Playgroups are a fun and great way to be part of the community and socialise with other parents and children.
The Hume Playgroup Strengthening Project works with playgroups in the Hume area to support, resource and provide information to assist playgroups in providing positive playgroup experiences for families and children.
What we know for sure is that children who attend playgroup will have improved language and literacy skills, and improved well-being.
What we know for sure is that parents who participate in playgroup will have improved parenting confidence, skills and knowledge and increased community connectedness.
The Banksia Gardens Playgroup Team are;
Fiona O' Grady – Hume Playgroups Strengthening Manager
Shelley Hewson – Supporting Parents Developing Children Project Coordinator
Fusun Gumus – Hume Playgroup Strengthening Development Officer
Marcela Santa Anna Arvizu – Little Bugs Playgroup Facilitator
To contact members of the team either email or call the office on 9309 8531
Little Bugs Playgroups – A Demonstration ModelLittle Bugs Playgroups run 9.30am – 11.30am on Monday's and Wednesday's during School Terms. On Thursday's (by appointment) we invite the community to visit and experience a 'best practice' model for Playgroups in Hume. We welcome Professionals, Playgroup Facilitators, families, Community & the Early Childhood Sector to view, interact and seek information on how to; • Set up a Playgroup • Organise, plan for and resource a Playgroup • Mentor volunteers, staff and facilitators with a special focus on CALD & Aboriginal women and children • Enhance community connection, family togetherness and sustainable parenting support • Provide ideas & opportunities to create play experiences, exploration and a sense of wonder for under 5's • Encourage natural and eco- friendly play, resources and sustainable footprints in the context of playgroups, child development and the family |
The project is a partnership between Banksia Gardens Community Centre, Communities for Children - Broadmeadows Uniting Care, Hume City Council, Orana Family Services and Dianella Health Services.
Some of the project achievements to date include:
1. Assisted in establishing new playgroups.
2. Assisted already established playgroups
3. Increased the number of playgroups from 55 in 2005 to 95 in 2006 and now 127 in 2011.
4. Linked parents to the childcare training opportunities / agencies.
5. Modelled language and literacy activities in a number of playgroups.
6. Networked with other agencies in the site.
7. The community partners continually solicit feedback and evaluate the needs of the sector.
Playgroups Rule Ok strategy is funded by the Communities for Children initiative at Hume/Broadmeadows site. Communities for Children is funded by the Australian Government under the Stronger Families and Communities Strategy through the Department of Family, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs. Other strategies funded by Communities for Children in the Hume/Broadmeadows site include:
1. Setting the Hubs Humming
2. Connecting Dots and Neurons
3. We are ALL Community
4. Catching them all
Supporting Parents Developing Children Project
Through support from the City of Hume - Supporting Parents Developing Children, we are able to deliver an enhanced Playgroup Program. This program, funded until June 2014, aims to further increase the participation of CALD Families in playgroups and early years service hubs. The Enhanced Playgroup Program will focus on literacy, language and learning in the Southern Hume city.
