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.
Please contact our friendly team to express your interest.
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.
Discover your inner chef & love of food.
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.
Please contact our friendly team to express your interest.
Please contact our friendly team to express your interest.
Join our School Holiday Dance Group, led by a qualified Speech Pathologist and supported by an Allied Health Assistant (AHA). This fun and engaging group is designed for children who love to move, create, and connect with others.
Through dance, movement games, teamwork activities, and creative expression, children will build confidence while developing important communication, social, and motor skills in a supportive environment.
Goals targeted include:
This group provides a safe and inclusive space for children to explore movement, express themselves, and make new connections while having fun during the school holidays.
Contact us today for more details, as spots are limited.
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.
*Playgroup is during school terms only
