About Us

Welcome to the Old Cottage Playgroup (OCPG)

Old Cottage Playgroup is a not-for-profit, community-based playgroup run by a dedicated team of volunteer parents. Their passion, hard work, and commitment help ensure the centre continues to operate and benefit our local community.

While attending playgroup, children are encouraged to explore and learn through play. We support creative, imaginative, dramatic, and physical play, with a wide range of resources available to suit different interests and stages of development.

At Old Cottage Playgroup, families can enjoy our fully enclosed outdoor play area, which includes a playground, swings, sandpit, bikes, and scooters. Indoors, we offer dress-ups, a home corner, and a variety of arts and craft activities.

We provide toys, books, and activities suitable for children aged 0–5 years, ensuring something for every age group.

Old Cottage Playgroup is also a welcoming space for parents and caregivers to connect, socialise, and build friendships. Tea and coffee facilities are included as part of your membership fees.

What is a Playgroup?

A playgroup is a welcoming space where parents, caregivers, and their young children come together regularly to play, learn, and connect.

Playgroups:

Bring together parents, caregivers, and their children in a relaxed, supportive environment
Offer fun, play-based learning experiences for children from birth to school age
Encourage children to learn through play and interact with other children and adults
Provide a space for parents and caregivers to share ideas, experiences, and information
Are community-based and foster cooperation, with families sharing in the planning and running of the playgroup
Run on the same day and time each week
Are low-cost, not-for-profit, and open to all local families

Why Are Playgroups So Important?

Playgroups provide an ideal setting for children to learn and develop through play. They:

Help create routine and structure in a child’s week
Support the development of social skills in a group setting, with a parent or caregiver close by
Offer shared experiences where children and adults participate together
Provide a space for babies, toddlers, and preschool-aged children to attend at the same time

Playgroups are also just as important for adults. They:

Provide opportunities for social connection and friendship
Allow parents and caregivers to share experiences, ideas, and interests
Offer support through conversation and shared understanding
Help build a strong sense of community
Support new families in forming local social networks
Provide a chance to get out of the house and enjoy adult conversation

Playgroups offer a wide range of toys and activities that may not always be available at home.
They are also affordable, as families work together to support the running of the playgroup and help keep costs low.

What to Bring

Please bring the following items to your playgroup session:

A hat and sunscreen for yourself and your children
Any snacks or drinks you may need during your session
(Please note: we are a nut-free environment. Soft drinks are available for purchase by adults.)
Comfortable clothing for children to play in
A warm jacket for outdoor play during cooler weather
Items for babies such as nappies, bottles, and food
Your sense of fun!

What is Supplied

Old Cottage Playgroup provides:

Tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and milk for adults
A wide range of toys, play equipment, and arts and craft activities for children

What is available for purchase

Old Cottage Playgroup has age-appropriate snacks and water for those days when nothing seems to go right!