Question 1

Do adults need to stay for the classes?

Accepted Answer

Yes, this is not a drop off session. Adults are responsible for their little one throughout the class and must always stay with them. Active engagement with your child during the class will help them get the most out of the learning experiences.

Question 2

In which class should my child enrol if they have a birthday in the middle of the term?

Accepted Answer

We recommend enrolling your child in the class reflecting the age they were at the beginning of the term. Please contact us if you would like to discuss further.

Question 3

Can I enrol once the term has already started?

Accepted Answer

You can enrol in our Crawlers, Walkers and Explorers classes once the term has started, as long as there is space in the class. Term fees are reduced each week so that you will be charged on a pro-rata basis. Mid-term enrolments cannot be made for our Mums & Bubs, Starters and Launchers classes.

Question 4

Do you offer make up sessions?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If your child is unable to attend a class, email PlayWise before the absence and you can request to attend another suitable session on the timetable. Make up sessions must be made within the same term.

Unfortunately we are unable to arrange make up sessions for our Mums & Bubs sessions.

Question 5

How should my child dress?

Accepted Answer

Please dress your child in something comfortable for playing that is easy to move in. Shoes and socks of children and their caregivers are to be left in the designated area near the entrance. Babies should not have clothes/socks over their feet so that they can move freely.

Question 6

What should we bring to classes?

Accepted Answer

Bring a change of clothes (in case sensory play turns into messy play!), small towel (to dry off after water play) and water bottle. In order to keep equipment clean, please refrain from eating food during classes.

Question 7

Can we bring siblings to our classes?

Accepted Answer

Siblings are most welcome to visit our classes when other arrangements can not be made for their care or during school holidays etc. Participating siblings can attend at a casual rate of $20 per class. We ask that they are mindful of the children enrolled in the class and give these children first priority and open access to the resources and equipment. Please contact Samantha to organise a casual class for a sibling.

Siblings under the age of 6 months can participate with parental discretion and supervision in these classes without charge.

Question 8

How long do your classes go for?

Accepted Answer

Starters, Crawlers and Walkers classes run for 45 minutes. Mums & Bubs, Explorers, Launchers and Open Play classes run for 60 minutes.

Question 9

Do you offer casual classes?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Sometimes we offer casual Open Play or Drop In & Play sessions over the school holidays. Some of our Crawlers and Walkers classes may be available casually depending on numbers that term. Explorers and Launchers classes are not available casually as that age group in particular benefit from being around familiar faces each week and settling into the weekly routine of the class.

Question 10

What are the benefits of sensory play?

Accepted Answer

A child’s senses develop as they explore the world around them. Sensory play encourages learning through exploration, curiosity, problem solving and creativity. It even supports language development and builds nerve connections in the brain! Sensory play promotes a sense of calm and assists with emotional regulation.

Question 11

What are fine motor skills?

Accepted Answer

These are the group of skills involved in the ability to manipulate smaller objects with the hands and fingers. Examples include grasping, holding and pinching. Fine motor skills are required for many aspects of self-care and are also crucial for the development of writing.

Question 12

What are gross motor skills?

Accepted Answer

These are the group of skills that require whole-body movement and use of the large muscles of the body to perform everyday tasks. These skills include rolling, sitting upright, standing, walking and running. Gross motor skills also include hand-eye co-ordination skills like throwing and catching a ball. We use these skills all day long, for everything from sports, to climbing out of the car, to sitting at the dining table.

Question 13

What is a play invitation?

Accepted Answer

Also known as “invitations to play” or “provocations”, a play invitation is a way of setting up an experience that triggers interest and inspires new or creative ways to play. Play invitations are set out in an obvious space or zone so they are inviting as well as self-explanatory. The direction of play should be decided by the child, but the teacher or adult may prompt the child to think about or explore an idea.

Question 14

What does child-centred mean?

Accepted Answer

Making the child's voice and preferences a priority. A child-centred approach adjusts activities towards a child's unique interests and needs. It is responsive to feedback from the child and their family. This enables a child to direct their own play, but with the support of responsive adults.

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