Find Our Kindergarten
Why Choose Us
At Kidsfirst Wales Street, each child embarks on their unique learning journey, exploring and discovering at a pace that’s right for them. Tamariki grow into confident learners, developing strong foundations in literacy and numeracy while building meaningful connections with te ao Māori alongside our fully qualified, registered kaiako.
Every tamaiti’s voice shapes their learning adventure, as they work together with their whānau and teachers to discover new interests and possibilities. Through daily experiences, tamariki develop essential life skills – building friendships, solving problems and growing the confidence to seek help when needed.
In our calm and homelike environment, children’s natural curiosity flourishes as they explore thoughtfully presented resources that spark imagination and discovery. Each child’s mana, wairua and mauri is celebrated as they learn to be mindful and respectful of their surroundings and each other.
Our Big Backyard offers children endless opportunities for growth and adventure. Here, tamariki challenge themselves, find peaceful moments under mature trees, tend to gardens and develop physical skills through specially designed play spaces. Whether racing across grass, creating in the all-weather areas or finding quiet spots for reflection, children have the freedom to explore and learn in ways that excite them.
Through regular community adventures and strong connections with local schools, children develop a sense of belonging that makes their journey to school a natural and exciting next step.
Nau mai, tauti mai – come and 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
Kindy brings Te Tiriti to life
Waitangi Day is always a special one for our kindergartens as we explore its meaning and our country’s rich cultural history. This year, Kidsfirst Wales Street brought Te Tiriti to life with experiences, creativity and lots of learning about the art of waka carving. It was great to see so many whānau come along, too. Ka pai, Wales Street – what a way to mark this significant day ❤️
Wales Street’s golden party week
There’s nothing like a kindergarten birthday to spark whakamanamana, and they sure know how to have fun at Kidsfirst Wales Street. Every day of the week celebrating their 50th brought a new focus, with crazy hats, a soft toy picnic, ice-cream treats, a movie, and more. Two cakes, including an allergy-friendly one lovingly prepared by whānau made sure that everybody got a celebratory slice, and there was another sugar rush when Kidsfirst Chief Executive Sherryll Wilson turned up with a special Kidsfirst offering. Now that’s how you celebrate 50 years — ka pai, Kidsfirst Wales Street ❤️ here’s to the next half century.
Remembering Queen Elizabeth II
Kua hinga te tōtara i Te Waonui-a-Tāne (The tōtara tree has fallen in Tāne’s great forest). Tamariki at many of our kindergartens have been talking about HM Queen Elizabeth II, and her passing. Kaiako have been quick to respond, reflecting the interest within our communities and ngā tamariki. Kidsfirst Wales Street shared this wonderful drawing by Ruby, of the Queen enjoying afternoon tea with Paddington Bear.
Manaakitanga with a koha with for Vanatu
A little goes a long way, and tamariki love to do what they can when they hear about people in need. Kidsfirst Wales Street tamariki put their manaakitanga to good use, working with Pacific Pathways NZ to put together a koha for preschools in cyclone-hit Vanuatu. Tamariki were excited to donate money, toys, and learning resources to other children. The kindergarten truly embodied the phrase “he whānau kotahi tātou” – we are all one big family. Ka rawe, Kidsfirst Wales Street – what awesome mahi.
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A proudly New Zealand owned and operated not-for-profit kindergarten association with over 110 years of kiwi heritage
