Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Hampton Children's Playhouse?
Hampton Children's Playhouse is a community-driven facility in Hampton, offering a safe and engaging environment where pre-school children can play and learn. It's run by a member volunteer committee with support from Bayside Council.
Q: Who can join the Playhouse?
Our membership is open to all families with young children, including parents, grandparents, nannies, and other caregivers. It's a space for members to socialise and for children to develop social skills and independence.
Q: What are the Playhouse's opening hours?
The Playhouse is open Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, including public holidays and school breaks.
Q: How do I become a member?
You can become a member by filling out the forms linked here. Membership covers your entire family and grants access to our facilities and events.
Q: Are there any rules or guidelines I should be aware of?
Yes, members are expected to follow our guidelines for safety, cleanliness, and community respect. These include supervising children at all times, cleaning up before leaving, and adhering to our food and safety policies. A complete list of guidelines is provided to all members.
Q: Can I bring guests to the Playhouse?
The Playhouse is strictly for members and their children. Any member found bringing non-member guests, including other children, may risk forfeiture of their membership. This policy ensures compliance with our insurance and safety standards.
Q: How can I get involved with the Playhouse community?
There are many ways to get involved! You can join our committee of management, participate in working bees, attend our events, donate toys time or equipment, or simply engage with other members during your visits. Your involvement is key to our vibrant community.
Q: Are there any volunteer opportunities?
Yes, volunteering is a crucial part of our playhouse community. Opportunities range from event organisation, accounting, graphic design, general management and more. To volunteer, please contact us.
Q: What happens during school holidays?
The Playhouse remains open during school holidays. Members are able to bring school-aged children during this time, provided they are mindful of the younger children present.
Q: How can I stay updated on events and news?
Stay updated through our Facebook Members page, our newsletter, and the notice board at the Playhouse. We regularly post updates and information about upcoming events.
Q: How is Hampton Children's Playhouse funded?
The Playhouse operates through a combination of membership fees, community grants, and fundraisers. While the Bayside Council provides the venue, our operational costs like cleaning, maintenance, and utilities are covered by membership fees, with grants used for extras like our events, new toy purchases. We strive to keep membership fees low and rely on community support for additional funding.
Q: Do I need to pay to attend extra events at the Playhouse?
Our events are free for members as they are covered by your membership fees.
Q: Can I book the Playhouse for private parties?
Yes, as a member, you have the exclusive privilege to book the Playhouse for private parties. The booking includes access to the Playhouse facilities, and there is a fee of $160, which covers cleaning and maintenance post-event. To book or for more details, please go to our Parties page.
Q: Why isn’t the Playhouse open on weekends?
The Playhouse is reserved for private parties on weekends, which is an exclusive benefit for our members. Hosting these private events is not only a valuable addition to our members' experiences but also an important source of extra funding for the Playhouse. This approach allows us to maintain and improve our facilities while offering a unique venue for special occasions to our community.
Q: If I buy a term membership, can I later upgrade to an annual one?
If you find that the Playhouse is a perfect fit for your family, you have the option to upgrade your term membership to an annual one. Feel free to discuss this with our membership coordinator, who will be happy to assist with the transition and provide any additional information you need.
Q: My child has allergies. Is the Playhouse a safe environment for them?
The safety and well-being of all children are our top priorities. The Playhouse is a 'No Nuts Zone,' and we take food safety seriously. We encourage all members to be vigilant and respectful of others' allergies. As parents and carers, you should also take necessary precautions for your child's specific needs and inform others if there are severe allergies to be aware of.
Q: What is the management structure of the Playhouse?
Our Playhouse thrives under the guidance of a dedicated volunteer committee comprised of members just like you! This committee oversees the smooth operation and policy decisions of the Playhouse. We always welcome new members who are eager to contribute their ideas and energy. If you're interested in being a part of our committee, please reach out. Your involvement could make a world of difference!
Q: Are there any safety and emergency procedures I should know about?
Yes, for the safety and well-being of all, we have emergency procedures in place. We have a first aid kit available, and a defibrillator is located next door at the Hampton Community Centre. We also have a clear evacuation plan, and we encourage all members to familiarise themselves with these procedures for everyone's safety.
Q: Can I contribute ideas or feedback about the Playhouse?
We highly value the input of our members. If you have any ideas, feedback, or suggestions to improve the Playhouse experience, please feel free to share them with us. You can contact us via the website, or drop your suggestions in our feedback box at the Playhouse.