Park Road Playcentre is a parent-led early childhood centre at 11 Huia Street in West End, Palmerston North. At a Playcentre the parents stay and take part alongside their children, who are cared for from birth to six. The centre is part of Playcentre Aotearoa, a charitable trust, and it follows the Ministry of Education's Te Whāriki curriculum. The play is child-led and free, with 16 different play areas set up for different interests, skills and ages. Some centres also run infant programmes, and the parents can take part in a free, NZQA-approved adult education programme. Families can visit three times before they enrol.
Parents say the centre has a warm welcome and a village feel, which helped a family who had just moved to Palmerston North settle in. One parent says the children love the place, and that it gives their child time with other children and a break from being at home. Another says they can stay and play with their daughter while still being involved in her learning. Playcentre marks 85 years of whānau playing, learning and growing together. For families with children under six who want to be part of the centre's day, it is our pick in West End.