The Play Room
Be inspired with a fresh and exciting theme every week. Experience a variety of multi-sensory activities, including musical group time and hands-on play zones—Sensory Play, Messy Play, and Gross Motor activities.
The Play Room is also a special space for grown-ups to connect—whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or carer, you’ll find a warm, supportive community where the precious early years are shared.
Crawlers & Early Walkers
9 – 18 months
Next, babies are free to explore our thoughtfully designed play zones, filled with sensory-rich activities that encourage curiosity and motor skill development. Soft climbing structures and tactile play experiences support your baby’s growth.
Little ones begin to socialise and explore their world, while parents and carers connect and share the journey.
ABOUT OUR QUALITY PROGRAMS
Early Childhood Educator, Musician and Programmer
Mel is the talented, creative and extremely qualified educator behind our baby and music programs.
For years, our baby music and play programs have seen little bees flourish and thrive. Meeting the developmental needs of the baby and the social and emotional needs of parents. Our programs are written, refined and practiced by our highly experienced and qualified Early Childhood Educator and Musician, Melissa Saunders.
Melissa has spent 10 years as an Early Childhood Educator, eventually specialising in observing children for referral with extra needs. Pursuing her interest in music saw her gain qualifications through ANZCA to teach Modern Singing.
Moving to Newcastle in 2014, Melissa began performing in the duo Little Cents at local venues around Newcastle. They have recorded an album “Love and other Fractured Fairy Tales” available on Band Camp. https://littlecents.bandcamp.com/
Melissa completed the training and began teaching Kindermusik for Hive Founder Vanessa Lynch and has been part of the incredible team ever since.
Her passion for music as a learning tool and her belief in family as the centre and foundation of a child’s’ ability to succeed with joy, infect every class she facilitates.
More recently, Melissa has written and recorded music for children which are available on Spotify and Apple Music https://melissasaunders.hearnow.com/
ENROLMENT INFORMATION
This class is suitable for:
Crawlers and early walkers age 9-18 months
For babies 1-8 months CLICK HERE
Class Duration:
60 min
Class Location:
All Music classes are held at our Charlestown studio in Newcastle – 8 Frederick Street.
Class Fees:
Term Upfront: $24/week ($240/10 week term)
Monthly Flexi Plan: $28/week (billed by the calendar month)
Multi-Class Discount:
2 classes/week/student/$40
Younger sibling enrolled in same class:
• under 10 months is free
• 10 months + we offer a 50% discount
Makeups:
Unlimited makeups. Makeups have a 2 month expiry, and can only be booked in while you have an active enrolment.
Missed classes cannot be accessed after your enrolment ends, and cannot be refunded or exchanged.
Toddlers
1 year olds
After group time, toddlers are encouraged to explore a dynamic gross motor circuit and hands-on activity stations that encourage physical and cognitive development. Learning through play in a safe, stimulating environment naturally builds confidence and social skills.
Parents and carers enjoy the chance to connect with others during play time, building a sense of community while their children engage in meaningful, developmentally appropriate activities.
ABOUT OUR QUALITY PROGRAMS
Early Childhood Educator, Musician and Programmer
Mel is the talented, creative and extremely qualified educator behind our baby and music programs.
For years, our baby music and play programs have seen little bees flourish and thrive. Meeting the developmental needs of the baby and the social and emotional needs of parents. Our programs are written, refined and practiced by our highly experienced and qualified Early Childhood Educator and Musician, Melissa Saunders.
Melissa has spent 10 years as an Early Childhood Educator, eventually specialising in observing children for referral with extra needs. Pursuing her interest in music saw her gain qualifications through ANZCA to teach Modern Singing.
Moving to Newcastle in 2014, Melissa began performing in the duo Little Cents at local venues around Newcastle. They have recorded an album “Love and other Fractured Fairy Tales” available on Band Camp. https://littlecents.bandcamp.com/
Melissa completed the training and began teaching Kindermusik for Hive Founder Vanessa Lynch and has been part of the incredible team ever since.
Her passion for music as a learning tool and her belief in family as the centre and foundation of a child’s’ ability to succeed with joy, infect every class she facilitates.
More recently, Melissa has written and recorded music for children which are available on Spotify and Apple Music https://melissasaunders.hearnow.com/
ENROLMENT INFORMATION
This class is suitable for:
1 year olds, who are confident walkers.
Class Duration:
60 min
Class Location:
All Music classes are held at our Charlestown studio in Newcastle – 8 Frederick Street.
Class Fees:
Term Upfront: $24/week ($240/10 week term)
Monthly Flexi Plan: $28/week (billed by the calendar month)
Multi-Class Discount:
2 classes/week/student/$40
Younger sibling enrolled in same class:
• under 10 months is free
• 10 months + we offer a 50% discount
Makeups:
Unlimited makeups. Makeups have a 2 month expiry, and can only be booked in while you have an active enrolment.
Missed classes cannot be accessed after your enrolment ends, and cannot be refunded or exchanged.
2 Year Olds
A challenging gross motor circuit and engaging activity stations encourage problem-solving, coordination, and creative thinking. The program is thoughtfully crafted to support growing independence, curiosity, and emerging social skills—all through play.
Best of all, you’ll discover an abundance of fresh ideas for at home play.
ABOUT OUR QUALITY PROGRAMS
Early Childhood Educator, Musician and Programmer
Mel is the talented, creative and extremely qualified educator behind our baby and music programs.
