Kidsfirst Cotswold Ave

Cotswold Avenue

Cotswold Ave Kindergarten opened on the 19th of February 1969, and like all of our kindergartens, was formed from the hard work and cooperation of active community members.

Outdoor or indoors, messy play is fun for everyone.

Committees have played an important role in establishing and running the Association’s kindergartens for much of the last century.

This was definitely the case when it came to the large and dedicated group of the Cotswold Kindergarten Committees from 1970-1979.

As the Association guidelines then read…

“In general practice a local committee is asked to find the necessary money to build, equip, maintain and furnish the kindergarten. It is assisted in this task by voluntary donations from parents and by subsidy grants from the Department of Education on all approved initial equipment and furniture.”

While over the years government grants and subsidies would be introduced, it has always been communities that have rallied together to support our kindergartens. And this has been reflected back in many of the activities in the kindy, from visits by local law enforcement, to imagining the kindergarten’s own medical centre or railway station!

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1970-79 Cotswold Kindergarten committee photo.

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The big snow saw a great adventure in the playground at kindy in 1987.

Memories from our kindergarten album:

Mat time often extends beyond the four kindergarten walls, and you can see that not much has changed!
Canterbury is known for having inner-city snow dumps, and Cotswold Ave tamariki always love embracing it during their time at kindergarten.
Popular as ever, the classic kindergarten Wheelathon has always drawn a large crowd.
Cotswold Ave’s well-loved playground is still a hub of activity, seen here in 2003.
Kindergarten birthday parties have also remained a popular activity, on any given day at kindy.
Though technology has developed, you don’t have to look far to see tamariki wheeling around their trikes and wagons…
…Or dressing up as firefighters!
Cotswold Ave’s big backyard has been popular with tamariki for generations, no matter the weather.
These young carpenters are lending a hand to an addition to the kindergarten’s big backyard.
All the toys in the world can’t beat a good, old banana box to play in.
Tamariki love to put on a show, especially for their whānau, fellow tamariki and kaiako.
Kindergarten has long been a place where it’s exciting to explore new ideas and make friends that last a lifetime.
Digging in the sandpit on a hot summer day has never gone out of style.
There’s nothing quite like being the special kindy kid for the day when it’s your birthday.
Tamariki at Kidsfirst Cotswold Ave have fun on the kindergarten’s new swing set, 1996.
A Cotswold Ave kindergarten excursion to Woolly Meadows in 1997.
Whether in the playground at kindy, or out at the local park, tamariki always know how to have fun, 2003.
Exploring sensory play at kindergarten is so much fun – so is gearing up for a game with friends – like in the background.
Tamariki have always loved to explore their creativity from a young age.
Washing the toy babies is still a common sight at kindergarten – tamariki love being caring and competent.
Sometimes, spending an afternoon with friends is the best part about the kindy day.
Whether dressed in exciting outfits, or pushing a stroller around – not much has changed at kindergarten over the years.
This bouncy castle was a fantastic addition to a Cotswold Ave’s 1998 kindy Christmas party.
It was an exciting day when a piper came to play their bagpipes for the tamariki.
Tamariki at Cotswold Ave kindergarten set up their version of a makeshift A&E.
The Cotswold Railway Station was a popular port of call in the kindergarten’s big backyard for a number of years.
Kaiako love getting their hands dirty with some messy play, too.
Tamariki gather round to have their faces painted at this kindy Christmas party from 1998.
Kindergarten performances for whānau have never gone out of style.
These tamariki perform for their kaiako’s retirement party.
In August of 1998, the kindergarten hosted a disco, where tamariki dressed up and had a boogie with their friends and whānau.
Getting lost in your own world is one of the joys of kindergarten.
Carpentry tables are a popular spot in many a kindergarten big backyard.
Kindergarten has long been a place where tamariki are able to challenge themselves, and be challenged, learning more and more about the world around them every day.
The early 1990s were a busy time at Cotswold Ave kindergarten, with plenty of dress up parties!
Tamariki practise their best dance moves, complete with some fabulous grass skirts, 1995.
Many a budding carpenter has been inspired by their woodworking station at kindy.
These tamariki in 1988 prove that spending time with your friends never goes out of style.
Embracing music, these tamariki get involved at their mat time, 1989.
Exploring in the kindergarten’s big backyard has been a favourite activity for decades.
Learning practical skills, as well as being aware of safety is a big part of being a kindy kid.
There’s been no shortage of parties at Cotswold Ave kindergarten over the years!
A visit from some special friends was an exciting day at Cotswold Ave kindergarten.
Tamariki got a visit from the local police officer, and his K-9 companion in 1998.
It was a fabulous day, and tamariki got the opportunity to see some exciting tricks, as well as petting the police dog.
Dance parties are still ever-popular at kindergarten today, and have been for many years.
Here, tamariki learn about road safety, and give their best impersonation of a traffic controller.
The sandpit is the perfect place for science experiments, and nothing beats a classic volcano.
Christmas is always such a special time for whānau to get together and spend some time celebrating.
Here, tamariki carefully take a look at a sheep being shorn, inside the kindergarten.