way to end the week – if you manage to get some downtime this long weekend, we hope you find lots of whanaungatanga and whakamanamana along the way
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A proudly New Zealand owned and operated not-for-profit kindergarten association with over 110 years of kiwi heritage
