Starting a playgroup is simple. All it takes is a few families with children aged 0-6 years who want to come together. Playgroup SA is here to guide you every step of the way, from setting up your group to connecting you with resources, volunteers and local families.
Whether you already have your families, venue and timeslot arranged, or are just beginning to explore the idea, we can help with:
- Advice and guidance via phone, email or face-to-face meetings
- Support with registration and administration
- Assistance with advertising and promotion
- Access to resources, ideas and training
- Ongoing guidance once your playgroup is up and running
To get started, simply complete the Community Playgroup Registration Form and follow the steps outlined in our Playgroup Pathway.
Why start a playgroup?
Playgroups are created for many reasons, such as:
- A group of friends or neighbours wanting to meet regularly with their children
- Families looking for a local play option when no playgroup is nearby
- Parents from a new parents’ group who want to keep meeting as their children grow
- Centres, schools, churches or community organisations wanting to support families through play
- Families wanting a culturally specific or language-based playgroup
- Groups based on shared experiences or interests, such as fathers’ groups, nanny groups, outdoor play, or Montessori-style learning
The benefits of playgroup
Playgroups are more than just play. They provide real outcomes for children, families and communities:
- For children: Playgroup supports early learning, builds confidence, encourages social and emotional development, and prepares children for school.
- For families: Parents and carers meet others in their community, build friendships and support networks, and gain confidence in their role as their child’s first teacher.
- For communities: Playgroups bring people together, strengthen community connections and create inclusive spaces that welcome all families, including those from diverse cultural backgrounds, Aboriginal families, and families with children with disability or developmental delay.
Research shows that children who attend playgroup have stronger developmental outcomes when they start school compared with those who do not attend.
Community playgroups
Most playgroups in South Australia are community playgroups. These groups:
- Are led by local volunteers
- Run for around two hours, on a weekly basis
- Offer a variety of play-based activities that support early childhood development
- Take place in community venues such as playgrounds, reserves or parks that are safe and accessible
- Provide a flexible routine that might include indoor and outdoor play, songs, stories and group time
- Are inclusive and welcoming of all families
How we support you
Playgroup SA provides ongoing support to help you establish and grow your playgroup. We can assist with:
- Sourcing a venue and ensuring it’s safe and family-friendly
- Ideas for toys, equipment and play-based activities
- Templates and resources for managing your playgroup
- Training and information sessions for coordinators and volunteers
- Access to funding opportunities, grants and fundraising ideas
- Marketing support to promote your playgroup locally and online
Take the first step
Starting a playgroup is one of the most rewarding ways to build connections for children and families in your community. When you register your playgroup with Playgroup SA, you’ll have access to resources, guidance and a network of support to help your group thrive.
Contact us / More information
Email: [email protected]
