Connect and Create at Playgroup Online Workshops
Welcome back to playgroup! We have fresh ideas to share and tips on how to connect and create at playgroup this year.
Are you looking for inspiring activities for your playgroup? Do you need guidance on setting up your group? We are here to help! Take part in our interactive online workshop sessions as we delve into all things playgroup. See below for session details and booking options.
Some of the workshops will be made available to registered playgroups after the live sessions have run. Register your playgroup HERE
Starting Your Playgroup
A playgroup is a group of parents/caregivers and their children who meet regularly for play and social interaction. Let’s help get you started. Presented by Louise Buckle-Smith and Jo O’Reilly.
Available Sessions:
Thursday 16th March 2023 — 1pm – 2pm
Sharing The Roles at Playgroup
Come along and join in some conversations, around how we can encourage everyone to be involved and how sharing all the roles will promote a successful, connected, and enjoyable playgroup for the community where everyone can benefit and have lots of fun. Presented by Naomi Jeffree and Leanne Dhami
Available Sessions:
Monday 6th March 2023 – 7pm – 8pm
Promoting Your Playgroup
Part of the fun of welcoming others to join your playgroup is sharing what makes your group unique! During this workshop, we will explore different ways to connect with your local community, highlighting the many positive aspects of the playgroup experience. We have resources and tips to share, as we assist your playgroup to grow and bloom. Presented by Maureen Hatcher and Sinead Halliday.
Available Sessions:
Thursday 30th March 10.30 am – 11.30 am
Would You Like to Access Our Workshops at Anytime?
Register your playgroup with Playgroup Victoria to gain long-term access to the recordings of these workshops.
Other Playgroup Registration Benefits Include:
- Public Liability and Property Insurance for Community Playgroups. Public Liability insurance is your playgroup’s protection if your playgroup is found be legally responsible for personal injury to a third party or damage to their property.
- The option to advertise your playgroup on our ‘Find a playgroup’ website page
- Full access to our play ideas library, with over 90 downloadable activity sheets
- Themed activity booklets with topics such as: Nature Play, Music Play, Health and Wellbeing, Community Kindness, Creative Play and more
- Monthly e-Newsletters filled with the latest playgroup news, event opportunities, articles, interviews and resources
- Special offers from our partners and opportunities at exclusive playgroup events
- Full access to The Playgroup Toolkit – home to the best playgroup tools and resources
Meet Our Presenters
Leanne Dhami
Leanne has a background in Early childhood education. Being in the role of a supported playgroup facilitator and a community playgroup support officer for several years before starting with Playgroup Victoria in 2013. Leanne is now the manager of Playgroup Development and Support and is passionate about supporting community playgroups to ensure access for all Victorian families.
Louise Buckle-Smith
Louise is a passionate advocate for children’s and community services and has devoted her career to this industry for over 30 years. She has worked in the sector in a wide capacity, including Children’s Services, Family Day Care, the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, Family and Children Services, TAFE (teaching in Early Childhood) and Playgroup Victoria, Coordinating Connecting Schools and Playgroup Program. Louise is currently working as a Playgroup Development Advisor for Playgroup Victoria. Louise has been a facilitator for Playgroup at Home Live sessions throughout Covid and has embraced this time, seeing families connecting as a community to support each other during challenging times.
Maureen Hatcher
Maureen has been working in Children’s Services and Education, in a number of diverse roles, for over 35 years. Her employment at Playgroup Victoria started as coordinating the Connecting Schools and Community project in 2016. She is now a Development Advisor and is based in regional Victoria. Maureen is passionately involved in the Intergenerational Playgroup portfolio. Maureen enjoys the challenge, joy and benefits of connecting people.
Naomi Jeffree
Naomi began a career in the playgroup world just over 20 years ago, beginning as a parent leader, and then using her qualification in children’s services as a supported playgroup facilitator. Naomi has passionately supported her community in facilitating a variety of programs such as the My Time peer support program, mother goose, small talk, infant, and the PEEP program. Naomi has recently celebrated her ten years working for Playgroup Victoria and enjoys her full-time role as a Development Advisor. Naomi values the connections she has with families and continues to enjoy working with playgroups to support their place in the community.
Jo O’Reilly
Jo has a background in public health and has spent many years caring for vulnerable families. Jo is extremely passionate about the benefits of early childhood development and the importance of bringing families together in their community. Jo is here to help – whether you are starting a new playgroup, running an existing playgroup or just looking for a playgroup to join!