Playgroups are for Playing, Learning and Connecting
What is a playgroup?
At playgroups children who are not yet at school can come together to connect, play and have fun with other children. Children’s parents or carers stay at the playgroup, where they supervise their child as they take part in playgroup activities. Playgroups also offer parents and carers the opportunity to socialise with other families. They are usually held weekly or on a regular basis during school terms.
What playgroups does The Infants’ Home offer?
The Infants’ Home runs four free playgroups during school terms:
- Red Bug Playgroup for children aged birth to school age. It is held every Monday, 10.00am to 12.00pm, at Ashfield Park.
- Baby Time Playgroup for children aged birth to 12 months. It is held every Tuesday, 10.30am to 12.00pm at The Infants’ Home.
- Pathways Playgroup for children who are not currently attending formal early childhood education and care, such as long day care, preschool or family day care. It is held every Thursday, 10.30am to 12.00pm, at The Infants’ Home.
- Fathers’, Male Carers and Children’s Playgroup for children aged birth to school age and their father or male carer. It is held every second Saturday, 10.00am to 12.00pm, at The Infants’ Home.
The Infants’ Home’s playgroups are ‘supported playgroups’. This means that they are run by qualified early childhood educators and/or allied health therapists. A Child and Family Health Nurse is also available at the Baby Time playgroup to provide baby health, development and wellbeing advice to parents.
The current playgroup calendar can be accessed here.
Features of The Infants' Home Playgroups:
- Inclusion: Our playgroups are inclusive, and we welcome children of all abilities and backgrounds. They are run in safe, child-friendly environments where a range of play-based activities are available to suit children of different ages. Our playgroups are relaxed and informal. Parents and carers can attend our playgroup sessions with their children at the times that suit them, whether for the full or for just part of the session.
- Qualified Staff: Our playgroups are run by qualified early childhood educators and other professionals. They create quality play-based educational programs and provide guidance and support for families.
- Play-based Learning: Activities are provided to support children in areas such as sensory play, motor skills, language development, and social interactions. Each playgroup includes a short music, movement and/or story time group.
- Parental Support: Our playgroups help parents and carers to meet, share experiences, and gain support from one another and from our staff.
- Integration with Other Services: Our playgroups are part of our broader range of services, including formal early childhood education and care, early intervention, postnatal services and family support. Our playgroup facilitators also help families to link in with other services and supports in the community.
How to Join
Contact us on 02 9799 4844, email mail@theinfantshome.org.au or visit our Playgroups page on our website here.
If you have any questions or would like more information, please email us at childrensservices@theinfantshome.org.au