Kidsfirst Kindergartens Linwood

Welcome to Kidsfirst Kindergartens Linwood! Located in Christchurch on Rochester Street, our kindergarten is nestled in a quiet neighborhood surrounded by a diverse and close-knit community. Established in 1928 in the local church hall, we have a rich history of providing quality early education to children aged 2-5 years. In 1936, we moved into our purpose-built kindergarten on our current site, and generations of families have trusted us with their children's education.

At Kidsfirst Kindergartens Linwood, we strive to create a homelike environment where children feel comfortable and inspired to explore. Our dedicated teachers, or Ngā kaiako, are responsive to each child's interests, strengths, and capabilities. We believe that learning should occur at the child's pace, and our resources are intentionally presented to encourage critical thinking and exploration.

Our kindergarten is a place where mana, wairua, and mauri thrive. We encourage our tamariki (children) to be mindful and in awe of the world around them, fostering respect for the environment they play and learn in. Our spacious backyard offers ample opportunities for active play and exploration. From kicking balls to climbing on boxes, swinging, and using our purpose-built scooter track, children can challenge themselves and develop their physical abilities. Our large bird aviary also provides a unique learning experience, teaching children about pet care and natural life cycles.

We prioritize building strong relationships with our children and their whānau (family). Our supportive and inclusive approach ensures that every child feels celebrated and affirmed for who they are. Our teaching team delivers a Tiriti-based curriculum, incorporating the cultural history and stories of the Linwood area to enrich the learning experience. Te Ao Māori, or the Māori world, is given prominence in all aspects of our programme, fostering a sense of Whanaungatanga (family, relationships, history, traditions) and Ūkaipōtanga (belonging and connection).

Culturally-responsive practices are at the heart of our kindergarten. We deeply respect and celebrate the language, culture, and identity of our Pacific children and families, nurturing a positive and confident sense of self. Our well-resourced literacy and numeracy programme supports children with diverse needs, including English language learners.

At Kidsfirst Kindergartens Linwood, we have an open-door policy, welcoming whānau to stay and spend time with us during sessions. We believe that involving families brings richness to our programme and strengthens the connection between home and kindergarten. Once a term, we gather as a community to share and celebrate the learning happening in our space, including extended whānau, past and present.

We are deeply rooted in our community and regularly engage in activities outside of the kindergarten. From visits to the library and neighborhood rest home to trips to the beach, estuary, and art gallery, we help children make sense of the wider world. We also have regular visits from the CCC Outreach Librarian and local kaiawhina (Health Navigator) and maintain strong links with local primary schools, Plunket, and social and family support agencies.

If you're considering enrolling your child at Kidsfirst Kindergartens Linwood, we recommend starting with at least two full days, gradually building up to five days at your child's pace. This approach allows our teachers to get to know your child and establish a strong relationship, providing consistency in supporting their learning.

We invite you to visit us anytime and experience the warmth and inclusivity of our kindergarten. Our open doors are always ready to welcome you. Keep an eye out for our special offers, as we occasionally provide opportunities for more children to join our not-for-profit, community kindergarten. Hurry, as spaces are limited and these offers only apply for a limited time. Conditions apply. Nau mai, tauti mai - come in any time, we'll show you around and make you feel welcome!