
Notice Board
Playgroup Poll
How to Start a Playgroup
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
- Contact Playgroup SA for a New Playgroup Information Pack (contains all relevant forms)
- Join Playgroup SA by completing the Affiliation Form and choosing either bronze, silver, gold or premium affiliation. See information pack for fee and other details
- Search for and book a suitable venue. Playgroup SA can assist
- Receive your New Playgroup Start Kit from Playgroup SA (includes comprehensive Playgroup Guidelines)
- Start promoting your group to local families, Playgroup SA will refer families to your playgroup.
Stage Two: Norming
Establishing the culture of your playgroup
- Set a start date and session time
- Start collecting toys, equipment and resources
- establish rules and policies for your playgroup (e.g. safety policy)
- Plan age appropriate play activities
- Choose a coordinator/s and other roles (e.g. treasurer, activity person)
- Warmly welcome new families
- 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
- Spend time addressing any issues where there is conflict at the Playgroup (e.g. managing children's behaviour)
- Fine tune the rules and policies for the playgroup
- 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....
- A routine has been established and most aspects of the playgroup are functioning well
- Any issues have been worked out or are easily resolved
- Families participate cooperatively and are enjoying the sessions immensely
- A community spirit grows and social networks develop
- Parents of young babies in particular feel especially connected to the playgroup during this time
- Families invite other families to join the playgroup
- 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
- Complete Affiliation Form and pay appropriate fee (to receive Starter Kit)
- All families attending playgroup to complete a Family Membership Form and pay appropriate fee
- Playgroup SA sends ABC Playgroup Membership Cards to Playgroup coordinator
- Playgroup SA sends receipts, Affiliation Certificate, Starter Kit and Insurance Certificate to Playgroup coordinator
- PlayNEWS is sent to Playgroup coordinator to distribute
- ePlayNEWS is emailed to all members.
