August 2011 Playgroup of the Month

Warburton Playgroup was Playgroup Victoria's August Playgroup of the Month, the first ever playgroup to receive such an accolade.

Playgroup Victoria started the Playgroup of the Month initiative to acknowledge good work being done by a playgroup.

Warburton Playgroup was re-established six years ago by Ngaire Holman (enthusiastically supported by husband Alan) to compliment the nearby primary school. From the start, the playgroup has been open to all parents and caregivers and to playgroup-aged children of all abilities.

The school has since closed but the playgroup has thrived and now has two sessions a week attended by up to 50 families and 70 children aged anywhere from several weeks to 90 years old.

Mothers' ages ranged from 20 to 48; fathers' ages range from mid-20s to mid-60s.

Five languages are spoken at the playgroup.

According to Ngaire Holman, pictured on the far left, the playgroup has created a community within itself "and it's not just mothers who come - a quarter are men. The focus is on children (we don't have adult sized chairs) and everyone is valued for what they can give. Everyone is appreciated and loved."

Bee Rawlinson was recommended Warburton Playgroup by the local maternal and child health nurse and has been atteding for several years with her two children. "It not only provides the playgroup experience for the children but many of the parents have development friendships and support each other," she said.

Playgroup Victoria CEO Viv Cunningham-Smith (pictured above on the right) presented Warburton Playgroup with a Playgroup of the Month award and a $100 of Crayola products on Wednesday 24 August.