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.
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A proudly New Zealand owned and operated not-for-profit kindergarten association with over 110 years of kiwi heritage
