Playcentre’s plea for more children
Nelson’s Victory Playcentre is at risk of cancelling at least two of its weekly sessions due to a decrease in attendance.
The playcentre is calling for more families to take part in its interactive experience, which can hold up to 25 children per session.
Parents are offered the ability to learn and teach their children essential development skills in a playful environment.
The whole whanau is encouraged to participate and allows for messy play including painting, which may not be easily achievable at home.
‘‘As parents, we really are our children’s first teachers, we are celebrating that fact,’’ said Victory Playcentre president Shona Fitzgerald.
‘‘Nowadays people think you need to send them to playschool but you can be their teacher as well.’’
Delaney Willetts, mother of three daughters attending the playcentre, said her daughters loved going as the environment was ever-changing.
Willetts said the playcentre provided the opportunity to meet other parents when she moved to the city in 2013.
‘‘It’s really cool watching them grow and learn as well, as you kind of miss out otherwise,’’ she said.
Parents and caregivers are given the chance to advance their own skills, with NZQA accredited courses available, along with the opportunity to host meetings and participate in community fundraisers.
Sessions are available from 9:30am-12pm each weekday, with a $70 term fee that WINZ child subsidy may be claimed on.
Handmade lanterns have been hung up on the play centre’s tree as decor for their upcoming Matariki celebration and shared dinner, which is set for Friday 16th July.
Shona encouraged families to come in and see what the centre has to offer, particularly with Monday and Wednesday slots in risk of being scrapped.