More can play

By Bridget Brady
The playgroup is held at the Devon Meadows Public Hall and playgroup co-ordinator Vanessa Bosanquet encouraged mothers in Lynbrook who may be struggling to find a spot for their children to come along to Devon Meadows.
“We have about 10 families and we could cater for double that easily,” Ms Bosanquet said.
Last week the News reported toddlers were being turned away from full playgroups in Lynbrook as there was inadequate community space to hold more sessions and cater for the town’s growing young population.
One full Lynbrook playgroup receives up to 20 phone calls a week from parents looking to place their children in a session. There are an estimated 630 zero to four-year-olds living in Lynbrook and Casey is home to the state’s largest population of that age group.
But Ms Bosanquet said the relatively small Devon Meadows community meant the playgroup could take on some of those who were on waiting lists in Lynbrook.
“It didn’t surprise me services are stretched at Lynbrook. There is so much building going on there and it’s growing so fast. But we have services here and we can help.”
The Devon Meadows Playgroup was not exclusive to Devon Meadows residents, Ms Bosanquet said, with some parents coming from Clyde and Narre Warren to attend.
She said playgroup was enjoyable for both parents and children. “Playgroup is fantastic. The kids get to meet other kids and do things they wouldn’t normally do at home. They have an absolute ball.”
It was a good chance for mothers who might be isolated to meet other parents, Ms Bosanquet said.
“And it helps if you have had your first child and you don’t have a lot of friends with kids because it takes a bit to find that network.”
For more information on the Devon Meadows Playgroup call Vanessa on 0412 940 467.