Need a fun, safe and affordable place to get together with other families?
Swanpool Playgroup is a play space dedicated to families with young children where the kids can enjoy themselves in an age appropriate environment and parents can catch up over a cuppa!
It costs just $30 per family per term which is a fraction of the cost of going to a playcentre and far more fun (and less stressful) than hosting groups at your house. We have morning and afternoon sessions available and you are free to bring your group down for a trial session to see what you think. We welcome all types of groups; if you’re from a mothers group, a dads group, a grandparents group, would like to start your own playgroup to meet new people or join an existing one we would love to host a fun place to you to play. We have two existing groups that you can join if you don’t already have your own group. We have one facilitated group session which is $5 per session on a casual basis, and we also have an open group which is available on a term by term basis. If we see a demand for these sessions we will add more groups for you to be a part of.
It is a community run not for profit organisation whose sole function is to provide a space for playgroups to operate. Swanpool Playgroup is a division of Chelsea Occasional Childcare and run by the volunteer committee of members who operate in the same building. If you like the idea of joining a community group and receiving all the health and life benefits that volunteering is proven to provide we invite all people to join and help us make this community facility the best place it can be!
COST & SESSION TIMES
The cost to attend Playgroup is just $30 per family per term for one session and $15 for each subsequent session. A pro rata amount will be offered to those who join during a term. We also offer casual sessions to the Facilitated session for the price of $5 per family per session.
It is also a requirement that you be a member of Playgroups Victoria who provide comprehensive insurance for your family as well as support and information about being part of a playgroup. It costs $40 per family per year, or $30 for concession. Our ID number is 116972
* Please note that all sessions are nut free! Please feel free to bring food for your kids but for the safety of at-risk children we ask that no nuts enter through the door.
HOW TO START A GROUP
If you have an existing group of families you’d like to bring to playgroup (such as a mothers group) then contact us on (03) 9772 2976 or email us to confirm that the session time you want is available. If it is then we will hold the position for you and each member of your group will be required to do the following:
- Start a Playgroup Victoria Family membership ($40 or $30 concession per family per annum) by visiting www.playgroup.org.au
or phone 1800 171 882. New members joining online can link themselves directly to Swanpool Playgroup by using your Playgroup ID number 116972 and selecting a session from the drop down bar, or if you have an existing membership you can update it using our ID number and selecting the session you’ll be attending. - Book in an induction – which will likely be your first session and will include a tour of the facility and information on what we offer. You will be asked to return a completed enrolment form and emergency contact form along with payment for the term which can be done using our card facility, cash or bank transfer.
PLAYGROUP VS PLAYCENTRE
Most playcentres charge between $10-$20 per child per entry, we’re just $30 for your whole family for an entire term! Swanpool Playgroup is an intimate environment where you can see and interact with your children and the parents at all times, we have engaging toys for all young children, including babies, and you are welcome to bring in your own activities if you feel inspired. You can also hire a themed Fun Box for $15 per group per session which is a box of goodies put together by the qualified staff at Chelsea Occasional Childcare to provide inspiration and interest to your children. You can also bring your own food (except nuts which aren’t allowed), and there are tea and coffee making facilities for the grown-ups.
All we ask is that you enjoy the space and treat it with respect and care as you would your own home. All groups are required to clean up after each session in preparation for the following groups and a cleaning roster for members to follow is provided.
