Being part of a playgroup helps to build connections with other families in your local area. Enjoy a relaxed place for babies and young children to play and learn together.
Community playgroups are for babies and children up to five years old who attend with a parent, carer or grandparent. Each playgroup is organised and run by community members - there is no facilitator running the group.
All community playgroups have time for free, open-ended play and some have snack time, craft activities and celebrations, depending on how they like their group to run.
Playgroups allow parents to meet other parents - to form friendships and to gain mutual support and advice. If you are new to the area, playgroup can be a great way to build connections.
To find out where your nearest community playgroups meet, view our Interactive Early Services Map listings. For more information, contact the community playgroup directly.
View our interactive Early Years Services map
Supported playgroups are a safe and friendly place for you and your child to have fun, learn and play while sharing parenting tips and support. Children can attend supported playgroups until they are school-aged.
Supported playgroups are about sharing strategies to support your child’s learning and development.
Coming to supported playgroup can help improve your child’s learning, development and wellbeing through:
- enhancing interactions with your child in a stimulating environment
- supporting your parenting skills and confidence
Sessions are free to attend and run each week during school terms. Sessions are facilitated by an early years professional.
Smalltalk
Smalltalk is a set of evidence-based strategies that introduce parents to a number of parenting essentials that lead to optimal child outcomes.
Sessions are planned and delivered by a trained facilitator who utilises Smalltalk practices and principles. Smalltalk aims to increase parents’ confidence to have a positive impact on their child’s learning.
In addition, in-home support is available for eligible families.
Speak to your Maternal and Child Health nurse for more information or email playgroups@nillumbik.vic.gov.au. Eligibility criteria applies.