About Playgroups

Getting along with others. Sharing experiences and playing together. Trying new games and activities such as singing, dancing and art and crafts. Finding out more about the world and different types of people. Playgroups are a great way for kids younger than school age to meet and play with other small children and to develop a host of personal and social skills.

Mothers can share a cup of coffee and chat about their experiences while children play. Playgroups are a good opportunity for Mothers to:

• make new friends
• reduce isolation
• share concerns, ideas and experiences
• learn from other parents

Playgroups are run at low cost so everyone can use them. Many are non-profit organizations run by and for those who attend them. Many are run by the Mothers groups themselves as a club benefit for the group members. Playgroups that run in preschools also try to keep costs down for members, often by running fundraising activities.

There are basically three main styles of playgroups:

• Mainstream playgroups are self-managed by the parents and caregivers who use them
• Supported playgroups have the help of a facilitator. They are offered so that parents under extra pressure receive extra support. They are often run for families from a variety of cultural and language backgrounds, families facing the illness of a child or other family member, and those facing similar family or mental health issues.
• Intensive playgroups are designed for families facing multiple issues including families in insecure housing. Intensive playgroups are a focus for community development.

Why are playgroups good for children?

Playgroups are great fun! Your child will get to sing, dance, try new activities and mix with other children.

While your child is busy scrabbling in the sandbox or painting a masterpiece, he will also be picking up a range of valuable new skills, such as:

• learning to play with other children
• experiencing new play and art opportunities
• finding out more about his world
• experiencing books and music
• improving problem-solving abilities