Find Our Kindergarten
63 Woolley Street
Avondale
Christchurch
New Zealand
Why Choose Us
Kidsfirst Woolley Street tamariki embark on daily adventures that spark their curiosity and imagination through play, creativity and exploration. Tamariki grow into confident learners as they discover their interests and connect deeply with te ao Māori and the natural world around them.
Young explorers love their regular adventures into the community, wearing hi-vis vests as they discover local playgrounds, explore the red zone and enjoy picnics in the park. Many of our whānau share fond memories of their own childhood adventures here, creating a special connection across generations.
Our beautiful Big Backyard is a wonderland of discovery where children become archaeologists digging for dinosaur bones in our huge sandpit, scientists experiment with water play, and skilled cyclists master our track around the lawn. Tamariki build confidence as they tackle physical challenges on our climbing frame and swings, finding moments of joy and relaxation in our peaceful outdoor spaces.
Nature comes alive for our young investigators as they hunt for bugs, observe birds, smell fragrant flowers and discover fascinating textures. Through these hands-on experiences, they develop an appreciation for protecting and caring for the natural world around them.
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.
What Families Say
Latest News
Jumping into the year of the rabbit
Kidsfirst Woolley Street had a great start to the Year of the Rabbit this week. Tamariki immersed themselves in the spirit of this important season on the Chinese calendar, making lanterns, dragons, and masks, and enjoying the traditional story of how the Chinese zodiac came to be ❤️🐰
Hands on poi making!
Matariki is always such a great time at our kindergartens. Kidsfirst Woolley Street got hands on, making poi which they used to bring a waiata to life. Matariki was a special time across all our kindergartens, and, as always, we were so excited to share it with tamariki, whānau, and communities.
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A proudly New Zealand owned and operated not-for-profit kindergarten association with over 110 years of kiwi heritage
