The Year in Reviews

There's so much to celebrate as we enter the Festive season – and a recent flurry of Google reviews has ended the year on a high note.

An Educa post asking whānau to leave a review for their kindergarten if they would like to share their Kidsfirst experience led to a deluge last month that we're still working our way through.

As is typical of the overwhelming majority of reviews, these are overwhelmingly positive, and are consistent in their themes. We look forward to sharing a more indepth analysis with you in the New Year, but below is a snapshot that is representative of the whole.

Our warm, welcoming environments, nurturing and professional kaiako, bicutural and multicultural focus and Big Backyards were recurring themes, along with a sense of stability, calm and nostalgia. Some reviewers commented that you don't need flashy facilities to have a great ECE experience, and spoke to many of the values we work hard to foster every day at Kidsfirst.

And then there was this little gem from a Vickery Street parent:

"My kid loved it. Great teachers, and the parties they threw were off the hook...for a kindy."

Check out some of the Google reviews below.

Kidsfirst Avonhead

"This Kindy is just amazing. My son is just so happy and excited every time he goes to kindy. The teachers are great and friendly. Whenever I drop my son off or pick him up it just feels so comfortable and easy. I would suggest this kindy over and over best one I have ever experienced by far."

Kidsfirst Beckenham

"A fabulous place where children have so much fun and laughter learning together through play. The teachers are caring and supportive, working closely with parents as the tamariki start their kindy journey. The environment is engaging with interesting set ups that allow creativity and imagination to flourish! In the school holidays my little one was waking up asking 'kindy day now, kindy day now ' – to me that says it all. Thanks Beckenham kindy team, you are awesome!"

Kidsfirst Belfast

"My daughter loves it here has lots of fun, great yard for playing in, lots to do, great teachers, all great with all the children. My older daughter also went here and Christine was her teacher and Rosemary as well. Nice they both get to be a part of my girls kindy years."

Kidsfirst Broomfield

"One of the best preschools for children. My 4yr old goes there, it’s been 2yrs and she learned so much since then!! Teachers and the whole team just amazing, truly supportive and respectful towards different cultures. Looking forward to seeing my 2nd and 3rd join there too :) If you are in the area must visit PS: they don’t have fancy building etc but they do have what we need for our children. —Experienced and amazing teachers —unlimited learning resources —indoor and outdoor setup (being shuffled so it’s always exciting for kids) —kind hearted team is always there to listen and help with your children's need."

Kidsfirst Burnham

"Best kindy ever!! 😁

Kidsfirst Bush Street

"What a amazing kindergarten beautiful homely feel and positive atmosphere. My son absolutely loves it and is always engaged in the activities put on each day, the teachers are wonderful they are all so supportive and work with families for what's best for each individual child, my son has made lovely connections with each teacher and is flourishing. I can't recommend Bush Street Kidsfirst enough"

Kidsfirst Cashmere

"My children had an absolute blast attending Kidsfirst Cashmere. We couldn't thank them enough for taking such great care of our kids and helping them learn and grow! Kylie and her team are so great, and willing to go that extra mile to get to know our children and finding out what makes them happy, and allowing them to be themselves so they can get the most out of their kindergarten experience. I'd 100% recommend anyone to go and check it out and enrol! You won't regret it :)"

Kidsfirst Cotswold Avenue

"Best Kindy!!!! Can’t rate it high enough. The teachers are all amazing, they are nurturing, set up an engaging environment for the children and take such amazing care of the children and families. The outdoor environment is so nice and big! There are always amazing new resources! We love Cotswold Kindy!"

Kidsfirst Cromwell

"Our experience with Kidsfirst Kindergartens - Cromwell has been nothing short of exceptional. The teachers are incredibly attentive, providing a warm and caring environment that fosters growth and learning. The facility is inviting, diverse and engaging, promoting both academic and social development. Our daughter has flourished here, and we couldn't be happier. Highly recommend Kidsfirst Kindergartens - Cromwell.

Kidsfirst Edmonds Smith Street

"I attended this kindy when it was just Edmonds Smith Street Kindergarten back in 1989-1990 had great memories of what I can remember especially the play doh cake for birthdays 😁 fast forward 23 years later and my boys came here, they're now teens. Great Special Ed teachers my boy had which was Sue and Ally absolutely amazing 👌🏾. The team of teachers were friendly, caring and provided a loving, clean and safe environment for the tamariki for the time my boys were there anyway 🙂💚"

Kidsfirst Frankton

"Friendly and cooperative teachers, Abundant resources, Great atmosphere."

Kidsfirst Halswell

"Both my two children have gone to Halswell Kindergarten. If you are seeking childcare that has stable staffing, educational and lots of natural outdoor space, then this is for you. The stable staffing (some teachers have been there for circa 20 years) for me was the major drawcard, as I think it helps enable a sense of security for the children (and parents). I did initially try daycare for my eldest, like many parents, drawn to flash new facilities and food offerings. But when the staff were changing on such a regular basis, and with my child becoming so unsettled, kindergarten proved to be an excellent subsequent choice. I had no hesitation with sending my youngest there, and he currently is just thriving. Kindergarten is an excellent childcare option."

