If you cannot find a playgroup to suit your needs or you wish to start a playgroup with a particular group of friends or with a particular focus, Playgroup WA can help you get started.

First get together a group of interested families. Start by:

• Talking to your friends
• Talking to your local Child Health Clinic nurse
• Advertise in your local newspaper (it's probably free in the community diary)
• Putting up notices in local shopping centres, schools, kindergartens, day care centres, recreation centres, libraries and public places
• Contacting Playgroup WA (if you are planning on starting a special interest playgroup such as a group for children with additional needs or for families with a particular language or cultural interest, we can check to see if other families may like to join you)

The next step might be to arrange an informal meeting, perhaps in someone's home and discuss the following questions.

How many families do we have?

You need just three families to get started. The maximum number of families will depend on the size of the venue and the ages of the children. Bear in mind that small children are often overwhelmed by large numbers and cannot identify with a large group.

Where will we meet?

Contact Playgroup WA to find out if there is an existing playgroup in your area. It may have a day or session time when its venue is available. Meet wherever your group fits best, bearing safety in mind. Consider approaching pre-primary centres or your local school, Child Health Centres, local churches and community centres, recreation and sporting facilities. Ask your local council what is available in your area. Consider meeting in each other's homes if your group is small.

When will we meet?

Any day of the week including weekends and anytime during the day that best suits the parents and children. Most groups find that meeting once a week two hours is enough but be flexible! Your group might want to to meet more frequently or for longer - your group can set guidelines to suit.

Who will run the playgroup?

Everyone is involved in running your playgroup. When groups become larger, a representative committee may be more practical. For the day to day running of each group, a duty roster is often a good idea.

How much does it cost?

An annual Playgroup WA Membership Fee is paid by each family. Please contact us for the current rate. Your Membership Fee provides for a range of benefits. Other costs associated with the running of the playgroup varies and depends on expenses such as hall hire and consumable items.

A small group may initially run on the goodwill of members while a larger group may need to have a contribution scheme — eg a joining fee (eg $10.00) and a weekly or term fee to cover recurrent costs (eg $2.00 a week or $20.00 a term).

Fundraising such as stalls, raffles, etc can be used to get you started with equipment. Contact Playgroup WA on 1800 171 882 (freecall) and ask to speak to one of the Development Officers who can answer any questions you have and talk you through the starting up process. You can also request a special “How to Start a Playgroup” package.

How to Start a Playgroup Booklet 21-04-2008 Want to know more about starting your own playgroup? This booklet provides a step by step guide. A DVD explaining the process is also available - call our Hotline on 1800 171 882 to order a copy! Download File - 2897kb