Find Our Kindergarten
Bethany Road & Granite Drive
Rolleston
New Zealand
Why Choose Us
At Kidsfirst West Rolleston, children develop confidence as they explore, question and make sense of their world. Tamariki grow into natural risk-takers and strategic thinkers as they build social skills and discover new ideas alongside their friends and fully qualified, registered kaiako.
The whānau room buzzes with life as children and families gather, creating a warm bridge between home and kindergarten life. Here, tamariki experience the true meaning of manaakitanga and whanaungatanga through daily connections and shared moments.
Young explorers regularly venture into Rolleston, discovering their role as kaitiaki of their environment. Exciting visits from the library bus, local police and fire service help children build strong connections with their community. Through celebrations of diverse cultures and traditions, tamariki develop a deep appreciation for the richness of their world.
In our bright and warm spaces designed with mana whenua values at heart, children’s natural creativity and wonder flourish. Large windows keep tamariki connected to their neighborhood while they explore thoughtfully chosen resources that spark imagination and discovery.
Our Big Backyard is an adventurer’s paradise, where a covered all-weather veranda leads to endless possibilities. Young scientists and artists thrive in our productive gardens while budding athletes test their skills in physical challenge zones. The magical centerpiece is our expansive sandpit, surrounded by glacial boulders that flow into a rock river, gravel pit, and mud pit – perfect for imaginative play and hands-on discovery.
When it’s time for the next step in their learning journey, our close relationship with the local primary school helps make this transition natural and exciting.
Nau mai, haere 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
A special tractor delivery
Things will be off to a roaring start this new year with a brand new pedal tractor at Kidsfirst West Rolleston. At the end of last year, the tractor was delivered by a kindy dad in a life-sized Deutz-Fahr tractor after the West Rolleston name was selected out of a prize draw. Tamariki excitedly watched the humungous tractor roll on in, and took turns having a go with their new kindy equipment. The kindy would like to share a huge thanks to Power Farming New Zealand and Kramp New Zealand for their generosity 🚜❤️
Handcrafted love for Mother’s Day
It’s Mother’s Day this weekend – and while we celebrate our whānau all year round, it’s the perfect opportunity to show some extra aroha. At Kidsfirst West Rolleston, tamariki have been making special cards for their mums, complete with creative bits of art, and kind words. Hari Rā Māmā – Happy Mother’s Day from our whānau to yours ❤️😊
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A proudly New Zealand owned and operated not-for-profit kindergarten association with over 110 years of kiwi heritage
