Tuesday’s, Wednesday’s and Friday’s during school terms
“It has been invaluable to us and I’m sure many people would benefit from coming along”.
Kate
Playgroup is for Pre-school children from 0 – 5 yrs and their parents, grandparents and carers. It provides opportunities for carers to share and engage with their child(ren) through play.
Our indoor play area has many things for kids such as a climbing frame, puzzles, a home corner, dress-ups, puppets, trains, cars, duplo etc. There are also simple crafts and painting and a great kid-friendly outside area with a fantastic cubby/shop as well as ride on cars and other toys.
We have story time and chat followed by snack time with tea/coffee provided for carers. Kids bring their own snack. (no nuts)
Our helpers love coming to Playgroup each week and are very happy to help your child or have a chat to you.
Grandma also enjoys the company of the other Mum’s and Grandparents. It’s socially inclusive and prevents isolation and is great fun.
Joan
The Playgroup area includes its own toilet and baby change room.
Held at Manningham Uniting Church and Community Centre 109 Wood St Templestowe (parking under the building)
The MUC Playgroup has been a wonderful support and lots of fun for our two little granddaughters and for us as grandparents over the last three years. The social interaction is enjoyable and safe, even over Zoom during Covid restrictions, or a park as we were able, when we couldn’t enjoy the wide range of activities face to face that our new building now offers. Our leaders love kids and have lots of skills and experience, and the chance to get to know other mums, dads and grandparents is really welcome. Our two little ones (16months and 4yo) love it, and their Dad has been heard to comment ‘Playgroup rocks!
Col and Wendy
About your playgroup leaders –
Chris
I have been the Playgroup coordinator at Manningham Uniting Church since 2016. As a former Primary School teacher before starting work with children and families in the Uniting Church over 20 years ago, I am passionate about the value of Playgroups to children and their families. Being a mother and grandmother I understand the challenges and joys of families. Each week I love being able to provide a special Playgroup experience with stimulating activities as well as providing support to each child and their carer.
Steven
Steven love’s singing and playing his guitar, particularly when people join in. His Dutch heritage is a strong influence in this love of music. He is a Dad with a teenage daughter, so it has been a while since he has been involved with playgroups. Before COVID, he and his wife co-ordinated the Messy Church service at Eltham Montmorency Uniting Church, where he leds the music.
Steve believe that a musical playgroup is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy & share the gift of music and God’s love for us. Current research has shown the benefits of music and movement in the early development of growing minds & bodies. He really looks forward to meeting you & having fun playing, moving & singing.
Alison
Alison’s first experience of playgroup was with her son 8 years ago at this very church. When she moved to Brisbane in 2015 she was encouraged to become the coordinator of the Chapel Hill Uniting Church playgroup which she did for 3 years.
Alison believes that playgroup is an important outreach for this church to continue to be involved with. She’s passionate about creating a community of support to parents and caregivers. Alison want’s to create a space where the bond between child and guardian can be fostered through intentional and child led play. Children have a natural affinity for music, rhymes and dance and we hope to use this to engage them and develop in them the knowledge that they are a valued, special and unique child of God.
Contact Chris on 03 03 9846 2012; playgroup@manninghamuc.org