Free Kindergarten 20 Hours ECE

Kidsfirst Kindergartens Sumner

Christchurch, Sumner

Ages

2–5 years

Roll Size

36 children

Subsidies

20 Hours

Rating

5/5

About Kidsfirst Kindergartens Sumner

Kidsfirst Kindergartens Sumner is a free kindergarten in Sumner, Christchurch, with children currently enrolled aged 2–5 years. It’s well suited for parents seeking community-based, not-for-profit early education led by qualified teachers, usually with sessional hours. This centre offers 20 Hours ECE funding.

About Free Kindergarten

Free Kindergartens typically offer sessional or part-day early learning programmes led by fully qualified teachers, following Te Whāriki and emphasising learning through play, social interaction, and community involvement. These centres cater to families seeking high-quality education in a not-for-profit, community-based setting with strong ties to local whānau.

What Is 20 Hours ECE funding?

20 Hours ECE is a government-funded initiative that helps reduce the cost of early childhood education for families with tamariki aged 3–5. Eligible children can receive up to 20 hours of funded care and education each week at participating services. Centres can set their own enrolment patterns and may ask for optional charges, but the funded hours themselves should be free of compulsory fees. If you are unsure how this works at Kidsfirst Kindergartens Sumner, it is best to ask the centre directly how they apply 20 Hours ECE.

Community Profile

Roll & age distribution

Kidsfirst Kindergartens Sumner currently has a roll of 36 children tamariki , with most children enrolled in the 2–5 years age band.

Ethnicity profile

European tamariki are the largest group (83% of the roll), alongside māori, asian, other children.

Roll and demographic figures are based on data supplied by the Ministry of Education and were last updated on 01/07/2024.

Parent Reviews

Google Verified

Kate Richdale

April 2023

“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 oldschool 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!”

Vita Görtgens

April 2023

“Both my children went to Sumner Kidsfirst. What a gorgeous space for kids to flourish. The team there do their absolute best, making sure kids have fun, are safe and have a caring environment to flourish. We are sad to move on to school as Kindy was always a highlight of our week.”