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Kidsfirst Sunbeam

Find Our Kindergarten

13 Cornwall Street
Saint Albans
Christchurch
New Zealand

03 366 7157

027 391 6743

sunbeam@kidsfirst.org.nz

2 to school age

8:30am to 2:30pm
Monday to Friday
Term Breaks

 Over a hundred years young and still going strong, Kidsfirst Sunbeam has been the choice of generations of tamariki and whānau. We’re on Cornwell Street behind the Supermarket – look out for our Kidsfirst flags. 

Why Choose Us

Relationships with parents, family and whānau at Sunbeam are based on trust, respect, and open communication. Kanohi ki te kanohi (face to face conversations) are valued immensely and help us to support your child’s learning journey. We love it when whānau come in to share their skills, knowledge, language and culture – enriching our programme.

You’ll often see us out and about in our community, using the opportunity to help our tamariki make connections to the wider community, and supporting them to make sense of their place in it.  We even have a sister-city relationship with Asahi Kindergarten in Kurashiki!  We have strong links with our local primary schools, which supports the transition to school for you and your child, as he/she moves on from Kindergarten.

Kidsfirst Kindergartens Sunbeam is a well-resourced kindergarten with a spacious, welcoming, and attractive and child-centred environment for children. Inside we provide lots of opportunities to try new things, inspire curiosity and develop creativity through play. We work to provide an atmosphere full of fun in a beautiful and natural environment that gives our children independence and sense of belonging.

Our beautiful, Big Backyard has lots of room for children to be challenged, to explore and to develop their physical skills, with a variety of moveable equipment that allows children to set their own challenges. Green grass, gardens, areas to experience physical challenges such as climbing trees, and equipment specially designed to support children’s physical growth and development are features, and our big trees provide shelter outside in all weather.

Nau mai, tauti mai – come in any time – we’ll show you around and make you welcome!

Why Kidsfirst Kindergartens

We’re all about relationships at Kidsfirst Sunbeam, with an emphasis on trust, respect and open communication. Our fully qualified, registered kaiako value kanohi ki te kanohi – face-to-face conversations, creating strong partnerships with whānau. This approach supports a deep understanding of each child’s journey while enriching our programme through shared skills, languages and cultures.
You’ll often see us out and about helping tamariki make connections to the wider community, and supporting them to make sense of their place in it. Our connections go far and wide – we even have a sister-city relationship with Asahi Kindergarten in Kurashiki.
Historic trees in our Big Backyard provide natural shelter for year-round outdoor exploration. Tamariki play beneath branches that have sheltered generations of tamariki, creating their own stories in this special space. Here, valuable lessons are learned about the importance of kaitiakitanga and the world around us.
Inside we provide lots of opportunities to try new things, inspire curiosity and develop creativity through play. There are plenty of resources and lots of opportunities led by fully qualified, registered kaiako to spark curiosity and creativity.
When the time comes to move on to the next stage of your child’s educational journey, strong connections 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.

What Families Say

AMAAZZIINNNGG!! Sunbeam has and will always be a special place for my family, the kaiako here are beyond amazing so gentle and kind souls welcoming everyone every morning, always happy and offers morning coffees! Here at Sunbeam there is a sense of warmth and belonging and for me that is the foundation of a safe place for kids to explore. My daughter has been going here since she was 2 and has loved going kindy everyday, my son who turns 2 in July already loves being here and he hasn't even started yet, we have been moving suburbs throughout the years and still choosing to stay with Sunbeam has been the best decision for my kids first years of schooling! We love this kindy!!

- Kidsfirst Sunbeam whānau

We were lucky enough to find Sunbeam Kindergarten in our local neighbourhood, and after visiting several other preschools, there were several reasons that Sunbeam stood out for us. Firstly, the teachers. Every teacher is warm, genuine and connected to the children. They nurture both of our children and provide a safe, inspiring and happy place to learn and play away from home. Secondly, the environment of the kindy is quite special. A natural wonderland that is filled with invitations to play and learn. There is always something our children are excited about, whether it be water play, beautiful paint set ups or sitting down with a book in one of the many cosy nooks. We feel extremely fortunate that our children are experiencing their early childhood education at Sunbeam and highly recommend it to others.

- Kidsfirst Sunbeam whānau

My son has been attending Kidsfirst Sunbeam for 2 years now and I can honestly say it is an amazing kindy. The space is wonderful with such a wide variety of activities available to suit any child. New activities are set up daily and so much thought goes into this to make sure not only are the kids having fun but learning as well. The outside area is outstanding. Perfect for my boy who loves adventure and construction play. The sandpit is huge and encourages all the kids to play and create. The teachers and helpers are beyond amazing. Every time I drop my son to kindy I feel safe and secure, knowing how caring they are and how well they look after the children. They provide such a safe an nurturing environment for all the smalls and I am eternally grateful for my son having the chance to attend Sunbeam.

