Ilam

6 Ryeland Ave, Ilam, Christchurch
Mobile: 021 974 849
8:30am to 2:30pm,
Monday to Friday.
2 years to school age

You’ll find our newly-renovated kindergarten in the heart of Ilam, situated amongst the trees at the rear of Ryeland Reserve.

Our teaching team

Lauren Sutcliffe
Head Teacher
Graduate Diploma of Teaching and Learning
Nicola Shanks
Teacher
Diploma of Teaching (ECE)
Christine Putt
Teacher
Bachelor of Teaching and Learning
Diploma of Teaching (ECE)
Julie Brown
Teacher
Bachelor of Teaching and Learning (ECE)

Inside, you’ll find areas set up for children aged 2 – 5 years to explore and engage in a range of play experiences with and alongside each other.  Children can choose from a wide range of resources and equipment:  there are quiet, creative and imaginative play areas.   Learning occurs in all spaces at the child’s pace. 

 

Outside in our beautiful big backyard you'll find green grass, barked areas, gardens,  and equipment specially designed to support children’s physical growth and development are features.  Tamariki choose from and learn to use a range of real resources such as saws, hammers, nails, gardening equipment, spades and shovels, learning about managing risk and making safe choices. 

Kidsfirst Kindergartens Ilam is a well-resourced kindergarten with a spacious, welcoming, and attractive and child-centred environment for children aged 2 – 5 years - with lots of opportunities to try new things, inspire curiosity and develop creativity through play. It's an atmosphere full of fun that gives our children independence and a sense of belonging. Play is essential to learning and development in our tamariki, and our programme is based on exploration, inquiry, creativity, and a strong focus on sustainability.   Children have the opportunity to care and learn about the natural environment and the living world through exploration, curiosity and hand-on experiences. 

 

Ngā kaiako (teachers) here  are responsive to the interests, strengths and capabilities of all children. We get to know our children and their whānau well, and those relationships help  our tamariki to succeed with their learning. Here, children are  celebrated and affirmed for who they are and what they bring to their learning, and we recognise and respond to a child’s individual interests. 

 

You are always welcome here!  Community and connectedness is  at the heart of what we do. We  look forward to making new connections, embracing the wonderful diversity of our community. with the languages and  cultures of our families included in our early learning journey. Whānau are encouraged to be involved at our kindergarten in whatever way suits – through a helpful hand now and then, or by just joining us for a part of our day.

 

You’ll often see us out and about in our hi-vis vests, exploring the local community and learning more about our place in it. We’re very proud of our connections with the wider educational community, particularly with the local Primary schools – supporting you when the time comes to transition to school.

 

We would recommend that you enrol initially for at least two full days –building up to five days at your child's pace.  This gives our teachers time to get to know your child and build a relationship, and gives some consistency around supporting their learning.  

 

Nau mai, tauti mai - come in any time, we’ll show you around and make you welcome!

From time to time we have special offers, to enable more children to come to our not-for-profit, community kindergarten. But hurry, spaces are limited and these offers only apply for a limited time. Conditions apply.

 

 

 

 

Christchurch Website Design