Eco Explorers is delighted to partner with Sage’s Cottage Farm in Baxter, south of Frankston for a playgroup specifically designed to stimulate, engage and meet the sensory needs of children aged 1 – 4 years.

Our sensory play bush playgroup is perfect for little ones that enjoying sensory play or perhaps your child is a little uncertain about getting dirty and playing outdoors or has specific sensory needs. Alison, our facilitator will focus on meeting your child’s needs through weekly sensory play focused activities.

This 6 week program will focus on building your child’s confidence and social skills through weekly sensory nature play activities, art, stories, song, and learning.  Sage’s Cottage is located on 34 acres of heritage listed tranquility, only 40 minutes south-east of Melbourne.  It offers a variety of stimulating and diverse play opportunities for our families including a farm with animals, Australian native and Indigenous bushland, a pond walk, veggie gardens and lovely park and picnic areas with trees and even a cafe for parents to grab a cuppa!

The Sages Cottage property is operated by leading not-profit community service organisation, Wallara Australia. Wallara supports adults with different abilities to achieve their potential. For more information please visit www.wallara.com.au or their YouTube channel WallaraTV.

This playgroup is led by Alison, a qualified Primary Teacher, Anthropologist, teacher’s aide and bush playgroup facilitator.

Our program has been developed to give your child optimum opportunity to build their gross motor and physical skills through climbing, balancing, walking and fine motor skills during our craft activities. Research clearly shows that the more time your child spends in nature, the better they are prepared for school, both physically and emotionally.

Playgroup allows parents to disconnect from their busy lives (and technology) and re-connect with their child in nature. This time is as much for you as it is for your child. Our playgroups bring together a community of like-minded parents who are supportive and welcoming. The sessions are relaxed and completely child led and parents are encouraged to follow their child’s lead.

Bush playgroup is an all weather outdoor playgroup so you need to make sure you bring appropriate weather protection and clothing. Children must have closed footwear when walking in the bush, sun hats, sunscreen, wet weather gear, plenty of snacks and water and a change of clothes. Our playgroup will only be cancelled in the event of an extreme weather warning; fire, storm, high temperatures and strong wind.

Ages: 1 – 6 years (siblings under 14 months are welcome to attend for free).

*Parents are responsible for their children at all times.