Find Our Kindergarten
19 Harakeke St
Riccarton
Christchurch
New Zealand
Why Choose Us
Kidsfirst Riccarton’s multicultural community creates a uniquely diverse learning environment. Fully qualified, registered kaiako support tamariki to celebrate their cultural identities while building an understanding of others’ traditions and perspectives. The languages and cultures of our community are woven into daily kindy life, and we are privileged to have generous-spirited whānau with roots all over the world who regularly share their experiences and knowledge.
Through our special relationship with Enliven and Totara House, small groups regularly visit older community members. These important connections enrich our programme through shared songs, games and stories, and create meaningful friendships across age groups.
In our Big Backyard, the kindy’s large covered veranda means outdoor exploration in all weather, while a gigantic sandpit provides enough space for every child to play together, fostering natural collaboration and social skills.
Specially designed zones inside our warm and inviting building support various forms of expression, from reading and relaxing to creating, constructing and getting active. Natural elements like sand, shells and wood are thoughtfully incorporated throughout helping tamariki connect with the natural world and their role as kaitiaki.
Being so close to Riccarton Bush enriches our programme through regular visits, while strong relationships with local primary schools support smooth transitions when children are ready for that next important step.
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.
What Families Say
Latest News
NZ Army band brings Xmas to kindy
Right now, our kindergartens are brimming with Christmas cheer, and Kidsfirst Riccarton was no exception when the New Zealand Army Band stopped by and filled the air with festive music. Tamariki, whānau and kaiako watched, sang, and danced along. What a fantastic way to help bring the kindy year to a close. Kia ora – thank you 🎄🎺
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A proudly New Zealand owned and operated not-for-profit kindergarten association with over 110 years of kiwi heritage
