THE IMPORTANCE OF PLAYGROUPS

What are playgroups?

Playgroups are meetings of families that provide children with opportunities for quality play. They are safe, inclusive environments that bring together children and parents to socialise, collaborate, play, and provide support to one another.

Stationed all over Australia, regular meetings of parents and carers, and their children take place. Children between 0-5 years of age engage in different forms of play with others for about an hour, usually every week.

During playgroup, parents and carers stay and play with their children to establish the vital bonds needed in the critical early years of childhood development. Here, parents and caregivers connect and support each other, and create quality play and bonding time for, and with, their child.

“My favourite thing about our playgroup is the deep sense of community. Bringing people together in a shared environment for the same common goal... to have positive interactions, connectedness, for the benefit of our little people and of course, ourselves.” (Parent, Karalee Playgroup)

What do playgroups provide?

Playgroups provide a welcoming environment for children to play, learn and grow. They facilitate a variety of learning experiences in community-accessible areas (Queensland Government). A playgroup facilitator or volunteer helps operate and support the playgroup, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment. Playgroups encourage child-led play by delivering engaging experiences to support social, emotional, physical and cognitive development.

“We live in a rural area, without many of the fun centres and activities for young children, but our playgroup … gives little ones in our community the chance to explore, play and socialise in an inclusive environment while the parents and carers make meaningful connections with others and also get to interact with their little ones. Playgroup days are my favourite day of the week!” (Parent, Emerald Gumnuts Playgroup)

Why Play Matters?

Play is vital to children’s development, especially in the early years. Children are learning as they explore, experiment, observe, create and problem-solve. Children in the early stages of their development need both support and freedom to play. Enriching activities and positive interactions during the formative years supports the development of key life skills which help children flourish and prepares them for success in later education and future growth. Such areas of growth can include language skills, emotional regulation, social interactions, cognitive and communication development (raisingchildren.net.au; The Australian Parenting Website).

“We love that the kids (and their parents/ carers) are growing more and more comfortable each week to come and learn through PLAY, about their world, about themselves and about how much play matters.” (Facilitator, GREAT MATES Playgroup, Goondiwindi.)

Why are playgroups important?

Playgroups have a number of benefits for families, even beyond play. Playgroups help expose children to new experiences. Young children are learning about their world and their role in it, through everyday experiences and activities. Children develop language and social skills while playing with others; they learn sharing, cooperation and routines, skills that help build lifelong learners and prepare children for school. The positive relationships children and parents can build in playgroups can last for years or a lifetime. Positive relationships are vital for growing brains, and make positive impacts on parents, too (raisingchildren.net.au; The Australian Parenting Website). Research has found children who attend playgroups have improved chances of being developmentally prepared in the AEDC domains than children who don’t (Telethon Kids Institute). Studies show the transition to school is often easier for children who have attended playgroups (Telethon Kids Institute). The benefit of playgroups extends to parents and caregivers. Playgroups provide opportunities for families to meet other local families and develop friendships. They provide relaxing and safe environments to connect, share experiences, and knowledge. Accessible early years education empowers parents and carers in the role of their child's first teacher.

“My granddaughter and I love going to playgroup as the smile on her face when we arrive each week is just wonderful. She loves it so of course that is my favourite thing” (Parent, Redlands Funtime).

Who are Play Matters

Play Matters is one of the largest communitybased charities specialising in play and parent-child attachment in Australia. Operating for almost 50 years, Play Matters Australia supports children and families to build relationships, skills, and confidence through play. We aim to provide children with the best start to life by empowering parents and carers with the skills and confidence to guide and support their children's development through the fundamental act of play. Play Matters Australia’s ethos of recognising parents and carers as a child’s first teacher is embedded in our organisation's theory of change and underpins our programs, service design and delivery.

Find a playgroup

Play Matters Australia currently supports in excess of 10,000 families with children aged birth-to-five. Visit the Play Matters website to become a member and discover playgroups in your local area. Our friendly and welcoming staff and volunteers can’t wait to meet you.

“A wonderfully welcoming group that all the children love and parents are all very helpful and welcoming.” (Parent, Possum Club Playgroup Brassall).

Find your local Play Matters Playgroup at https://playmatters.org.au/