Wilton Playcentre
3a Gloucester Street
Wilton, Wellington
Kia Ora,
Established 1959, we are a fantastic Playcentre nestled in the hills overlooking Otari Bush.
We are a small close knit community of about of 20 families, with our members coming mainly from the surrounding suburbs of Northland, Wilton and Wadestown.
We have enthusiastic members and a history of high training levels, both of which contributed to our selection as a Ministry of Education "Centre of Innovation" in 2003, to explore innovative ideas in Early Childhood education.
Our latest ERO review was in 2017, where we received the highest possible ERO rating. This recognised the quality of the education we provide for our children.
ERO found that "Wilton Playcentre members are a diverse group of enthusiastic parents and whanau who bring valuable skills and knowledge to their roles."
ERO felt particularly confident in our "children [whom] are purposefully engaged in learning and confidently make decisions about their involvement and participation " and that we foster " a culture that values, celebrates and affirms children."
We invite you to take some time out and visit us. Our kids love their Playcentre, and we feel sure that yours will too.
Reviews from Centre Members
"Wonderful community driven learning and teaching. Parents develop a great standard of parenting whilst allowing the children to play, learn and play some more."
"Parents and children are from a diverse background allowing you tap into a wide pool of experience and knowledge about the parenting life."
"Both my children have been through Wilton Playcentre. It's an excellent learning environment. Children are supported since birth to become confident learners in a friendly environment, gaining all the skills they need to succeed at school. They also learn there's a great community that cares about them and their families. As a parent, I learnt to enjoy playing with my children, how to identify the learning that happens through play and how to enrich their learning opportunities. I love it as much as my kids!"
Sessions:
Monday 9.15 - 12.00 (Explorer session)
Tuesday: 9.15-12.30
Wednesday: 9.15-12.30
Friday: 9.15-12.30
We also host two SPACE sessions per week. Please get in contact with us for more information about SPACE at Wilton Playcentre.
Explorer sessions at Wilton Playcentre
One day a week we run Explorer sessions exploring a local area, often Otari Bush. Parents support and encourage our tamariki to become confident and competent active explorers of different environments. Children are active in nature challenging their bodies and minds. Imagination and creativity are fostered as they are able to follow their own interests. This might be finding objects or making up stories together about the family of trolls that live under the large rocks! We have found that these sessions boost confidence, problem solving and resilience in our children as well as a love and understanding of the important part nature plays on our lives.
Our latest ERO report describes " a culture that values, celebrates and affirms children." Wilton Playcentre placed at the highest possible ERO rating, and subsequently we have had our next visit from ERO set for 4 years time, versus the standard 2 year check ins. ERO felt particularly confident in our " children [whom] are purposefully engaged in learning and confidently make decisions about their involvement and participation." At Wilton Playcentre we are very attached to our surrounding native reserve, Otari-Wilton Bush, and ERO remarked on our "Indoor and outdoor spaces [which] encourage children to learn, investigate and develop their physical skills...[Children] are encouraged and nurtured to explore their surroundings." Finally, ERO had this to say about our people, "Wilton Playcentre members are a diverse group of enthusiastic parents and whanau who bring valuable skills and knowledge to their roles."
We invite you to take some time out and visit us. While our ERO report is a fantastic pat on the back for us, we know that the real proof is in the pudding. Our kids love their Playcentre, and we feel sure that yours will too.
