Focus

• Playgroups are great for children’s learning and development. They’re good for you too.
• You can choose from a variety of playgroups.
• To find or start a playgroup, contact your local playgroup association.

What is a playgroup?
Playgroups are informal, informal gatherings for young children who have not yet started school and their parents or guardians.
In playgroups, children play and work alongside their parents. Parental supervision and companionship.
Playgroups usually meet weekly.
Most playgroups have a permanent location. These include universities, schools, places of worship, community centers, nursing homes, and parks. Sometimes playgroups move from one location to another.

At playgroups, your child can:

• Like reading books, playing music, and making art
• Try new, creative activities, tools, and toys
• Play with other children of different ages
• Learn to follow a routine
• Learn to work with adults other than their own parents or caregivers.

If your child can try different types of play, this will give them different ways to learn, and lots of opportunities to practice their learning. For example, jigsaw puzzles can help your child practice solving problems through trial and error. Art activities allow your child to try different ways of using materials and making things while developing hand-eye coordination. Jumping over obstacles outdoors can help your child develop physical skills and self-confidence.
Playgroups can also help your child start developing skills needed in preschool and school, such as sharing, taking turns, socializing and being part of a group.

Playgroups give you the opportunity to:

• Meet new people and make new friends
• Share tips, concerns, ideas and experiences
• Learn from parents and other caregivers
• Learn more about your community
• Connect with local services such as child care centers, community or mobile preschools, kindergartens, schools, etc.

Playgroups can provide:

• Resources, performance ideas and professional support
• Advice on how to organise playgroup activities
• Regular playgroup events
• Information about events, meetings and workshops
• Training
• Comprehensive insurance
• Information about special events such as National Playgroup Week or children’s concerts.