Most parents visit two or three centres, smile politely, and still go home unsure. A brochure can tell you a lot, but it can’t show you how a room feels at 9am on a Tuesday.
That’s exactly why Stay & Play sessions exist, and why at Coombs Early Learning, we consider them one of the most valuable steps in your child’s journey into care.
If you’ve heard the term ‘Stay & Play’ but aren’t quite sure what it involves, you’re not alone. In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know: what a Stay & Play session is, what happens during one, the benefits for your child and for you, and how Coombs families can get involved.
What Is a Stay & Play Session?
A Stay & Play session is an informal, supervised visit where you come along to the early learning centre with your child and stay for the whole time. Unlike a regular childcare day, where you drop off and head to work, a Stay & Play session is designed for you both to be there together.
At Coombs Early Learning, we offer planned Stay & Play opportunities as part of our transition-to-care process. We believe that building respectful, trusting relationships from the very beginning among children, families, and our educators is the foundation of a positive early learning experience.
These sessions are open to children aged 6 weeks to 5 years, and we warmly welcome parents, grandparents, and carers to attend.
What Happens During a Stay & Play Session?
Every Stay & Play session at Coombs ELC is relaxed, welcoming, and guided by our qualified educators. Here’s what a typical session looks like:
Arrival and free play – Children are free to explore the space, the resources, and the outdoor environment at their own pace, with you close by.
Guided activities – Educators may facilitate sensory play, arts and crafts, music and movement, or nature-based activities inspired by our Bush Kinder philosophy.
Snack and connection time – A chance for children to sit together, share a snack, and start forming those early friendships.
Storytime – A calming, familiar routine that signals the wind-down of the session and mirrors the rhythms of a regular day at the centre.
There’s no pressure, no expectations, and no agenda. The goal is simply for your child to feel comfortable and for you to feel confident in the environment and the people who will be caring for them.
The Benefits of Stay & Play Sessions for Your Child
Play is how children learn best, and we believe deeply in that at Coombs Early Learning. Stay & Play sessions are packed with developmentally rich experiences that support your child in meaningful ways.
Early Socialisation
For many children, a Stay & Play session is their first experience of being around other children in a structured setting. Learning to share space, take turns, and communicate with peers in a warm environment builds the social confidence they’ll carry into preschool, kindergarten, and beyond.
Sensory and Fine Motor Development
From messy play with textures and paint to building with blocks and threading beads, our activities are intentionally designed to develop fine motor skills, curiosity, and creativity. Our nature-based activities also introduce children to the natural world in a hands-on way.
Smoother Transitions to Care
Starting childcare can be a big adjustment for little ones. Stay & Play sessions help ease that transition by making the environment familiar before their first official day. Children who have had the opportunity to explore the space, meet the educators, and settle into the routines tend to find the adjustment to care far less overwhelming.
Building Confidence and Independence
With you close by, your child can take brave little steps, try something new, approach another child, or explore a corner of the room they weren’t sure about. That sense of safety, combined with gentle encouragement from our educators, lays the groundwork for the independence and resilience we nurture every day at Coombs ELC.
The Benefits for Parents and Carers
Stay & Play sessions aren’t just valuable for children; they offer something equally important for parents and carers, too.
See the Centre in Action
A tour is a snapshot. A Stay & Play session is the real thing. You’ll see how our educators interact with children, how the day’s rhythm flows, and whether the environment feels like a good fit for your family. You can ask questions, observe, and get a genuine sense of our community.
Reduce Your Own Transition Anxiety
It’s completely normal to feel anxious about leaving your child in someone else’s care. Stay & Play sessions give you the time and space to build trust in our educators gradually, on your terms, without the clock ticking. Many of our families find that by the time their child’s first official day arrives, they feel genuinely comfortable and confident.
Connect with Other Families
The Coombs and Molonglo Valley community is wonderfully close-knit, and our centre reflects that. Stay & Play sessions are a great opportunity to meet other local parents and carers in a relaxed, informal setting. Many of the friendships formed over playdough and storytime at our centre have long outlasted the early learning years.
Get Ideas for Play at Home
Watching how our educators facilitate play and learning gives parents and carers a bank of ideas to take home. Whether it’s a sensory bin activity, a gratitude practice from our Playing with Gratitude program, or a simple nature-based craft, you’ll leave with inspiration and a deeper understanding of how your child learns best.
