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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

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.

Talking animals for World Wildlife Day
March 2, 2021

Talking animals for World Wildlife Day

World Wildlife Day is here. We asked some tamariki and kaiako from Kidsfirst Sunbeam and Hoon Hay what their favourite animal is (wild or otherwise). Their answers ranged from a humble dog, to the terrifying T-Rex.

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