Kidsfirst Kindergartens Sumner

Welcome to Kidsfirst Kindergartens Sumner, located in the heart of our vibrant beach community in Christchurch, New Zealand. Situated right next to Sumner School, our kindergarten embraces the importance of community and whānau (family) involvement, which is reflected in our daily program.

Our dedicated teachers, or Ngā kaiako, are responsive to the interests, strengths, and capabilities of children aged 2 to 5 years. Inside our Ngahere room, you'll find stunning painted murals showcasing our natural landscape. We gather each day at Tuawera/Cave Rock for group activities, empowering children to have a voice in shaping our program. At Kidsfirst Kindergartens Sumner, we ensure that every child's thoughts and ideas are valued, creating a place of learning where their interests, skills, and abilities are acknowledged and supported.

Our kindergarten provides various areas for children to explore and engage in play experiences alongside their peers. With a wide range of resources and equipment, including quiet, creative, and imaginative play areas, learning happens at each child's pace. Our spacious backyard offers grassy areas, native and exotic trees that change with the seasons, an edible garden, and equipment designed to support physical growth and development. Set against the stunning coastal setting, children can engage in hands-on exploratory play with sand, mud, water, flowers, and foliage.

Children at Kidsfirst Kindergartens Sumner take responsibility for caring for the outdoor environment, fostering an appreciation for Kaitiakitanga (guardianship) of our natural world. They actively participate in planting and maintaining the garden, as well as feeding birds during the winter. Our worm farm and insect hotel allow children to observe life cycles, while the budding trees and abundant birdlife provide daily opportunities for learning and teaching.

We deliver a Tiriti (Treaty)-based curriculum, ensuring children learn about and understand the cultural history and stories of the Sumner area. By incorporating these aspects into our program, we enrich the learning experiences for children. We foster respectful relationships with tamariki (children) and their whānau, creating a supportive environment where they can succeed in their learning. Each child's unique identity and contributions are valued, celebrated, and affirmed.

Te Ao Māori (the Māori world) holds a prominent place in our kindergarten program, with a strong focus on fostering Whanaungatanga (family, relationships, history, traditions) and Ūkaipōtanga (belonging and connection). We warmly welcome and support children, parents, and whānau, valuing their voices, views, and contributions to their children's learning.

At Kidsfirst Kindergartens Sumner, we see our kindergarten as an extension of home, where we respect one another and the world we live in. We promote a "community of learners," where adults and children learn together (Ako me te Tuakana Teina), and we value the links between kindergarten and home. Each child has a web-based portfolio that showcases their growth, learning, and development, allowing kaiako, parents, and whānau to share in their journey and provide valuable feedback.

We celebrate the natural world and are committed to sustainable practices. Children have access to a variety of natural resources, and we minimize the use of plastic, opting for recycled or sustainable materials whenever possible.

Our close proximity to Sumner School has allowed us to establish a great relationship, with visits and catch-ups between the two institutions. This supports a smooth transition to school for your child. We also have strong connections with other local schools, and you'll often find us visiting the local Playgroup, Library, Care Home, or engaging in beach clean-ups as kaitiaki (guardians) of the seafront steps.

We recommend enrolling your child for at least two full days initially, gradually building up to five days at their own pace. This allows our teachers to get to know your child and ensures consistency in supporting their learning.

Nau mai, tauti mai - come in any time! We are incredibly proud of our unique learning environment and would love to show you around. Kidsfirst Kindergartens Sumner is truly a wonderful place to learn and grow!