Who Can Attend a Stay & Play Session?
Our Stay & Play sessions are designed for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years, so whether you have a tiny baby, a busy toddler, or a preschooler ready to take on the world, there’s a place for your family here.
Mums, dads, grandparents, and regular carers are all welcome; we simply ask that an adult familiar to the child accompanies them for the duration of the session.
You don’t need to be enrolled or on our waitlist to attend a Stay & Play session. They’re designed to help you make the decision that’s right for your family, with no obligation.
What to Bring to Your First Stay & Play Session
We want your first visit to be as easy and enjoyable as possible. Here’s what we suggest:
- Comfortable clothes your child can get messy in, we love sensory and creative play, and paint does happen!
- A familiar comfort item, if your child has one (a special toy or blanket can help little ones feel settled).
- A snack for your child if they have specific dietary needs, though we do cater for a wide range of requirements.
- An open mind and low expectations; some children dive straight in, others need a session or two to warm up, and both are completely normal.
Most importantly, bring yourself. Your presence is what makes Stay & Play work; your child takes their cues from you, and when you’re relaxed and curious, they will be too.
Stay & Play Sessions at Coombs Early Learning
At Coombs Early Learning, Stay & Play is built into the way we welcome families. We offer planned opportunities to stay and play as part of our thoughtful, considered transition-to-care approach, because we believe that a child’s first experience of the wider world should feel safe, joyful, and community-centred.
Our educators are experienced, caring, and genuinely invested in the children and families in our community. Many of our team have trained in the Circle of Security approach, and our centre proudly holds Exceeding NQS ratings in both Collaborative Partnerships with Families and Communities and Governance and Leadership.
We’re located at 2/110 Woodberry Avenue, Coombs ACT, right in the heart of the Molonglo Valley, close to Stromlo Forest Park and the National Arboretum. We care for children from 6 weeks to 5 years.
One thing worth knowing: Coombs ELC is a well-loved centre in a growing community, and places fill quickly. Joining our waitlist doesn’t lock you into anything; it simply means you won’t miss out when a spot does become available. Families who attend a Stay & Play session and feel that spark of “yes, this is the one” often wish they’d joined the waitlist sooner. There’s no obligation, no commitment, and nothing to lose, just the peace of mind that you’ve secured your place in the queue for the centre you love.
If you’d like to attend a Stay & Play session or join our waitlist, we’d love to welcome you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Stay & Play Sessions
Do I stay with my child during a Stay & Play session?
Yes absolutely. Stay & Play sessions are designed for parents and carers to remain on-site with their child throughout the session. This is what makes them different to a standard childcare day. You’re there together, exploring and playing side by side.
Are Stay & Play sessions free?
Yes, our Stay & Play sessions are completely free. There’s no cost, no obligation, and no commitment required. It’s simply an open invitation to come and experience Coombs ELC for yourself. And if you love what you see, we’d encourage you to join our waitlist so you don’t miss out when a spot becomes available.
What age are Stay & Play sessions suitable for?
Our Stay & Play sessions are suitable for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years. Whether you have a young baby, a curious toddler, or a preschooler, there’s something for everyone.
Do I need to be enrolled at Coombs ELC to attend a Stay & Play session?
No. Stay & Play sessions are open to all local families, including those considering enrollment. They’re a wonderful way to experience the centre before making any decisions.
How is a Stay & Play session different from a centre tour?
A centre tour gives you a guided overview of the facilities and program. A Stay & Play session lets you and your child actually participate in the day, engaging in activities, meeting the educators, and getting a real feel for the rhythm and culture of our centre.
What if my child is shy or takes a while to warm up?
That’s completely normal and something our educators are very experienced with. There’s no pressure to participate in anything; some children observe for a session or two before jumping in, and we support every child at their own pace.
Reviewed by Naomi Barrenger
Centre Director, Coombs Early Learning
With close to a decade working in early childhood education, Naomi has built Coombs Early Learning into one of the most trusted centres in the Molonglo Valley. She believes that the relationship between a family and their centre starts long before a child’s first official day and that getting that foundation right changes everything. Naomi is passionate about creating a space where children feel genuinely known, families feel wholeheartedly welcomed, and the whole community grows stronger together.