Playgroup in the Inner West of Sydney

Welcome to Beanstalks ELC Sensory Playgroups: a play-based, teacher-led playgroup supporting babies, toddlers and preschool-aged children in Sydney’s Inner West.

Our Inner West playgroup is designed to support children’s social, emotional and cognitive development through open-ended play, connection and responsive adult support. Sessions are relaxed, welcoming and grounded in early childhood and neuroscience-informed practice

Close-up of a tray filled with small colorful objects, rocks, mini astronaut figurines, space-themed playing cards, and decorative stars, outdoors in a park.

Starting January 15th!

Inner West Playgroup for Babies, Toddlers & Preschoolers

We have a wide range of open-ended play-based experiences so there’s something for everyone!

Beanstalks ELC Playgroup is suitable for:

  • Babies exploring the world through their senses

  • Toddlers developing independence, communication and big feelings

  • Preschool-aged children building confidence, social skills and emotional regulation

Our mixed-age playgroup model allows children to learn from one another while adults gain insight into how development unfolds across the early years.

Miniature plastic animals on a muddy surface, including pigs, a horse, a cow, and an eagle, surrounded by shredded paper and green plants, with a blurred outdoor background.
A fishing game at a fair with a round blue pool containing toy fish and blocks, with a child's hand reaching into the water to catch a toy fish.

Where our Inner West Playgroups are Located

Our playgroup sessions are held in Ashfield on Thursdays and Haberfield on Friday mornings, with locations including local parks and community spaces.

Our playgroups are conveniently located within 5 minutes from:
Marrickville, Five-Dock, Haberfield, Newtown, Ashfield, Leichhardt, Petersham, Dulwich Hill and surrounding Inner West suburbs.

Five Dock Sensory Playgroups

Our playgroup runs from 9:30-12 every Thursday (including in the school holidays!). We are conveniently located within Livvi’s Place, an inclusive all-ages and wheelchair accessible park, in Five Dock so children and families have the flexibility of playing in the park before or after joining in with some sensory play experiences. Please feel free to come at any time and stay for as long as you like.

No bookings required

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What Happens at a Beanstalks ELC Playgroup Session

Each session offers thoughtfully planned, open-ended play experiences that invite children to explore at their own pace.

You may see:

  • Sensory play experiences

  • Loose parts and open-ended resources

  • Opportunities for problem-solving and collaboration

  • Calm spaces for regulation and rest

  • Taste safe-play for those children who love to explore through their senses

There is no pressure for children to participate in everything. Observing, watching and slowly joining in are all valued forms of learning.

A sensory bin filled with cornflakes, small yellow bee toys, and round objects, decorated with a sunflower and green ivy, with a pink, yellow, and red fabric border, placed outdoors on a checkered picnic blanket.
Children's stuffed animal toys arranged in a wooden hexagon-shaped sandbox with colorful ground covering, including plush animals, wooden dinosaurs, and felt trees and eggs, set outdoors on a blanket.

Led by an Early Childhood Teacher

Beanstalks ELC Playgroup is facilitated by Jess, an early childhood teacher of seven years, with experience supporting children’s emotional development, behaviour and learning through play.

Parents and caregivers are supported with:

  • Gentle guidance and reassurance

  • Understanding what children’s behaviour is communicating

  • Practical strategies grounded in child development

This is not a drop-and-go session, it’s an opportunity for you to connect with your child and meet new families.

  • Our playgroups in Five Dock are suitable for children from 6 months through to 6 years.

    We include taste-safe materials in every playgroup session, so you can be confident your child can explore the activity trays safely.

    Mixed ages and siblings are welcomed.

  • Yes. A caregiver stays with their child for the duration of the session.

  • Absolutely! Children are never rushed or pressured to join activities. Playgroups are a perfect way to build children’s confidence in interacting with others and developing social skills.

  • There are huge learning and developmental benefits for children when it comes to sensory play. As an early childhood teacher, I know what it’s like to set up sensory play for your child, only to have it thrown across the floor and you’re finding rice and playdough in all the cracks and crevices of your home!

    Our playgroups are pressure free: join for as long or as little as you want, bring a snack, explore the playground and meet new families.

  • Yes. Sessions are facilitated by Jess, an early childhood teacher with a strong focus on emotional development and play-based learning. Jess is available and accessible for the entirety of the playgroup session to support you and your child and answer any questions you may have

  • Our Beanstalks Playgroups are completely FREE, inclusive and intentionally designed to welcome all families, providing sensory play to children without the barrier of cost or location!

Frequently Asked Questions