Playgroups

Playgroups provide parents and caregivers with the opportunity to meet new people, gain support and exchange parenting ideas.

They allow babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers to socialise as they play and learn together. All playgroups are different but the emphasis is on fun and friendship. 

What is Playgroup about?

Playgroup brings your children, parents, families and communities together to learn and develop through informal play activities and social interaction. Playgroup helps parents and caregivers build social and support networks that encourage and assist them in their valuable parenting role.

Playgroup works best when they are inclusive of all, creating an open, welcoming and friendly environment for all children and their families, no matter their circumstances, backgrounds or cultural identity.

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 their own parents or caregivers.

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.

Why should you join Playgroup?

Playgroup is fun! At playgroup you get to meet other people going through similar experiences, ease the isolation that can come with caring for your children and find out about local community, health and support services. It allows families to enjoy this precious time with their children while they develop and grow.

What age can children join Playgroup?

Any children age 0-5 can join playgroup. Often it is good to have a range of ages at playgroup so that they can learn from one another.

What are the benefits of Playgroup?

There is significant evidence about the benefits of playgroup and it continues to build. Vital development occurs in the first five years of life and the first year is especially critical. The social, emotional, physical and intellectual development that occurs through the play and interaction at playgroup is great for the mind and body. Knowledge builds and skills are refined. Children learn social skills and language skills. It readies children for the next step into kindergarten and prep.

Playgroup is not just about the children – it is also for parents and carers.

Raising children is very rewarding, but it is not always easy. At playgroup you can connect with other people in the same stage of life as you. You can have a coffee and relax in a safe environment. Playgroup is designed to be a comfortable space where you can be yourself, it helps reduce isolation you may feel and discuss things of interest to you. Playgroup also provides you with access to local services you may need.

To find out more about playgroup, speak with your Maternal and Child Health Nurse or contact Council's Early Years Team on 5494 1200.

For more information on the operating playgroups in Loddon or information on starting or operating a playgroup, please visit the Playgroup Victoria website.

Supported Playgroups

Supported Playgroups in Loddon Shire

Supported playgroups are a great way for families to meet new people. Supported playgroups can be used as a stepping stone to then move on to a larger community playgroup when you are ready and comfortable to do so. Supported playgroups are run by a facilitator who will welcome you and help you to build up friendships within the group. If a group setting worries you in the beginning, the supported playgroup facilitator can do home visits to your house until you feel you are ready to join the group sessions.

2024 term 2 supported playgroups are held at

• St Patrick's Primary School Pyramid Hill Mondays 10:30am - 12:00pm
• Inglewood Recreation Reserve playground (once a fortnight 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month) 11:30am - 12:30pm
• Wedderburn Jacka Park playground (once a fortnight, 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month) 11:30am - 12:30pm

Supported playgroup operates during school terms and is open to all families with under school age children.

For more information, please contact Kinsley Mowat at Northern District Community Health on 0428 536 199.

Toy libraries

Toy libraries aim to support families and encourage them to spend time playing with their children. Quality toys are expensive and children quickly become bored with a toy once its play value has been exhausted. By providing new play materials every week or two, parents can save money and significantly contribute towards the development and education of their children. About Toy Libraries Australia Toy Libraries Australia promotes the importance and the value of play. It aims to raise the profile of Toy Libraries in the community by publicising the role of Toy Libraries in educating children and supporting families. It aims to encourage, inform and respond to the needs of prospective and existing Toy Libraries, using accumulating knowledge and depth of experience. For information on the available toy libraries in Loddon, please visit the Toy Library Australia website.