A parent-led early childhood centre in Glendene, part of the national Playcentre network, for children aged 0 to 6. Parents come along with their tamariki and take part in the play, so the centre works as much for the adults as for the children.
The grounds are large, with a punga hut, climbing frames and a mud pit for messy play. The centre backs onto Patts Reserve, and there is plenty of parking. Children go on at least four excursions a term, and the trips listed on the website include Butterfly Creek, the Maritime Museum, Massey Leisure Centre, train rides, West Auckland playgrounds and beaches, and a trip up the Sky Tower.
Play is child-led and free, set up across 16 areas to suit different interests and ages, and the centre follows the Te Whāriki curriculum. Some Playcentres run infant sessions for newborns to one-year-olds with other new parents, and the centre runs a free NZQA-approved adult education programme for enrolled whānau. Families can visit three times before enrolling.
The centre is at 7A Patts Avenue, Glendene, in West Auckland. Our pick in Glendene for a parent who wants to be hands-on in a child's early years.