Welcome to Wildflower Kids Nature Community Playgroup, encouraging child-led play and the promotion of our wellbeing through nature connection.

We are registered with Playgroups Victoria with $20 million Public Liability Insurance and are coordinated by Born Wild Community Inc.

Our playgroup is facilitated by volunteers, while children are supervised by their families. We have some basic first aid supplies, mozzie repellent and sunscreen, however we rely on parents to provide first aid and protection for their children.

We usually begin with a Welcome Circle and Acknowledgement of Country. There is a theme and activity each week and children are encouraged to engage with this or choose their own free play. This self-directed play is actively encouraged! We finish every session with a story and sometimes a snack.

Our activities make use of natural materials to encourage exploration and to minimise waste. We try to use as few manufactured toys as possible. We endeavour to promote life skills, fine and gross motor experiences, stories, imaginative play, and observations of the world around us.

Some areas have restrictions on what we can take from the space, what we can bring in, and what areas we can access. Please be respectful of this so that our playgroup can continue.

We are an inclusive playgroup, and all families are welcome. Being outdoors in nature, let’s accept all children’s needs and behaviours. Nature is an amazing self-regulation resource for us all.

There is an increasing body of evidence highlighting the value of child-led play, particularly in the outdoors. Benefits include:
 Improved immune systems
 Physical activity
 Resistance to stress
 Improved sense of wellbeing
 Greater emotional intelligence
 An understanding of risk
 Growth in imagination and creativity

Research also supports the benefit of nature-based playgroups for new parents, specifically their sense of wellbeing.

Our playgroup sessions are generally targeted at children aged 0-5 years with a focus on child-led play and families interacting with each other outdoors. Children over 5 are most welcome to attend as well.

Wildflower Kids is offered to everybody on a donation model. You can bring a gold coin or two on the day, transfer a small amount weekly, donate through Humanitix (please note Humanitix does take 2.5% in fees) or offer a donation for the term,

All donations to this playgroup are used to reimburse our volunteer facilitators for their fuel and expenses, donate directly to Feed Me Bellarine for our fruit and sweet snack, and purchase incidental materials.

TIME:

Weekly throughout the school term - any changes or cancellations will be posted on Facebook and emailed.

The Bellarine and Surrounds Mobile Group: every Wednesday 10:00-12:00 noon

Portarlington: every Friday 9:30-11:00am