Kidsfirst Hargest Crescent

"Our boy Teddy LOVES this kindergarten. Kind and caring teaching team (award winners 😉), natural spaces – including a huge outdoor area and adjoining garden to work in, low numbers – never seems crowded or hectic, inviting/welcoming feel, sense of community (be as involved as suits) and multicultural. I highly recommend visiting this kindy in person. 💓"

Kidsfirst Hawthornden

"Kidsfirst Hawthornden is a wonderful kindergarten. It has a large outdoor area with a mix of modern and traditional play equipment for the children. The community at the kindergarten is strong, with many activities throughout the year which help bring whanau into the Centre and builds connection. My two children have both enjoyed their time at Hawthornden and I feel very happy to leave them their under the kind and capable care of the teachers. Highly recommend."

Kidsfirst Hokitika

"What a wonderful place for kids to grow and learn. The teachers are so friendly, kind, and caring, my daughter has learnt so much. has come forward in leaps, she loves going there. It's nice and very clean and so much learning goes on and they get the kids to do so much for themselves..."

Kidsfirst Hoon Hay

"An amazing place. One of the best kindergartens I've had the pleasure of being involved with."

Kidsfirst Hornby

"We were involved with Kidsfirst Hornby Kindergarten since my first born was two and sent my second child there as well. The place quickly became a second home to my children and they certainly miss it now since my youngest is at primary school.

The teachers are also very warm, friendly and professional. I love the way they engage with the children (be it during reading, play or even in the kitchen), how they cuddle them when they are upset and the overall way how they deal and look after kids. I was always at ease knowing that my children are in good hands when they were in kindy.

With the support of teachers and their connection with the community we all managed to make a few lifelong friends while attending this kindergarten.

With Kidsfirst Hornby and their bicultural engagement both my children learned to appreciate te reo Māori and has grown a hunger for other cultures as well as languages. (those who are not aware they created a song which says hello in many languages.)

Their indoor and outdoor flow gaves the kids many opportunities to engage in various activities they have set up for the day. The classrooms were always well resourced providing many learning opportunities while their big backyard with gardens taught them ways to take care of our environment.

Ka Pai Hornby Kindergarten."

Kidsfirst Ilam

"Really nice teachers and a great learning environment. Great location, so glad I went here."

Kidsfirst Karoro

"Great outdoor space. Under cover sandpit for when it's raining. Awesome staff team. Recommend this kindy to everyone."

Kidsfirst Kendal Ave

"Great kindy, excellent staff, family friendly. All my kids have been there. Best kindy ever."

Kidsfirst King Street

"Wonderful kindy with incredible teachers who are fully engaged with each child's learning. My kids have thrived."

Kidsfirst Lady May

"Our son attends Lady May Kidsfirst and we have found it is the best kindy for him! They are all loving and helpful teachers and always update you and inform you on everything you need to know."

Kidsfirst Lincoln

"Cam and her team at Kidsfirst kindy go above and beyond for the families and children they look after. They are all so welcoming it feels like one big family ⭐️"

Kidsfirst Lyttelton

"Our older has been going there for now 2 years and it is a wonderful place with a lot of beautiful outside space for playing, different modules and a beautiful energy. The inside is well organized and fluid. The teachers are loving people that share a deep respect and create a safe space to support the child through their early experience in this world. Thank you for everybody involved in making this place a magical place to be in."

Kidsfirst Mairehau

"Fantastic kindy! Great play spaces including a large backyard area with play equipment. Knowledgeable, attentive & experienced teachers. One of my children went here for 3 years and my other child is currently there. They absolutely love it. Family friendly community kindy. Can't say enough good things about Mairehau Kidsfirst kindy. Highly recommend 😍"

Kidsfirst Mathers Road

"The Kaiako at Mathers Rd Kidsfirst are amazing. Every morning our whānau arrives to a magical space, and my tamaiti is off for a day of adventures. We love the large outside play area, and the huge range of resources for the children."

Kidsfirst McKenzie

"Absolutely beautiful staff! Highly reccomended! (I'm a bit of a helicopter mum, and they're absolutely supportive with it 😁"

Kidsfirst Niu

"Excellent service, awesome people."

Kidsfirst North New Brighton

"Amazing, lovely and so supportive with both children and teachers!! The best kindy out there ❤️"

Kidsfirst Northcote

"My two children attended this centre. We choose it originally because it has a large outdoor space, with a great outdoor playground, a big sandpit, vegetable garden, lots of grass areas and lovely bushes and trees which offer endless oportunities for children to play and explore. We quickly learnt that the teachers are very experienced and truly committed to delivering high quality care and education. They work hard to build strong relationships with tamariki and whānau, making everyone feel welcome and create a strong sense of belonging."

Kidsfirst Ōpāwa St Martins

"We moved to this kindy to be closer to school – and have been blown away by the amazing teachers and how they nurture, teach and encourage all of the children. There is something really special about this kindy. There are plenty of trees for natural shade, and there is so much to explore outside. It is currently being renovated so the indoor space is going to be new and improved when it reopens next year!"

