Waihopai

We are a family focused centre who welcomes children from birth to age 6. We are passionate about learning alongside our children. Our centre provides a warm caring environment where children form positive relationships with other children and adults and gain a strong sense of belonging. We follow Te Whariki, the Early Childhood Curriculum, providing learning opportunities for our tamariki based on their interests.

Our centre values child led play allowing children to be creative, to experiment, to socialize and become independent, confident learners while being supported by their whānau. We operate as a parent co-operative which means we work together to run our centre and provide quality sessions for our children. 

What we have on offer:
We have an amazing outdoor space with playground, sandpit, gardens, playhouse, a carpentry shed and safety matted garage which is great extra play space in winter.

We provide many different areas of play such as messy play, paint, collage, playdough carpentry, blocks, puzzles, books, music, role play/dress ups and water play.

We have at least 2 excursions a term based on the children’s interests and other spontaneous excursions.

We offer free Adult Education through the Southland Playcentre Association.

We offer free First Aid Training

We have a high Adult to child ratio of 1:4

We have low termly fees and offer 20 free hours free for children over 3. We are also registered with WINZ for those families who qualify.

We are a city Playcentre run by a group of committed and enthusiastic parents, who enjoy the opportunity to be involved in their children’s learning.

Come along and join us for a play!!

We value the importance of outdoor education and so once a fortnight we hold an excursion session where our tamariki get a chance to explore the natural world around them. They have opportunities to ask questions, problem solve and experiment. Gain leadership skills, communication skills and independence.

At Playcentre, early childhood education is a shared journey. We value parents as the first and best educators for their tamariki, which is why parents attend alongside their tamariki – to play, learn and grow together.

Whether you have a new pēpī, preschooler, or are new to a community, Playcentre provides a place for whānau and communities to come together.

If you care for tamariki aged 0-6, we invite you to visit and experience our affordable, unique, and child-led environment. Our centres encourage learning through free play and nurture imagination, confidence, and connection.

Our licensed early learning centres follow the Ministry of Education’s world-leading bicultural curriculum, Te Whāriki, offering 16 different areas of play set up to cater for different interests, skills, ages and abilities.

We also provide a free, NZQA-approved, adult education programme for enrolled whānau to add practical strategies and skills to your parenting toolbox.

We offer three visits before you enrol. Arrange a visit today and experience our supportive, fun and friendly community for yourself!