For years, our baby music and play programs have seen little bees flourish and thrive. Meeting the developmental needs of the baby and the social and emotional needs of parents. Our programs are written, refined and practiced by our highly experienced and qualified Early Childhood Educator and Musician, Melissa Saunders.
Melissa has spent 10 years as an Early Childhood Educator, eventually specialising in observing children for referral with extra needs. Pursuing her interest in music saw her gain qualifications through ANZCA to teach Modern Singing.
Moving to Newcastle in 2014, Melissa began performing in the duo Little Cents at local venues around Newcastle. They have recorded an album “Love and other Fractured Fairy Tales” available on Band Camp. https://littlecents.bandcamp.com/
Melissa completed the training and began teaching Kindermusik for Hive Founder Vanessa Lynch and has been part of the incredible team ever since.
Her passion for music as a learning tool and her belief in family as the centre and foundation of a child’s’ ability to succeed with joy, infect every class she facilitates.
More recently, Melissa has written and recorded music for children which are available on Spotify and Apple Music https://melissasaunders.hearnow.com/
ENROLMENT INFORMATION
This class is suitable for:
Two year olds (and younger siblings)
Class Duration:
60 min
Class Location:
All Music classes are held at our Charlestown studio in Newcastle – 8 Frederick Street.
Class Fees:
Term Upfront: $24/week ($240/10 week term)
Monthly Flexi Plan: $28/week (billed by the calendar month)
Multi-Class Discount:
2 classes/week/student/$40
Younger sibling enrolled in same class:
• under 10 months is free
• 10 months + we offer a 50% discount
Makeups:
Unlimited makeups. Makeups have a 2 month expiry, and can only be booked in while you have an active enrolment.
Missed classes cannot be accessed after your enrolment ends, and cannot be refunded or exchanged.
3 Year Olds
Interactive group time brings everyone together through themed songs and movement —helping to build language, confidence, and social skills in a fun and engaging way.
The Play Room encourages creativity and problem-solving, through more complex play.
ABOUT OUR QUALITY PROGRAMS
Early Childhood Educator, Musician and Programmer
Mel is the talented, creative and extremely qualified educator behind our baby and music programs.
For years, our baby music and play programs have seen little bees flourish and thrive. Meeting the developmental needs of the baby and the social and emotional needs of parents. Our programs are written, refined and practiced by our highly experienced and qualified Early Childhood Educator and Musician, Melissa Saunders.
Melissa has spent 10 years as an Early Childhood Educator, eventually specialising in observing children for referral with extra needs. Pursuing her interest in music saw her gain qualifications through ANZCA to teach Modern Singing.
Moving to Newcastle in 2014, Melissa began performing in the duo Little Cents at local venues around Newcastle. They have recorded an album “Love and other Fractured Fairy Tales” available on Band Camp. https://littlecents.bandcamp.com/
Melissa completed the training and began teaching Kindermusik for Hive Founder Vanessa Lynch and has been part of the incredible team ever since.
Her passion for music as a learning tool and her belief in family as the centre and foundation of a child’s’ ability to succeed with joy, infect every class she facilitates.
More recently, Melissa has written and recorded music for children which are available on Spotify and Apple Music https://melissasaunders.hearnow.com/
ENROLMENT INFORMATION
This class is suitable for:
3 year olds (and younger siblings)
Class Duration:
60 min
Class Location:
All Music classes are held at our Charlestown studio in Newcastle – 8 Frederick Street.
Class Fees:
Term Upfront: $24/week ($240/10 week term)
Monthly Flexi Plan: $28/week (billed by the calendar month)
Multi-Class Discount:
2 classes/week/student/$40
Younger sibling enrolled in same class:
• under 10 months is free
• 10 months + we offer a 50% discount
Makeups:
Unlimited makeups. Makeups have a 2 month expiry, and can only be booked in while you have an active enrolment.
Missed classes cannot be accessed after your enrolment ends, and cannot be refunded or exchanged.
Unlimited Makeup Classes
Can’t Make It to Class?
Life happens—we get it! Just let us know through the Client Portal at least 2 hours before your class, and we’ll send you a makeup token.
Makeup tokens are valid for 2 months and can be used anytime while your enrolment is active.
NB: Your makeup token will appear on your account AFTER the missed classed has finished.
Hive Play Room Teachers
Melissa Saunders | Dip. ECE
Melissa is an experienced early childhood teacher and music educator...
She’s also a singer and songwriter – you might just see her wowing audiences at live performances in local venues around Newcastle.
Melissa is a proud mum to Natasha and Daniel, who share her passion for beautiful music and performance.
Emily Kingsmill | BPsych(Ed).
Emily grew up playing the piano then completed her Psychology in Education...
Her two little boys share her love of music, and together they like to spend time exploring and adventuring outdoors, going to the beach, sailing, crafting, baking, plus singing, dancing and making music!
Eloise Sheean | Bachelor of Music (Voice)
Eloise completed her Bachelor of Music through the University of Newcastle...
Kirsty Venables | BEd(Prim)
Kirsty completed her Bachelor of Education through the University of Newcastle...
“Working with children has been a dream of mine since I was a child myself – there was never any other career path for me. It truly is my ‘dream job’ to be working in The Hive team; as it allows me to combine my passion for engaging with children as well as my love for The Arts.