Excitement over return of supported playgroups
Supported playgroups are again up and running in Horsham and Northern Grampians municipalities following a shutdown due to COVID-19.
Horsham Rural City Council’s supported playgroup team has been running online sessions via Facebook and Youtube throughout the coronavirus pandemic but resumed in-person sessions at Kalkee Road Children’s and Community Hub on Monday.
The sessions are designed to reflect the ‘new normal’ and include social-distancing protocols, additional cleaning, reduced attendance and pre-prepared single snacks rather than share platters.
Monday sessions at the hub are fully booked but there are spaces at the former maternal child health building on Bennett Road, on Tuesdays from 9.30am to 11am, and at Laharum Primary School on Wednesdays, also from 9.30am to 11am.
Bookings are essential and can be made by calling or texting 0427 532 856 or emailing supported.playgroup@hrcc.vic. gov.au.
Playgroup sessions involve new play experiences, making social connections, active learning and parenting tips.
Northern Grampians Shire mayor Murray
Emerson said programs at Stawell and Marnoo would function in line with PRE-COVID-19 conditions, however the number of children who could participate would be limited and some activity restrictions would apply.
Stawell supported playgroup returns today, at Stawell Library from 10am, with a limit of 10 attendees.
Marnoo supported playgroup will return on Monday, at Marnoo Primary School from 10am, with a limit of 16 attendees.
Cr Emerson said attendees were not allowed to bring food and toys would be limited to help reduce the potential spread of coronavirus.
He said the council was thrilled to have playgroups back up and running.
“Council recognises supported playgroups as an essential service and early learning pathway within our shire,” he said.
“We anticipate that parents, guardians, and children will be very excited to see the return of this service to provide some routine and social interaction in our region.”
People can call the council’s supported playgroup facilitator on 0408 534 976 or email playgroup@ngshire.vic.gov.au for more information or to register their interest.