Whitianga

We are a rural Playcentre running two mixed-age morning sessions and one afternoon session a week.  Sessions are planned, organised and run by parent volunteers.

We follow a free-play philosophy where children are able to choose their own activities and direct their own learning, with support as required, from adults who genuinely care about them and are enthusiastic about helping children extend their play. We aim to provide learning experiences that will arouse children’s natural curiosity, encouraging them to develop their own working theories of the world around them. 

We believe that parents are the first and best teachers of their children.  Whanaungatanga and manaakitanga are integral parts of our philosophy – we welcome all families who would like to join us, and together we are a proud and supportive Playcentre family.

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!