Early Links runs a range of therapy groups and youth groups from our offices in Maitland, Ashtonfield, Newcastle, Kurri Kurri and Muswellbrook. We do so to promote inclusion and support people with additional needs to actively participate in the wider community.
We service all suburbs throughout Newcastle and the Hunter Region.
What is Early Links Playgroup?
Early Links Playgroup is a free, supported, and inclusive playgroup, held in Maitland on Thursdays. All children are welcome, with support provided for those with additional needs. There’s no need to register – just turn up and have fun!
Playgroup offers a great mix of indoor and outdoor play, including pretend play, sensory experiences, art and craft, and messy play.
When is Playgroup?
Early Links Playgroup is held on Thursday mornings during the school term from 9.30 till 11 am.
Where is Playgroup?
Playgroup is held at Maitland Presbyterian Church on Free Church Street.
What should I bring?
Please remember to bring along your own water and morning tea as these are not provided.
Let’s get building!
LEGO-Based Therapy is an evidence-informed, play-based, social communication program. It is a child led, gentle way of helping develop social communication skills whilst still being true to the individuals neurotype.
LEGO-Based Therapy gives children the tools they need to adapt how they communicate. It is designed to be fun, create connections and improve relationships.
Muswellbrook – 2025
Who:
For NDIS-funded participants aged 5 to 12 years.
Dates:
Ages 5-8 years – Tuesdays
Ages 8-12 years – Thursdays
Cost:
$102.17 per client per session (max cost – dependent on numbers).
What to bring:
Please bring a water bottle.
Where:
Early Links Muswellbrook Office
2 Francis Street, Muswellbrook, NSW 2333
We’re getting active!
This group will focus more on movement, gross motor skills and acro-style activities during the session. Stretching, breathing and yoga principles will be targeted during warm-up and cool-down. We will target the development of gross motor skills including balance, coordination, core stability and muscle endurance.
Ashtonfield – 2025 Dates
When
September School Holidays 2025
Time:
3 pm to 4.30 pm
Date:
Monday 29 September
Cost:
$100.87 – MIN 8 participants
Who:
For participants aged 5 to 12 years.
What to bring:
Please bring snacks, water, comfortable clothes and joggers.
Where:
Early Links Ashtonfield Office
19 Galway Bay Drive, Ashtonfield, NSW 2323
Discover your inner chef & love of food. Scroll down to see more details!
Develop basic meal preparation and language skills as well as fine and gross motor skills while having fun with other budding chefs. This group will also cover crucial life skills such as planning, sequencing, reading, following a recipe, social skills and kitchen safety awareness.
When
September / October School Holidays 2025
Dates: Monday 29 September & Tuesdays, from 30 September until 7 October
Time: Varies depending on day and session
Cost: Approx. $132.84 per client for 1 session, max. 8 participants per group
Note: Participants are welcome to join more than one group as we will be cooking a different recipe each week
Who: For participants aged 5+
What to bring:
Please wear enclosed shoes, drink bottle, hat and container for take home food. Cooking ingredients, equipment & aprons will be provided.
Please inform our team of any dietary requirements.
Where:
Early Links Ashtonfield Office
19 Galway Bay Drive, Ashtonfield, NSW 2323
When
September / October School Holidays 2025
Dates:
Tuesday 30 September and Thursday 2 October
Time:
10-11:30 am
Cost:
Approx. $132.84 per client for 1 session, max. 8 participants per group
Note:
Participants are welcome to join more than one group as we will be cooking a different recipe each week
Who:
For participants aged 5+
What to bring:
Please wear enclosed shoes, drink bottle, hat and container for take home food. Cooking ingredients, equipment & aprons will be provided.
Please inform our team of any dietary requirements.
Where:
Early Links Kurri Kurri Office
110 Lang Street, Kurri Kurri, NSW 2327
Let’s have fun with sensory experiences!
Join our fun and interactive sensory playgroup designed for children who love to explore, create, and get messy in hands-on sensory experiences! Led by an experienced play therapist and occupational therapist, this group offers a range of exciting activities to support sensory development, social interaction, and fine motor skills.
Activities Include:
Take-Home Creation:
Children will make a special sensory item (such as playdough, a balloon ball, or slime) to take home, while practicing turn-taking, following instructions, and building patience.
Sensory Circuit:
Explore 4 exciting sensory stations, featuring activities like cloud dough, potion making, water play, and more. Each station is tailored to engage children for 10-15 minutes before rotating to the next, offering a variety of textures and materials.
Group Game – “Can You Guess What’s in the Tub?”:
A fun sensory guessing game using touch, smell, and listening to identify mystery items!
This group is perfect for children who love to explore, create, and learn through play and great for parents who don’t love slime and playdough at home. With limited spots available (max. 8 children), your child will receive individualised support in a small group setting.
Ashtonfield – 2025 Dates
When
September/October School Holidays
Times:
3 pm to 4:30 pm (Tuesday), 9 am -10:30 am (Friday)
Dates:
Tuesday 30 September and Friday 10 October
Cost:
Approx $123.87 (8 participants)
Who:
For participants 4-10 years
What to bring:
Please bring clothes that can get messy, a water bottle, hat, enclosed shoes, sunscreen and a plastic bag with a spare change of clothes for parents to change their children before leaving if they wish.
Where:
Early Links Ashtonfield Office
19 Galway Bay Drive, Ashtonfield, NSW 2323
*Playgroup is during school terms only
