MEDIA RELEASE
New Zealand Playcentre Federation
13th October 2015
Relationships flourish at Playcentre
In contrast to the recent Childforum survey in which a quarter of the early childhood teachers surveyed indicated they
would not enrol their children at the service they worked in, nearly 100% of the educators at Playcentre have their
children attending with them. As a parent-run cooperative, Playcentre encourages and supports parents in their role as
the first and best teachers for their children.
Children must first build secure relationships with consistent adults in order to be able develop to their full
potential. At Playcentres around New Zealand parents or caregivers stay with all children under age 2 ½ meaning that
infants and toddlers get personalised care and attention. All Playcentres operate with a minimum 1 adult: 5 children
ratio for all age-groups, with many operating on a 1:3 ratio, or better, enabling the children to build strong
relationships with both their parents, other adults and other children. Within this community of engaged adults children
are supported to play, use their imaginations and extend their learning in a way that follows their interests and meets
their needs.
The Playcentre model builds reciprocal relationships for adults as well – parents often create long-lasting friendships
and find support in the journey of parenting. Working with a group of parents with children at varying ages and stages
means there is usually someone who has been through your situation before. Sharing of personal experience and knowledge
is complemented by the NZQA approved adult education programme that works to upskill parents and ensure that the
children’s education is of a high standard. In the words of renowned early childhood educator, Lex Gray, “It has to be
in terms of the Family. It has to be in terms of the community that family belongs to”.
“It is often said that it takes a village to raise a child”, commented NZ Playcentre Federation Co-President, Viv
Butcher, “Playcentre helps to create that village for modern families and communities. Parents and children play, work
and learn alongside each other, with all their life experiences contributing to the knowledge that is shared.”
“If the government wishes to support quality in Early Childhood Education, we encourage them to take a look at how
Playcentre can be better funded and supported in New Zealand” said Alaine Tamati-Aubrey, NZ Playcentre Federation
Co-President. “As a not-for-profit community organisation, government investment in Playcentre gets double the reward,
because every dollar invested in Playcentre not only helps educate children but also helps educate parents alongside
their children, upskilling them as lifelong educators and contributors to their community.”
ENDS