Kidsfirst Papanui

"Wonderful positive enviroment- a range of activites for the kids to do. Maryam, Claire, Jane, and Riffy; amazing teachers. No words to describe how hard working these teachers are. They care for each individual and it really shows when they summarize the progression over the weeks/months. Really grateful to be blessed with the teachers we have. Great influence on the kids. Motivated and driven to do what they love. Our whānau are forever grateful 🤗🙏"

Kidsfirst Phillipstown

"Awesome environment and great teachers. Highly recommended kindergarten in the neighbourhood."

Kidsfirst Queenspark

"The most supportive, warm and nurturing environment I ever could have wished for my children to spend their kindergarten days in. The Kaiako team make this place magical and I feel so lucky to have been apart of this awesome community for the past 3years. I have learnt so much from these knowledgeable and educated kaiako. Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou Kidsfirst Queenspark teaching team 💓"

Kidsfirst Riccarton

"I am very happy to have chosen such a good kindergarten for my children. Helen, Kay, and Ange all great and my kids love them!"

Kidsfirst Rutland Street

"The facility is very nice and serene. It's set back along a long drive. The outdoor areas are very nice; a huge sandpit, soft play areas, basketball hoop, and lovely trees. The teachers are amazing and couldn't be more attentive. This place is amazing and I feel so lucky to have found such a special place to take my child."

Kidsfirst Selwyn Street

"Enrolling my son in this Kindy was the best decision I’ve made for him. We moved from another centre (after visiting a few before that) and from the moment we walked in to Selwyn St Kindy we were made to feel so welcome; all staff immediately engaged with me, my son and my younger daughter too. Communication has been excellent, both in person and through the online platform, we always know what’s happening day to day. The kindy has a great large outdoor space and a beautiful and engaging indoor space. The teachers go above and beyond, embracing the strengths of families and celebrating the diverse community. What I love most is the genuine love and energy for the children, they truly put kids first and always take the time to comfort and listen to the children and their needs. They do it all, so many wonderful opportunities for the kids, they seek out interesting learning opportunities They sing with the kids, bake, use lots of te reo, actively teach about managing emotions, I really cannot fault them. It’s the kindy I wish all kids could have!"

Kidsfirst Shirley

"Lovely teachers. I love how they individually pay attention to the children's need and write a review and feeback in Educa so us parents can see the progress of what they are learning in school. I often get educated too on how they build up the learning through playing. My daughter loves her kindy so much. It's never a dull moment for her. She often feels sad when it is not her school day, she very much enjoys her kindy. Teachers are so approachable and loving and good values are very much imparted to my daughter. Would rate them higher than 5 stars."

Kidsfirst Sumner

"We had our 3 children attend this kindy, it was and still is their favourite place. The staff are absolutely wonderful and they are the highlight of this kindergarten. Their care and attention to every family is so special. The teachers have incredible knowledge and experience and they form such a lovely bond with the kids.

The old school feel of the kindy is nostalgic to our childhood with activities and toys we loved as kids too. They always have new and exciting stations setup for the kids to explore. The outside space is ideal, a large sandpit, mud kitchen and woodwork table were amongst our children’s favs. The new playground is coming along so well and we look forward to seeing the progress. Highly recommend this kindergarten!"

Kidsfirst Sunbeam

"From the moment you walk in the gate, the warm friendly environment and the beautiful grounds just wrap you up in a hug. It’s such a well run kindy with the very best and supportive teachers you could ask for. I always drive away content knowing my boys are being so well cared for and learning new things every day. Most importantly, they LOVE going to kindy!"

"The teachers are communicative and good at what they do, leaves me at ease. The school is filled with fun and learning and just so lovely. The kind of early learning environment I would very much love for my daughter to be in."

Kidsfirst Templeton

"The best kindy! Amazing, caring teachers and a huge playground. Every day there is a new activity."

Kidsfirst Terrace

"I feel so comfortable leaving my child here, the teachers are amazing and the experiences the kids get are great."

Kidsfirst The Bays

"The Bays is an amazing kindy! Our usual kindy is under renovations so we have come to The Bays for a couple of terms – and we are so impressed! We have been welcomed with open arms and it really does feel like a second home. All of the teachers are so amazing and have created such an amazing culture – they are nurturing, encouraging and respectful. Highly recommend!"

Kidsfirst Vickery Street

"My kid loved it. Great teachers and the parties they threw were off the hook... For a kindy."

Kidsfirst Wakatipu

"Great school, great teachers, kids love it."

Kidsfirst Wales Street

"The actual very best kept childcare secret in the whole of Christchurch. The only reason I’m letting it slip is my youngest will leave next year :)

The staff are genuine, caring, interested and invested in your child. They put so much effort into special events for the kids & every single day there is always new material/equipment set up for them to play with.

Seriously such a gorgeous environment and I’m so grateful to have found it."

Kidsfirst West Rolleston

"Amazing kindergarten with great staff & amazing learning opportunities for young children."

Kidsfirst Woolley Street

"Teachers are great! Big open space, lots of activities, kids enjoy their day 🙂"

"Best place for your babes 💕"

Read all Issue 23 stories here