Childcare agency sets up in Masterton

The possible closure of a Masterton playcentre is one reason cited for a national in-home childcare service opening an office in the town.
More jobs as nannies and "home educators" is to also follow with the opening in Masterton this week of an office of Porse, the nationwide in-home childcare network.
Sharyn Rivers, Porse Masterton client support administrator, said the Wairarapa base joins a spread of 27 offices across the country.
Five applicants for work have already been fielded, she said, and enquiries from interested parents are steady.
There are Wairarapa families already using the service, she said.
The opening of the Masterton office is a response to growing demand and to the opportunity of business sparked by the possible closure of the Westside Playcentre on the corner of Renall Street and Ngaumutawa Road.
A building inspection of the Westside premises earlier this year found extensive dry rot. There had been discussion of relocation or a merger with another Masterton playcentre.
A meeting concerning options for the playcentre is set down for this Monday.
Ms Rivers said there are now three people working out of the Porse office in Masterton, which will offer in-home "nannie educators and home educators" to families seeking welfare for their up to six-year-old children.
"We are about education and safety and the happiness of the children because our kids are precious ?V not simply taking care of their basic needs.
"Day care can be pretty traumatic but in-home care looks to keep the children in their comfort zones."
The Porse office is located in Lincoln Street in Masterton, she said, and is open for business in Masterton and South Wairarapa from 8.30am to 5pm.
?? For more information call 377 5544 or go online to www.porsenz.com.