Find Our Kindergarten
171 Seaview Road
New Brighton
Christchurch
New Zealand
Why Choose Us
Kidsfirst Nuffield’s distinctive location creates unique learning opportunities that influence every aspect of our programme, connecting tamariki naturally to Ōtautahi’s waterways.
Inside our open and expansive spaces, tamariki discover thoughtfully presented resources that spark curiosity and collaboration. Visitors often comment on our atmosphere, which balances calm relaxation with purposeful activity – much like the ebb and flow of our surrounding waters.
Fully qualified, registered kaiako support children to lead their own learning journeys through hands-on discovery. This approach acknowledges the mana, wairua and mauri of each child while nurturing their role as kaitiaki of our precious coastal environment.
Regular exploration of our local neighbourhood helps tamariki understand the magic of our seaside setting. Through challenging physical play and sensory experiences, children develop confidence while building deep connections with their natural environment.
When tamariki are ready for their next learning adventure, strong relationships with local primary schools support smooth 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.
Latest News
Watch our garden grow
It’s Daltons Sunflowers in Kindergartens season again, and our kindergartens are hard at work to grow the biggest blooms. The winners are announced next week, and at Kidsfirst Nuffield, tamariki are busy nurturing their plants, learning about their lifecycle, and getting creative. Our thanks to Daltons for making this project possible each year, and what a great way for kindergartens to be kaitiaki, not only of their own backyards, but for Papatūānuku, too. Best of luck to all the entrants ahead of next week’s big announcement! 🌻❤️
Exploring emotional regulation
Learning to solve problems and stay emotionally regulated along the way are important tasks of early childhood development. Kidsfirst Nuffield tamariki are doing great mahi in these areas with the help of Terry the Puppet, and his cousin, book character Tucker Turtle. When things get tricky, they drop their heads to their chests and focus on their breathing before thinking of solutions. They’ve shared lots of great ideas, including drawing, playing, having a sensory swing, finding a quiet ‘cocoon space’, and talking to a friend. It’s amazing what a few deep breaths – hā ki roto, hā ki waho – and some creative ideas will do 🐢❤️😊
A month filled with culture
Kia ora, nĭ hăo, malo e lelei! At Kidsfirst, we weave culture into every day. Kidsfirst Nuffield marked Te Wiki o te Reo Māori recently with daily kapa haka practices, and waiata. We’ve also had Tongan, and Chinese Language Week this month, with lots happening. Ka pai tō mahi – great work everyone!
Sensory learning flourishes
There’s so much to learn and so many ways to grow at kindergarten, and these early years are a pivotal time in young children’s development. Tamariki at Kidsfirst Nuffield are exploring the world through their senses this year, and in the process building strength, co-ordination, body awareness and confidence. Wheelbarrow races, yoga, jumping sack races and crawling through a sensory tunnel are all part of the fun.
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A proudly New Zealand owned and operated not-for-profit kindergarten association with over 110 years of kiwi heritage
