Statement outlines the role of playgroups in supporting children’s development

The role of playgroups in supporting children’s development and building strong families and communities is being highlighted for the first time in a national Playgroup Statement.

The evidence based statement outlines the value of playgroups for children, families and communities, and issues a call to action for greater resourcing and more research.

“Playgroups are undervalued as an element of Australia’s social infrastructure”, said Playgroup Australia CEO Dr Amanda Walsh. 

“Most people have an idea of what playgroups are, but we often fail to see their scale and impact.”

Each of the thousands of playgroups operating in all states and territories around Australia is unique, with groups designed to support children with additional needs and their families.

In developing the Statement playgroup organisations worked closely with researchers at the Australian Catholic University (ACU), and with other early childhood and family support organisations.

“I particularly want to thank the Co-Chairs of this project, Professor Susan Edwards and Associate Professor Karen McLean from ACU, and the National Advisory Core Group, led by Danny Schwarz (Playgroup Victoria CEO) and David Zarb (Playgroup WA CEO),” Dr Walsh said. 

“We want the Playgroup Statement to kickstart a national conversation on how we ensure that all children and families, wherever they are and whatever their circumstances, can benefit from playgroup,” she added. 

The resulting statement represents the views of key stakeholders and outlines the benefits of playgroups, as well as the importance of improved accessibility and further research.

“We are thrilled the undisputed importance of playgroups as a fun and effective way for children and their families to enhance their social skills, educational and economic opportunities, support networks and physical and mental health is being acknowledged,” ACU Associate Professor Karen McLean said. 

Download the Playgroup Statement here.