Playgroup NSW Inc.

Supported Playgroups

Supported Playgroup

Supported Playgroups provide opportunities for parents and children who would not normally access a playgroup to enhance their relationship in a supportive environment, increase their skills and confidence, and to develop valuable social and family support networks. Supported Playgroups aim to empower families to support young children's development through provision and participation in a variety of developmentally appropriate play experiences and activities.

Supported Playgroups usually meet once a week for two hours, and are facilitated by a Coordinator. The Supported Playgroup Coordinator works with families attending the playgroup for between three and twelve months, to help them develop the skills to participate in and run their playgroup independently. The aim of the Playgroup is to build the capacity of communities to support their families. The Supported Playgroup Coordinator may also assist parents by providing parenting information and referrals to other family services.
The focus of each Supported Playgroup is engaging families from one or more of the following groups within the community:

Families from culturally and linguistically different backgrounds
Indigenous families
Families with mental health or disability issues (either the parent or child)
Teenage and young parent families
Families who are socially isolated or disadvantaged

The Australian Government provides funding to Playgroup Australia, as the national provider of Supported Playgroups. Playgroup NSW is responsible for delivering 19 supported playgroups across NSW: