Kidsfirst Kindergartens Cashmere

childcare — Cashmere · Christchurch

About Kidsfirst Kindergartens Cashmere

Kidsfirst Cashmere is a not-for-profit kindergarten for tamariki aged 2 to school age, nestled in a peaceful laneway off Hackthorne Road in Cashmere, Christchurch — right beside Cashmere Primary School and close to the Port Hills. Being so near the hills shapes day-to-day kindy life, offering inspiring views and a special connection to this distinctive part of the city.

Inside, light-filled spaces give children plenty of time, opportunities and resources to be creative and expressive. Tamariki learn through play, at their own pace and through their own interests, guided by fully qualified, registered teachers following Te Whāriki, the New Zealand Curriculum.

Outdoors, the beautiful Big Backyard offers room to explore the natural world under large, mature trees, with peaceful areas for calm and reflection and a growing understanding of children's role as kaitiaki. Families also mention wonderful off-site adventures to the local bush area for older children.

The diverse languages and cultures of the hill community are woven into daily kindy life, and generous-spirited whānau with roots all over the world regularly share their experiences. Families are always welcome to visit, stay and take part. Sessions run 8:30am to 2:30pm, Monday to Friday, during term time.

Signature items

  • The Big Backyard
  • Port Hills Views
  • Transition to School
  • Te Whāriki Learning
  • Whānau Welcome
  • Registered Kaiako

Menu

Learning Programme

  • Play-Based Learning — Tamariki learn through their own interests, at their own pace, guided by registered teachers.
  • Te Whāriki Curriculum — The New Zealand Curriculum guides all teaching and learning programmes.
  • Creative & Expressive Play — Light-filled indoor spaces with rich resources for creativity and self-expression.

Outdoor & Environment

  • The Big Backyard — Room to explore the natural world under large, mature trees in all weather.
  • Peaceful Reflection Spaces — Quiet outdoor corners for calm and reflection within the kindy grounds.
  • Local Bush Excursions — Older tamariki get off-site opportunities to explore the local bush area.
  • Kaitiaki Learning — Children deepen their understanding of their role as guardians of the natural world.

Growing Up & Community

  • Transition to School — Beside Cashmere Primary, children familiarise themselves with school before the next step.
  • Culture & Language — Diverse languages and cultures of the hill community woven into daily kindy life.
  • Whānau Involvement — Families are welcome to visit, stay and share their skills and culture.
  • Stay and Play & Tours — Book a tour or join a Stay and Play session to experience kindy life before starting.