Playgroups in the Maitland LGA
WHAT IS PLAYGROUP A playgroup is a regular and relaxed meeting for groups of young children who haven’t yet started school and their parents or caregivers. In a playgroup, children do organised play activities together while their parents or caregivers supervise and socialise. Usually, playgroups happen once a week.
WHY PLAYGROUPS ARE GOOD FOR CHILDREN Playgroups can be great fun. Also, children learn best through play. At playgroup, your child can: • enjoy looking at books, playing music and doing craft • try out new and creative activities, equipment and toys • play with other children of different ages • learn how to interact with adults other than her own parents or caregivers If your child has the opportunity to try different play activities, it gives her lots of ways to learn and chances to practise what she’s learning. For example, jigsaw puzzles give your child practice at solving problems using trial and error. Making crafts lets your child experiment with different ways to use materials and make things. And jumping through hoops outside helps your child build physical skills and confidence. Playgroups can also help young children start developing skills they need for kindergarten and school, like learning to share, taking turns, making friends and being part of a group. Some playgroups are designed specifically for children with disabilities. Contact Playgroup Australia to ask about groups in your area or visit PlayConnect to find out about groups for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
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WHY PLAYGROUPS ARE GOOD FOR PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS Playgroups can give you and your child some time for one on one play away from home and routines. They’re also a good option if you feel that you don’t have a lot of activities for your child to do at home or are looking for different ideas for playing with your child. Playgroups give you the chance to: • meet new people and make new friends • share tips, concerns, ideas and experiences • learn from other parents and caregivers • learn more about your community • connect with local services like child care centres, kindergartens, schools and more
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Some playgroups are run in community languages like Chinese, Vietnamese, German, Italian, Spanish, Arabic, Fari, Dutch, indigenous languages and many more. And there are playgroups for dads, grandparents, rainbow and same sex families and foster parents.
FINDING A LOCAL PLAYGROUP You can find playgroups all across Australia. To contact an existing playgroup or to set up one, talk to your local playgroup association or call the toll free number 1800 171 882. There’s a playgroup association in almost every state and territory in Australia.
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PLAYGROUPS IN THE MAITLAND LGA MONDAY • 9.00am – 11.00am: Woodberry, Place of Friends 114 Lawson Avenue, Woodberry Free Playgroup, indoor and outdoor play, arts, crafts. Morning tea provided for children. Contact: amy.blackwood1@det.nsw.edu.au • 9.30am: Woodberry, Noel Unicomb Hall Corner Lawson Avenue and Lark Street Woodberry Free Contact: pswoodberry@playgroupnsw.org.au • 10.00am – 12.00pm: Metford, Mindaribba LALC 1A Chelmsford Drive, Metford Free Morning tea provided, bring a water bottle and hat, 0 - school age, during school terms Contact: 02 4015 7000
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TUESDAY • 10.00am – 12.00pm: Woodberry, Place of Friends 114 Lawson Avenue, Woodberry Free Support group for parents and carers of 0-16 years with a disability or chronic medical condition. Helper leads child play while adults share ideas, listen to guest speakers. Siblings are welcome. Contact: amy.blackwood1@det.nsw.edu.au • 10.00am: Vacy, School of Arts Hall 779 Gresford Road, Vacy Does not meet during school holidays playgroupnsw.org.au/explore/Findaplaygroup • 10.00am: Morpeth, School of Arts Hall 110 High Street, Morpeth Free Longstanding, social and friendly with a focus on being multicultural and diverse. Welcome to call in to enquire. playgroupnsw.org.au/explore/Findaplaygroup • 1.00pm – 2.30pm: Woodberry, Place of Friends 114 Lawson Avenue, Woodberry Free Parents under 25 years receive support and connection with other parents in a group led by child and family health nurses and family support workers. Contact: amy.blackwood1@det.nsw.edu.au
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WEDNESDAY • 9.30am – 10.30am: Woodberry, Place of Friends 114 Lawson Avenue, Woodberry Free Baby playgroup - Babies from 0-12months learn through sensory play and connect with other parents. Contact: amy.blackwood1@det.nsw.edu.au • 9.30am: Thornton, Pat Hughes Community Hall Taylor Avenue, Thornton Free Not operating in School Holidays playgroupnsw.org.au/explore/Findaplaygroup • 9.30am: Largs/Bolwarra, School of Arts Hall Corner High and Largs Avenue, Largs Free An active group, welcoming of newcomers. playgroupnsw.org.au/explore/Findaplaygroup • 10.00am: Metford Community Hall Corner Ingall and Lowe Street, Metford Free Not operating during school holidays playgroupnsw.org.au/explore/Findaplaygroup
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• 10.00am: Rutherford Community Centre – Play Strong Playgroup Arthur Street, Rutherford Free Supporting parents to engage with early learning services. Contact: ps.maitland.nhcentre@playgroupnsw.org.au • 10.00am – 12.00pm: Maitland Library 480 High Street, Maitland Free Meet other parents, while kids play with the toys, games, instruments and craft. Contact: 02 4933 6952
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THURSDAY • 9.00am – 11.00am: Woodberry, Place of Friends 114 Lawson Avenue, Woodberry Free Playgroup, exploration and play with childhood educators. Support for parents from Family Support Workers. Bring water and a healthy snack. 9.30am – 12.30pm a child and family health nurse available (no app required). Free health checks for children 0 – 5 years, parent advice and support. Contact: amy.blackwood1@det.nsw.edu.au • 9.30am – 11.30am: Big Yellow Bus Playgroup run by Early Links Maitland Presbyterian Church Hall, 3 Church Street, Maitland Free facebook.com/earlylinksplaygroups • 10.00am – 12.00pm: Maitland Art Gallery 230 High Street, Maitland $5 per family per week Need to register, please email jmuir@playgroupsnsw.org.au School terms Contact: 02 4934 9859 • 9.00am: Chisholm, St Aloysius Primary School 24 Heritage Drive, Chisolm Free playgroupnsw.org.au/explore/Findaplaygroup
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FRIDAY • 10.00am – 12.00pm: Maitland Art Gallery 230 High Street, Maitland $5 per family per week Need to register, please email jmuir@playgroupsnsw.org.au School terms Contact: 02 4934 9859
For General enquiries for Playgroups in the Maitland LGA please visit www.playgroupnsw.org.au/explore/Findaplaygroup
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