Memberships decline for Bay playcentres

Oliver Marr, 4, and his mum Katy Marr, with their friend Phoebe Rogerson, 3, enjoy going to Greenpark Playcentre and learning together. Photo / George Novak

"Society trends" and "expectations" have taken a toll on local playcentres with declining rolls but those involved say they "recognise the value of themselves as educators of their children".

Western Bay of Plenty Playcentre Association president Judy Gore said over the past 10 years, two playcentres Paengaroa and Otamarakau, have closed and membership was falling.

"We know this is decreasing as lower funding reflects the downward trend. Membership is lower now than in previous years.

"Society and its expectations has rapidly changed over the last few years, which has created a need for more parents to return to work and place their children into alternative childcare earlier than they often want to."

Parents were expected to attend sessions with their children but could only go to one or two each week if that was all they could commit to, she said.

Other challenges it faced she said, was alternative childcare centres that offered 20 free hours a week and securing extra funding to supplement what it received from the Ministry of Education.

Greenpark Playcentre parent Katy Marr said her two children, 4-year-old Oliver and 3-year-old Lucy, attended Playcentre and preschool.

"I work part-time and I choose to take my children to Playcentre when I'm not working so that they are able to mix with children of all preschool ages in a free play environment where I can be with them as they play.

"Being part of that play is priceless as it allows me to capture their discoveries and live it with them."

Playcentre also provided her the opportunity to give back to the community and she had upskilled in the process.

"I have completed three levels of our unique free NZQA accredited training. I also attend one of our monthly centre meetings per term and I volunteer where I can, particularly with the gardens at centre."

Fellow parent Jo Beattie said she liked being involved with the learning of her two children and the social aspect.

"I like the fact I am here watching them have fun. It is a real community feel. We bring in produce we have leftover from the garden or baby clothes to swap.

"I have made friends and now see those people outside Playcentre ... we would love to have more members, then it could be a huge community."

On the Bay of Plenty Times Facebook page 70 people posted comments in support of playcentres in the region.

Marama Mateparae urged parents to visit Papamoa Playcentre.

"So many parents out there who don't know about us, don't know they can stay and play, that it doesn't cost a fortune and that they can find support and friendship while their child learns and explores."