Childcare options in Linwood

Located in a quiet street within a diverse and tightly-knit community, Kidsfirst Kindergartens Linwood offers a responsive and nurturing environment for children aged 2-5 years. With a rich history dating back to 1928, the kindergarten has deep roots in the local area, and many families have generations of children attending Kidsfirst Linwood. The indoor space provides a homelike atmosphere, where children can engage with carefully curated resources that encourage critical thinking and exploration. Learning is child-centered and occurs at each child's individual pace, fostering their mana, wairua, and mauri. Tamariki are encouraged to be mindful, appreciative of the world around them, and respectful of their learning environment. Engaging with both the kindergarten and the wider Linwood community, children, families, and teachers actively participate in diverse and enriching learning experiences. The expansive backyard offers ample opportunities for active exploration and personal challenges. From kicking balls and climbing on boxes to utilizing the purpose-built scooter track, children have space to play and develop their physical skills. Additionally, the presence of a large bird aviary provides valuable lessons in pet care and understanding natural life cycles.

Noku Te Ao ‘The World Is Mine’ Noku Te Ao is an immersion early childhood centre. 

The centre was established in 2002 by members of Te Ahikaaroa who wanted their children to receive quality education delivered in te reo Maori. 

The centre is whanau driven. 

Learner outcomes guide what adults do in this attractively landscaped environment.

At Kidsfirst Kindergartens Niu, the focus is on family, fun, friendship, and quality education for children aged 0-5 years. With a small group size and excellent child-to-teacher ratios, infants, toddlers, and preschoolers receive personalized attention. The dedicated teachers respect the interests and needs of each child and their family, understanding the unique ways of the youngest learners. Kidsfirst Niu is committed to preserving and promoting the Tongan language and culture as part of its identity, while also embracing and celebrating the diverse Pacific nations and cultures within the center's community. Enrolling at Kidsfirst Niu is open to all, regardless of their Tongan heritage.

The Kimihia Nursery and Preschool is based in Woolston, Christchurch where we offer education and care for children aged from 3 months to 5 years. At Kimihia children are warmly welcomed and valued as individuals. Children's health and physical well-being will be looked after alongside their learning and development.      

• A safe, caring and nurturing environment
• Three specialised areas for infants, toddlers and preschoolers
• 20 Hours ECE.
• Excellent outdoor activity areas designed for the children's age level
• High quality teaching programme
• Highly trained and registered teachers
• Modern purpose-built learning environment
• Quiet off-street location with plenty of parking
• Close relations with social agencies, support services and local schools

We believe in offering children and families a quality experience in early learning. We recognise each whānau brings their own unique culture which adds to the richness of our learning community. Our curriculum reflects a bi-cultural commitment to upholding the partnerships outlined in Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and incorporates Te Whariki Early Childhood Curriculum.

The centre is based at St John of God Waipuna, a social services agency focused on supporting youth towards growth and development.

Nau mai, haere mai and welcome to Linwood Playcentre

Playcentre is unlike any other early childhood education organisation. At Playcentre, both children and their parents / caregivers attend.

At Playcentre children get the opportunity to learn and explore in a fun and safe environment.

The curiosity and creativity of our tamariki is nurtured in a way that allows them to learn about themselves and their world.

Your child will be given a chance to explore, create, climb, read, sing, experiment, play music, wear costumes, have their face painted (or do it themselves!), garden, do carpentry with real tools, bake and cook, build sandcastles, swing, slide, dance, spend time in nature and get messy.

The activities change every day. Playcentre parents all bring different skills, interests, and cultural backgrounds to add to the rich learning environment.

We welcome families with children aged 0 – 6 years. Mixed age play allows your children to engage with others older and younger than themselves. Pre-schoolers learn how to communicate, share and negotiate with empathy for their younger peers.

At Playcentre, families come together and lifelong friendships are formed.

We welcome you to visit any time during the year. You are entitled to three free visits so come and check out what we do – we would love to meet you and your family!

Located just to the east of the four avenues, offering Early Childhood Education to children from ages 0-6.  

The preschool is set in a refurbished villa with individual rooms that offer a different focus for learning.  

Our library room is allocated for quiet, reflective play, puzzles and reading.  

In the whanau room children can role play and use their imaginations to explore real life scenarios.  

Our construction room allows uninterrupted space for creating, designing and building elaborate models using a variety of building resources.  

There is an art studio for budding artists and sculptors which encourages creativity, originality and self-expression.  

We also offer a separate sleeping space, and cafe for kai times.