Find Our Kindergarten
Why Choose Us
At Kidsfirst Wigram, tamariki embark on exciting learning adventures as they set their own goals, tackle new challenges and dive into exciting projects. In our thoughtfully designed spaces, tamariki make their own choices while exploring their curiosity and imagination through investigation and discovery alongside our fully qualified, registered kaiako.
Young explorers regularly venture into Wigram and beyond, strengthening their connections with the community as they discover what it means to be kaitiaki of their environment. When it’s time for the next step in their learning journey, our strong relationships with local schools help make this transition natural and exciting.
In our newly refurbished, calm and bright indoor spaces, children choose between independent discovery and collaborative play with friends. Our beautiful Big Backyard, sheltered by mature trees, invites tamariki to explore through sand and water play, imaginative adventures and physical challenges. Here, children’s senses come alive as they discover the wonders of nature, from birdsong and buzzing insects to fragrant flowers and fascinating textures.
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 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.
Latest News
Bathukamma celebrations at kindy
At kindergarten, we love to celebrate what tamariki and whānau bring to kindy in terms of their own culture – mōhiotanga. Kidsfirst Wigram celebrated the Hindu festival Bathukamma, with help from kindy mum, Lavanya. Tamariki dressed in cultural outfits, and danced to traditional music, with the festival represented by beautiful stacks of special flowers. A huge thanks to all of the whānau who made it happen – what a beautiful way to enrich the kindy community with tradition and meaning ❤️🌸
Buzzing for the Three Bees
Knitting club spreading the warmth
At Kidsfirst, we are grateful for the koha local groups bless our kindergartens and whānau with, and when the gifts are homemade, they are all the more special. The Hope Church Knitting Club are long-time supporters of Kidsfirst Wigram, and tamariki were recently excited to welcome Linda, Maxine and Dianne from the group. The trio came with bags full of knitted clothes for children and toys alike, and there were even special gifts for families with young babies. “The work that goes into these amazing clothes is incredible, and so is the detail, the time and love that is shared in our community to keep our tamariki warm as they play and learn,” says Head Teacher Felicity Jenkins. If you’re keen to support your local kindergarten, visit the Support Us page on our website – there are so many ways to give – and fun to be had along the way! 🌟❤️ https://www.kidsfirst.co.nz/support-us.
Start of term launches fun, laughter and learning
Today was the first day of Term 3, and tamariki had a great time connecting with friends, and getting into the fun, learning and laughter of kindergarten. It was a big day for Kidsfirst Wigram and Hei Hei, who have shared some photos with us – kei runga noa atu – what awesome mahi.
Growing relationships and friendship at kindy
There’s been a lot happening at Kidsfirst Wigram. Kindergarten is a fantastic place for young tamariki to grow relationships, explore new ideas, and make friendships that can last a lifetime. These tamariki have been spending time outside in their big backyard, connecting with nature, learning new skills, and having fun. Koia kei a koutou, you’re awesome.
Unused wall sparks creativity
Tamariki love to explore all corners of our big backyards. At Kidsfirst Wigram, they love their space, says head teacher Felicity Jenkins, so kaiako decided to utilise an underused area and turn it into a creativity wall, for tamariki to show off their skills. The wall has three stations – a pin board where tamariki can draw, and put their artwork up to dry, a blackboard, with colours and the excitement of drawing big shapes with chalk, and a wall finished with magnetic paint, so tamariki can stick shapes, and create patterns and constructions of their own.
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A proudly New Zealand owned and operated not-for-profit kindergarten association with over 110 years of kiwi heritage
