Families in the City of Boroondara, Balwyn and other nearby suburbs are discovering a standout option for early learning: the new playgroup at Fintona Girls’ School.
Catering to children aged 6 months to 3 years, the Fintona Playgroup offers a stimulating and nurturing environment that encourages early learning and social development. Sessions are held at the school’s specialist Early Learning Centre (ELC) on the Junior School Campus in Balwyn, making it a convenient choice for local families seeking a high-quality playgroup in the City of Boroondara and surrounding areas such as Canterbury, Doncaster, Surrey Hills and Kew.
Expert-Led Playgroup Sessions in Balwyn
Each Friday morning during term time, experienced educator Fran Hyde welcomes up to 15 young learners, each accompanied by a parent or guardian. The playgroup runs from 9.30am to 11.00am, providing a safe, engaging space for children to enjoy cooperative play and specialist activities.
“Families experience firsthand the innovative programs offered by our ELC and gain valuable insight into what a day at Fintona might look like for their child,” says Fran Hyde. “Having a Fintona educator lead the playgroup allows parents and caregivers to receive tailored advice about their child’s development and learning. It’s also a wonderful opportunity for children to meet other Fintona teachers, easing their transition into the ELC and Junior School.”
Building Community Connections in Boroondara
Local parent Michelle enrolled her daughter Amelie in the Fintona Playgroup to provide her with opportunities to socialise and grow in a supportive environment. “We’d heard consistently strong reviews about Fintona from other families in Balwyn and Boroondara, and we were keen to enrol Amelie in the playgroup because we have a view to enrolling her at the School for her future education,” Michelle says.
“The playgroup has been a fantastic way for Amelie to interact with peers and educators while getting comfortable in the school setting through playful, hands-on experiences – experiences I certainly could not replicate in the home environment.”
High Demand for Playgroups in Balwyn and Beyond
Due to overwhelming interest from families in Balwyn, Canterbury, and the wider Boroondara area, the Fintona Playgroup is fully booked for the remainder of 2025. The school is considering adding extra sessions to meet the growing demand for quality playgroups in the local community. Families interested in joining the waitlist for 2025 can register their interest online at Playgroup – Fintona Girls’ School.
Jackie Dimattina, Head of Junior Campus, says, “We’re always looking for ways to engage with and support our local community. Our new Rocketeers holiday program has also been hugely popular, and we welcome suggestions for future activities.”
Discover More About Fintona Playgroup
If you’re searching for a playgroup in Balwyn or nearby areas, Fintona Girls’ School Playgroup offers a unique, enriching environment that fosters each child’s natural curiosity, creativity and discovery-driven early learning through connections and play. To learn more or join the waitlist, visit Playgroup – Fintona Girls’ School.