Find Our Kindergarten
19 Banks Street
Templeton
Christchurch
New Zealand
Why Choose Us
At Kidsfirst Templeton, children experience exceptional learning opportunities in a unique setting between school and farm. A stunning waharoa welcomes families into a space where connections with Ngāti Moki Marae enrich your child’s understanding of local legends and Te Waihora.
Our Big Backyard offers children a living classroom where they develop kaitiakitanga through daily connections with the natural world. Here, tamariki learn about sustainability and environmental care while tending to gardens and discovering the wonders of the changing seasons.
From the playground bridge, children enjoy front-row views of neighbouring farm activities, while hands-on experiences with hei hei, a worm farm and gardens bring rural life close to home. Kindy life extends far beyond the gates, and you’ll see us out and about making connections in our community and new friends along the way.
Our kindy is a great way to connect with other local families – regular community events bring whānau together through picnics, discos, wheel-a-thons and movie nights. These gatherings embody the treasured whakatauki: ‘Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi engari he toa takitini’ – celebrating the collective strengths of the community.
Smooth transitions to school are supported through regular visits to new entrant classes, helping older children build confidence about their next learning journey.
Nau mai, tauti 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
Family fun keeps kindy hearts strong
Whānau and kotahitanga were the focus for a special Healthy Heart Day at Kidsfirst Templeton last week. Lots of energy was burned with egg and spoon, three-legged races, and sack jumping, before healthy kai was shared, and everyone had a well deserved rest ❤️ You’re awesome, Templeton – koia kei a koutou.
Finding a place on a big day out
Learning more about their individual place in the world, being kaitiakitanga of nature, and celebrating whānau connections were all part of a big day out recently. The tamariki from Kidsfirst Templeton were lucky enough to venture out to Te Waihora (Lake Ellesmere), you can read all about it here: https://tinyurl.com/9vb6nsza
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A proudly New Zealand owned and operated not-for-profit kindergarten association with over 110 years of kiwi heritage
