Playgrounds for under 4s proving a hit at Helena College

A NEW playgroup initiative for under 4s has been offered by the Helena College campus in Darlington.

Kindergarten teacher Kate Barclay is the mastermind behind the initiative and her small classes have proved popular with pre-schoolers and their parents.

“We wanted to offer a playgroup in a school setting,” she said.

Ms Barclay said the new classes included fun activities like painting, dressing up, making objects and colouring in.

Playgroups also offer children an opportunity to play with older kids while parents and grandparents can stick around and see how the kids are managing.

“We wanted to provide a meeting place where parents of young children could connect and support each other and the children could feel confident and comfortable,” Ms Barclay said.

Ms Barclay said parents whose children were not enrolled at the school could visit the facilities and see what was on offer and meet the staff.

The children range in ages from three months to four years old.

Ms Barclay’s job is to liaise between the parents, the school and children.

“Each week I set up the kindergarten room ready for the group and talk to parents and children,” she said.

“I help the parents run the activity sessions and music and singing for them.

“The group has been supported by Playgroup WA and that parents will take over running the facility ultimately.

“We have a roster for morning tea and running a small activity each week, parents pay to be a member and also receive different benefits from that as well.”

Anyone who would like more information on the playgroup can contact the college on 9299 6626 or email Kate Barclay on kbarclay@helenacollege.wa.edu.au.