The Background of SPACE

SPACE is an innovative programme aimed primarily at first-time parents and their infants. It was created to fill an identified gap in the community and to provide new parents with valuable information on parenting and child development; to offer support and networking in a group, and to encourage families to become involved in Playcentre and early childhood education early in their child's life.

The founding team, formed in 2003, began work on the concept. As the programme evolved, and ideas and documentation began to come together, it became known as SPACE, Supporting Parents Alongside Children's Education.

The first pilot SPACE session started in July 2003 at Alicetown Playcentre, quickly followed by a second pilot at Waterloo Playcentre in October 2003. The programme was hugely successful, and more sessions were begun. By August 2007, 34 sessions had been completed within Hutt Playcentre Association, with a further 9 underway.

The SPACE team continued to refine and develop the programme, with support from many people throughout the Association and in the community. As the programme became more established, it was formally integrated into the Hutt Association and positions for a SPACE Convenor and team were created on the Hutt Playcentre Association Executive.

Recognition from the Ministry of Education came in the form of a Centres of Innovation research contract awarded to Te Marua/Mangaroa Playcentre for research into the SPACE programme, and an Increasing Participation contract signed with the Eastern Bay of Plenty Playcentre Association.

As interest in the programme grew, the Hutt SPACE National Team was formed with SKIP (Ministry of Social Development) funding, to support other Associations to start SPACE in their own communities. Training events and promotional visits have been held in several locations across New Zealand. The SPACE website and promotional DVD support this process. As at May 2009, 19 Playcentre Associations and two community organisations are running the SPACE programme, three are getting underway, and a further four have made initial enquiries.

There can be little doubt that the development and widening implementation of SPACE is strengthening the role of Playcentre within communities. More importantly, it is enabling increasing numbers of parents to feel confident, informed, and supported as they embark on their individual parenting journey. In 2007, in light of recent terrifying stories of child abuse, New Zealand is facing a time of reflection on how we view and treat our children. SPACE, which provides opportunities for parents to have open discussion on the challenges of parenting, to hear the views of practitioners in their community, and to make vital connections with other families and support agencies, is a positive and empowering step in the right direction.