- Kidsfirst Sunbeam whānau

Kidsfirst Sunbeam Kindergarten is an absolute gem. The teachers are warm, attentive, and genuinely invested in every child’s development. The environment is safe, engaging, and full of opportunities for learning through play. Our three kids have thrived here! I highly recommend to any parents looking for a nurturing, high-quality early childhood centre. Ka pai team Sunbeam!

- Kidsfirst Sunbeam whānau

Kidsfirst Sunbeam is amazing! It is such a special kindergarten. The teachers are incredible - they’re caring, passionate and genuine. And they’ve created such a friendly and welcoming environment that the kids love. All 3 of my children have thrived here. I recommend it to everyone!

- Kidsfirst Sunbeam whānau

My son has had such a wonderful experience at this kindy! The staff are incredibly caring and create a warm, nurturing environment. He's learned so much and genuinely loves going every day. Highly recommend!

- Kidsfirst Sunbeam whānau

Sunbeam kindy is such a special place. From the moment you walk in you can feel the warm, family-like atmosphere. The teachers have built genuine, positive relationships with the children. They have taken the time to know each child and their families. You can see how much they care in the little things, such as how they speak to the children, how they support them through challenges and how they celebrate their achievements. Most importantly all 3 of our children have been happy to be there. Sunbeam kindy is a nurturing, safe, inclusive and fun environment for our children.

- Kidsfirst Sunbeam whānau

Not only is the centre visually stunning, the teachers are wonderful. They make deep connections with the children and parents. They also bring out such wonderful learning and are so calm. It has been a wonderful experience for both our boys to be there!

- Kidsfirst Sunbeam whānau

Both of my children attend here and it’s truly the best early childhood learning centre I’ve come across. You can feel the warmth when you walk through the door and the teachers genuinely care and have an active interest in each individual child and their needs. The centre is a great size and the activities they set up for the children are varied and different each day dependant on the current interests of the children. It’s a warm, inviting and healthy learning environment for children and I highly recommend Kidsfirst Sunbeam to any parents out there!

- Kidsfirst Sunbeam whānau

An amazing kindy! We moved here when my son was 3, all of the teachers are warm genuine and welcoming. Every day they genuinely care about your children and accept them in every way. Their approach to learning and growing is refreshing and forgiving. I plan to send my second child here too amazing kindy would recommend to everyone!

- Kidsfirst Sunbeam whānau

Sunbeam has been such a happy and special place for our boys. The kaiako are kind and attentive, genuinely know each child, and create an environment our boys are excited to go to each day.

- Kidsfirst Sunbeam whānau

I cannot recommend Sunbeam enough, it is simply the place I would have dreamt of when I was a 4 year old. My child loves it, he is learning so much every day at his own pace. The kaiako are so lovely, they take care of the children in such a considerate way and always go above and beyond our expectations. Thank you!

- Kidsfirst Sunbeam whānau

From the moment you walk through the gate, the warm friendly environment and beautiful grounds just wrap you up in a hug. It’s such a well run kindy with the very best and supportive teachers you could ask for. I always drive away content, knowing my boys are being so well cared for and learning new things every day. Most importantly, they LOVE going to kindy!

- Kidsfirst Sunbeam whānau

The teachers are communicative and good at what they do, leaves me at ease. The school is filled with fun, and the learning and just so lovely. The kind of early learning environment I would very much love for my daughter to be in.

- Kidsfirst Sunbeam whānau

Latest News

Reconnecting in the Big Backyard
October 18, 2024

Reconnecting in the Big Backyard

It’s been a week of reconnection, fun and exploration at Kidsfirst Sunbeam as the summer term kicks off. Old friends have caught up and new ones welcomed, tamariki have nurtured their Big Backyard as kaitiaki, and there’s been laughter and learning inside and out. Koia kei a koutou, Kidsfirst Sunbeam – you’re awesome ☀️❤️

A gift across generations
March 18, 2024

A gift across generations

You’ll often hear us talk about how much we treasure our intergenerational ties – and after 110 years-plus, there are a lot of them! Thanks to the generosity of a group of residents from local retirement village, Arvida Living Well Communities St Albans, Kidsfirst Sunbeam is the proud new owner of a special low-stimulation space where all tamariki can feel relaxed and recharged. The new whare was lovingly crafted by Jack, a 97 year-old retired carpenter, and head of maintenance, Stephen. It provides a calm, quiet place for children to rest and self-regulate, and it’s a beautiful legacy that will benefit generations to come. Koia kei a koutou to all the members of the Arvida St Albans Community Shed – what a great bunch of people ❤️

110 years of learning and fun!
September 28, 2021

110 years of learning and fun!

Tamariki, whānau, kaiako, and the community came together yesterday to celebrate Kidsfirst Sunbeam’s 110th birthday. As our first kindergarten, it opened it’s doors to excited tamariki for the first time in 1911 – it’s a long time ago, but not much has changed – kindergarten is still the perfect place for children to learn, have fun, and make friendships that can last a lifetime. Rā whānau ki a koe Kidsfirst Sunbeam, and thanks for all the great memories.

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A proudly New Zealand owned and operated not-for-profit kindergarten association with over 110 years of kiwi heritage