Find Our Kindergarten
13 Cornwall Street
Saint Albans
Christchurch
New Zealand
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
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 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
Fun, no matter the weather!
No matter the weather, the winter term at Kidsfirst Sunbeam is all about getting into the good stuff – play, learning, and time together. With a Big Backyard made for climbing, running and practising kaitiakitanga, there’s always lots to do. Inside, creative inspiration, kōrero and storytelling are everywhere, all driven by the interests of tamariki and fostered by fully qualified, registered kaiako. It’s a great time of year to be at kindy 😃🎨🌳
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
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!
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
