Amy's Playcentre

Bucklands Beach Ohui-a-Rangi Playcentre

When making the move to NZ, we decided that I wouldn't go back to work until Amy started school, which here is on her 5th birthday (Nov'07). Instead of working I'm supporting & assisting at Lianne's school, and Amy's nursery / playcentre, and getting a new social life established for us all.

Amy attends a local daycare nursery 1 day a week, and 3 mornings a week goes to the playcentre at the end of our street. It’s a unique New Zealand concept where parents/caregivers can take their pre-school children, and stay with them during the session. It's a parent co-operative, and sessions are run by the people who's children attend (and stay with them for the sessions). The children are encouraged to play and do what they want, in 16 available play areas.

Parents plan activities / themes at the start of each term. These include outings like museums, swimming, biketrips, climbing local mountains, the beach and much more. Themes include: healthy eating, hygiene, physical activities, animals, the family, senses etc etc It's a kids paradise with:- painting, glueing, play dough, carpentry, sand, water, dress up, dolls, blocks, books, puzzles, kitchen areas, science, inside / outside etc etc, you get the picture. Amy absolutely loves it, as I think the photo's show!! She has quickly made friends with all who attend, and runs around as if she's been going there for years.

It’s great for the adults too. The other day I had my first attempt at making play dough – thoroughly enjoyed mixing all the ingredients! Whilst there, parents are required to follow a number of courses related to playcentre philosophy and childhood care, including also some basic Maori. If you pass all courses you will gain a recognised early childhood education diploma. I've just passed my 1st one, and will probably take the rest of the year for the next one. It's a great place socially too, with both of us having made many friends - even Dutch ones!

All nationalities are welcome, and we're enjoying learning about Chinese culture too. It takes up a lot of my time, but seeing how Amy flourishes in this environment, and how she enjoys me being there with her, makes it all worthwhile - she's growing up so quickly!!