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How to start a new Playgroup

A Playgroup Consultant is here to help your group every step of the way.

Stage One: Forming
Planning the new playgroup

1. Contact Playgroup SA for a New Playgroup Information Pack (contains all relevant forms)
2. Join Playgroup SA by completing the Affiliation Form and choosing either silver, gold or premium affiliation. See information pack for fee and other details
3. Search for and book a suitable venue. Playgroup SA can assist
4. Receive your New Playgroup Start Kit from Playgroup SA (includes comprehensive Playgroup Guidelines)
   
5. Start promoting your group to local families, Playgroup SA will refer families to your playgroup.

Stage Two: Norming
Establishing the culture of your playgroup

1. Set a start date and session time
2. Start collecting toys, equipment and resources
3. establish rules and policies for your playgroup (e.g. safety policy)
4. Plan age appropriate play activities
5. Choose a coordinator/s and other roles (e.g. treasurer, activity person)
6. Warmly welcome new families
7. Families to complete a Family Membership Form and pay the appropriate fee on or before their third visit.

Stage Three: Storming
Working through the conflicts if they arise

1. Spend time addressing any issues where there is conflict at the Playgroup (e.g. managing children's behaviour)
2. Fine tune the rules and policies for the playgroup
3. Make any necessary changes to the venue (e.g. removing unsafe equipment) or the program (more baby play ideas)

Stage Four: Performing
When it all comes together

You will find that....

1. A routine has been established and most aspects of the playgroup are functioning well
2. Any issues have been worked out or are easily resolved
3. Families participate cooperatively and are enjoying the sessions immensely
4. A community spirit grows and social networks develop
5. Parents of young babies in particular feel especially connected to the playgroup during this time
6. Families invite other families to join the playgroup
7. Children are learning through play

When playgroups don't work

There are many reasons why people don't join or continue at Playgroup, they may

• Have attended a playgroup and felt that they didn't fit in
• Have visited a playgroup and their first experience wasn't positive
• Have felt that someone made negative remarks about their child or their parenting practices
• Have enquired over the phone and were treated harshly or abruptly and were put off
• Too shy to return
• Have found that the playgroup was unwelcoming (Playgroup was too cliquey)
• Have found there to be too few activities available for their child/ren
• Have found the playgroup to be disorganised.

Starting a Playgroup Checklist

1. Complete Affiliation Form and pay appropriate fee (to receive Starter Kit)
2. All families attending playgroup to complete a Family Membership Form and pay appropriate fee
   
3. Playgroup SA sends ABC Playgroup Membership Cards to Playgroup coordinator
4. Playgroup SA sends receipts, Affiliation Certificate, Starter Kit and Insurance Certificate to Playgroup coordinator
5. PlayNEWS is sent to Playgroup coordinator to distribute
6. ePlayNEWS is emailed to all members.

Please note: A Payment Summary Sheet is to be included with any payments to Playgroup SA. Please notify Playgroup SA of any changers to your Playgroup e.g. change of coordinator as soon as possible, so we can correctly refer families to your Playgroup.