Our Story
Established in the early 1980’s by a co-operative of parents, Camberwell Structured Playgroup (CSP) is a community full of families that have become friends. It is your local not-for-profit playgroup, still run by a volunteer committee made up of parents of our playgroup community.
For over 40 years, CSP was operating in the same hall on Riversdale Road in Camberwell. In 2023, due to renovations at the hall, CSP made the move to our new venue in Ashburton: the Children’s Centre behind Ashburton Uniting Church. Imagine having to move almost 40 years’ worth of playgroup toys and equipment! It was a monumental effort by the volunteer committee parents at the time, and one that paid off - we love the new space! Unlike the hall in Camberwell it’s a purpose-built venue, having been used as a Kinder room in the past. It has plenty of natural light, great spaces for all our usual activities and a versatile outdoor play area with a village community vibe. Not to mention the fantastic location close to all that High Street, Ashburton has to offer.
CSP is a ‘structured playgroup’; our wonderful playgroup leader sets up and provides open-ended play experiences where children can bring their own creativity and explore materials in their own way. All you have to do is turn up and enjoy the space, the activities and a cup of tea/coffee while connecting with your child and chatting to other parents and carers. The playgroup leader also leads singing and stories on the mat. Parents/carers are present to support and guide their child(ren) through the session.
We offer indoor as well as outdoor play, art and craft activities and a wide range of toys. Songs, stories and a time for eating is also included in the session.
Inside, we have a variety of gross motor skill equipment like a tunnel, slide and walkboard. There are many role playing opportunities with dress up and kitchen play, and lots of car tracks and vehicle toys for our wheel-loving children. We also have a reading corner, puzzles and games for more quiet play. Fun and original art and craft activities are planned by our experienced playgroup leader.
Outside we offer free play in our fantastic shaded area with slide, cubby, swing, sandpit and range of outdoor toys including our very popular water table for the warmer months.
At playgroup, children can develop physically, socially, emotionally and intellectually. They can have new experiences, make friends, gain self-confidence and have fun.
Playgroup is a wonderful way to meet other local families and make new friends.
Our playgroup leader
We have recently welcomed a new playgroup leader - more information will come soon!
What our families are saying…
“I love the fact that at playgroup my daughter gets to play with other children of all different ages including slightly older children.”
“Because all the activities are set up and there is a playgroup leader to help, it has been very easy to attend with a toddler and a newborn, and other carers there are always ready to help out.”
“My son absolutely adores coming to this playgroup. There is such a variety of indoor and outdoor equipment and stations. Everything from a craft station to song and story time. He especially loves the play coffee kitchen area and the sandpit and swing outside. It's been such a wonderful experience connecting with other mum's in what can be a very challenging journey at times.”
“We have learnt lots of new songs at playgroup, and it’s always giving me ideas for craft and painting activities to try at home.”
“Playgroup is structured so there are craft activities set up to do each week. I don't need to think of what to do and cleaning up is easy, especially with paint.”
“It is great to be able to chat to other mums who have older children already in kindy or school, to find out what lies ahead.”