Pre-kindy playgroup gives children a confident start
A free Nambour playgroup is helping young children become familiar with kindergarten before their first official day, while giving families an early sense of belonging within the school community.
Brookes Street Nambour Community Kindergarten has welcomed a new group of families to its Pre-Kindy Playgroup following renewed funding through the Queensland Department of Education’s Great Start to Kindergarten Program.
The playgroup was launched in 2025 and returned this year after its first group of participants made a smooth transition into kindergarten.
The 2026 program began on Wednesday, July 15, and runs each Wednesday from 9.30am to 11.30am.
Each session follows a familiar routine and gives children the freedom to take part in painting, playdough, construction, imaginative play and outdoor activities including swings, the sandpit and visits to the kindergarten’s chickens.
Families can enjoy morning tea during the session before children, parents, grandparents and carers gather for a story and songs.
The kindergarten said the playgroup was designed to build confidence, friendships and familiarity with educators and the kindergarten environment.
Children who attended last year’s program and began kindergarten in 2026 had already formed relationships with staff and other children, helping them settle into the new routine.
Parents Grace and Ben Lynam said the playgroup made a significant difference when their twin boys started kindergarten.
“Our boys and their younger sister all loved attending, and felt so comfortable and familiar in the environment,” they said.
“When it came to drop-off for their first ever kindy day, we couldn’t believe how smooth it went. They knew the space, they knew the people, they felt so ready to be there and happily waved us goodbye.”
Other parents said the program had also helped them meet families and become part of the kindergarten community before their children formally enrolled.
Brookes Street Nambour Community Kindergarten thanked the Department of Education for continuing to support the program.
The kindergarten said the playgroup was open to children not yet old enough for kindergarten and provided an opportunity to develop social skills, confidence and an enjoyment of learning through play.
Families considering kindergarten for 2027 or later can visit the Brookes Street Nambour Community Kindergarten website to join the waiting list or enquire about the Pre-Kindy Playgroup.
The playgroup is designed to build familiarity with educators and the kindergarten environment.