Playgroups

Most playgroups meet weekly for a couple of hours in a variety of venues. Children learn through play, develop new skills and make new friends. Parents benefit by sharing parenting ideas, gaining valuable support and building social connections with people at the same stage of life.

A supported playgroup has a funded professional facilitator who works with specific groups of families at no or low cost. Facilitators run fun and engaging weekly sessions during school term for eligible families*.

Supported playgroups give families the chance to:

• learn about play and children’s development,
• play and have fun with their children in a warm and gentle manner,
• build parenting skills and confidence using the smalltalk program,
• meet other families,
• learn about and connect with local services,
• have fun in a semi-structured setting.

In-home support is also available for eligible* families (when restrictions allow).

*Please call the Supported Playgroup Team Leader for more information on eligibility.

A community playgroup is usually run by parents and carers. The group decides when it meets and what the playgroup's structure will be. 

We have many community playgroups in the City of Ballarat. Visit Playgroup Victoria to find or start a community playgroup.

Call our Supported Playgroup Team Leader on 5320 5720 or email ballaratplaygroups@ballarat.vic.gov.au