Assistance to new playgroups

Assistance is available during the early days of a new playgroup and this continues through to established groups as required. For example a Playgroup WA Development Officer can visit the new group to offer assistance.

New playgroups receive a free copy of the Play Starters book which is a valuable resource containing lots of ideas for play activities and how to set them up. A playgroup video Fun at Playgroup is also given free on registration and has lots of ideas for the smooth running of the group.

Hotline access - 1800 171 882 (freecall)

This free telephone advisory service is available to all members. We can help with activity ideas, management and financial issues, challenging behaviours and a whole range of questions to do with the successful running of playgroups. You can also email questions to hotline@playgroupwa.com.au

Playgroups are for everyone

We can assist playgroups, members and potential members with enquiries related to families where a member has an additional need or where families may be from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Our Development Officers aim to help everyone enjoy a positive playgroup experience.

Referrals

Your playgroup is able to gain new members through our referral system. We can put potential members directly in contact with playgroups by using our comprehensive data base.

Insurance cover

Membership fees include insurance cover. This insurance includes playgroup property, personal accident and public liability cover for playgroup families and the playgroup. Insurance information is communicated annually to all playgroups. Each playgroup is issued with a certificate of currency.

Publications

Interaction is published once each term and includes articles on child-development, parenting issues and activity ideas. Each member is sent a copy of the publication direct to their door!

We also email a fortnightly eNewsletter to members who have supplied an email address to Playgroup WA. Our eNewsletters are filled with playgroup stories, news, event details and giveaways!

The following resources are available for purchase:

• Play Book: The Play Book is a valuable resource for all playgroups and includes colourful art work and low cost activities designed to stimulate children’s learning. It is available to members at a discounted cost.
• Play Starters: A colourful resource with more than 40 different ideas for planning play experiences for children that are low cost, easy to organise and involve the participation of adults and children together.

Member discounts

We have arranged, and continually source, discount agreements between members and businesses throughout the State. Visit our Member's Only section to view the full listing.

To find out how your business could be involved, contact Playgroup WA on 1800 171 882 or email marketing@playgroupwa.com.au

Playgroup purchases

We have made arrangements with some commercial suppliers for Playgroup WA members to receive special discounts on art and craft materials and some playgroup toys and equipment on presentation of your current membership card. For full details please contact your playgroup committee or the Playgroup WA office.

Play Days/Free workshops

Throughout 2009 we’ll be setting up Play Days in local parks and inviting playgroups (and local families) to join us for lots of fun as well as offering a one-stop shop for playgroup advice and more! The play days will provide a new opportunity for playgroups to meet prospective members as well as introduce would-be members to their local playgroup in an informal setting.

Our Play Days will be a great way for groups to raise their profile as local media will be invited and we hope local groups will use the days to discuss any issues with our qualified staff.

For more information on Play Days near you - visit our online calendar or call our Hotline on 1800 171 882.

Also, we occasionally arrange playgroup workshops on various topics of interest including play activities, management and committee issues and children’s development, including challenging behaviours. Workshops are generally free for Playgroup WA members and are advertised in our eNewsletters, in separate flyers and on the News and Events page of this website.

Annual Playgroup WA (Inc) Raffle

The annual Playgroup WA (Inc) Raffle is an easy way for member playgroups to raise funds. We organise the prizes, the permit and the printing of tickets. Playgroups simply sell tickets and receive half of the proceeds! (Please note: to be involved, playgroups must have a playgroup bank account.)

Invitations to Events

Playgroup WA members are invited to events throughout the year including our World's Biggest Playgroup Day and our Annual Fun Day.