Play and Learn Supported (PALS) Playgroup’s support children (0-5) of all abilities to participate in a community culture, arts, sport or recreation (CASR) program through fun and inclusive playgroup activities. We bring families and children together to connect and play through a common interest.
Play and Learn Supported Playgroups are funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services.
Register your interest for an upcoming session!
The Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden – Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria
This program delivers nature play based activities that build awareness and foster inclusive communities, while spending time outdoors. Play and Learn Supported Playgroup sessions will be running in the fenced children’s garden, and provides a safe, welcoming, adaptable environment where families and children of all abilities feel comfortable to connect with each other and the natural world. The Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden, located at Melbourne Gardens is an award-winning Children’s Garden full of interesting and interactive places to play and explore.
When: Monday – 10am – 12pm
Where: Birdwood Ave, Melbourne VIC 3004
Frankston – BAM Arts
The Play and Learn Supported playgroup program will run in conjunction with BAM, providing a facilitated, activity-based playgroup that incorporates an inclusive dance experience adapted to suit all children participating. BAM is a Melbourne based not for profit that runs creative arts programmes for people with disabilities.
When: Monday 10.30am – 12.00pm
Where: Lakewood Child and Family Centre, 107 Raphael Crescent Frankston
Moorabbin – St Kilda Football Club
The Play and Learn Supported playgroup program will run in conjunction with staff and students from the St Kilda Football club, providing a facilitated, activity-based playgroup that incorporates an inclusive ball skill experience adapted to suit all children attending. The St Kilda Football Club is an Australian rules football club based in Melbourne, Victoria. Please note: AFL players will not be in attendance.
When: Wednesday, 10.00am – 12.00pm
Where: RSEA Park (Moorabbin Oval), 3 Linton St, Moorabbin
Sunbury – Elly’s Music Playtime
The PALS program will run in conjunction with Elly’s Music Playtime, providing a facilitated, activity-based playgroup that incorporates an inclusive music and movement experience adapted to suit all children attending. Elly’s Music Playtime is a fun, entertaining and interactive group music session for Toddlers and Preschoolers and their caregivers.
When: Wednesday 10.30am – 12.30pm
Where: The Dulap Wilim Hub, 11 Leichardt St, Sunbury
Altona – Sports Education Program
This playgroup includes an adapted sports and movement session, suitable for all children.
When: Thursday 10am–12pm
Ringwood – Melbourne Kids Yoga
The program, facilitated by trained staff, will be running an adaptive activity-based playgroup, suitable for all abilities and includes a fun 30 minute adult/child yoga session with Melbourne Kids Yoga.
When: Fridays 10am–12pm
Bayswater North – Ruccis Circus
The program, facilitated by trained staff, will be running an adaptive activity-based playgroup, suitable for all abilities and includes a fun 30-minute child circus session. Ruccis Circus offers experiences for all ages and stages, giving students the opportunity to develop fine and gross motor skills, strength and flexibility, teamwork and community.
When: Wednesdays 9am – 11am, Beginning 18th May 2022
Sunbury – Goonawarra Neighbourhood House
PALS-facilitated playgroups aim to embrace and promote inclusion and bring children with and without disabilities, developmental delays and medical concerns together through play. Through play-based programs and experiences, children will be encouraged to explore their abilities, build social skills and be embrace difference through play. Goonawarra Neighbourhood House is a non-profit organisation that works within a community development framework, encouraging change and growth to improve the social, environmental, and cultural infrastructures within the local community and individuals.
When: Fridays 10.30am – 12pm, Beginning 19th August 2022
Benefits of Play and Learn Supported Playgroups
For Children & Parents
- Increased confidence to participate in community & social activities.
- Increased awareness, understanding of difference
- Reduced isolation – Increased social connections and support
- Children learn empathy and embrace difference through play
For CASR Organisations
- Improved inclusive knowledge and practices
- Increased participation in CASR Activities
For the Community
- A greater understanding of the benefits of Inclusion
- Increased community participation