Titahi Bay Playcentre is a parent-participation early childhood centre based at Titahi Bay School, 6 Kura Street, Tītahi Bay, Porirua. Parents come along with their children, for the play, learning and friendships of the whole whānau. It takes children aged 0 to 6, and the centre encourages free, child-led play that builds imagination, confidence and connection. The centre follows Te Whāriki, the Ministry of Education's bicultural curriculum, with 16 areas of play. Parents can also join a free NZQA-approved adult education programme. Playcentre says it is celebrating 85 years of whānau playing and learning this year.
The centre offers a Tuesday session from 9.15am to 11.45am, and a Tuesday space session from 12.15pm to 2.45pm. Visitors can come three times before enrolling, and the website asks families to arrange a visit first and then request to enrol. Playcentre is a charity, and the website says it is affordable. Titahi Bay is a short drive from the coast, and this centre is one of the local options for families with children under six. Our pick in Tītahi Bay for a parent-led start to early learning.