Start a Playgroup
Contact us to start a playgroup
Why start a playgroup?
Would you like to transition a mother’s group or new parent’s group to a playgroup?
If your local mother’s or new parent’s group is interested in continuing to meet as your children get older, forming a playgroup is a great option.
Often parents will find it difficult to continue to meet at cafes or in similar environments once children are older and more active. Playgroup provides a dedicated space for children to play, allowing parents to continue to connect.
No local playgroup?
If you don’t have a playgroup close to home, why not consider starting one? Not only is this more convenient for local parents, it also helps bring communities together.
Want to focus on a language, culture or particular interest?
Playgroup NSW provides a range of special interest playgroups including culturally specific playgroups, grandparent’s playgroups, LGBTI playgroups and disability-focused playgroups. If you’re looking for a playgroup with a special interest or focus, we can help you start one.
Interested in starting a playgroup?
Playgroup NSW can help you get started.
There are 10 steps involved in starting a playgroup:
- Find interested families
- Identify the playgroup’s purpose
- Select a day of the week and time
- Choose an appropriate location
- Identify play activities
- Select toys and equipment
- Establish policies and guidelines
- Join Playgroup NSW
- Identify costs
- Get started!
To read more about each of these steps, read our How To Start A Playgroup Guide (PDF). Playgroup NSW are here to help you at all stages of the process
Playgroup NSW offers a membership package with insurance coverage designed specifically for playgroups.
Contact us if you:
- Want to start a playgroup
- Want to affiliate an existing playgroup with Playgroup NSW
- Already run a playgroup that has adequate insurance coverage and would like to access some of the services provided by Playgroup NSW
The following steps are a guideline to get you started. At any time you have any questions email [email protected] or call 1800 171 882.
Frequently Asked Questions
All you need to start a playgroup is three families.
If you already have a circle of friends that are ready to form a new playgroup, that’s great. If you only have a few people to start with, Playgroup NSW can assist you connecting other families in your region. Early childhood clinics, local preschools and schools are all great places to approach if you need more people to join your new playgroup.
Playgroup NSW has found 10 – 12 families is usually a good size for a playgroup but numbers can be much higher or lower depending on your area. The size of the venue may also affect the numbers in your group.
Playgroups should be low cost to encourage families to participate and to experience the benefit of play. Costs will vary from group, from venue hire, purchasing consumables, buying toys, outing etc. Fees can be paid to the group on the day, however Playgroup NSW recommends term payments to encourage participation.
Every family wanting to come to the playgroup must hold current membership with Playgroup NSW.
Playgroup NSW membership is FREE and includes public liability insurance. Join Here
To meet in any public space, groups are required to hold public liability insurance. Playgroup NSW offers membership that includes public liability insurance designed to meet playgroup needs.
Most playgroups meet in council facilities but playgroups can be anywhere that has a suitable space like a scout hall, library room, church hall or school building. Basic requirements are a safe indoor and outdoor space, small kitchen facilities and bathroom. Some playgroups are held entirely indoor or outdoor dependent on the groups individual requirements.
Meeting in a venue that currently has a playgroup meeting on another day is a great option as groups will often share resources with each other.
If you are having trouble sourcing a venue in the area please contact Playgroup NSW who will be able to assist.
NEVER sign leases or agreements before these have been checked by Playgroup NSW.
Playgroups don’t need many toys or equipment to start out. Toys can be simple, homemade or made from recyclable materials. Playgroup is about the time a parent spends with their children not about expensive toys.
Playgroup NSW has a partnership with Modern Teaching Aids which gives playgroups discounts when purchasing toys. Our website also has some great ideas that require little and can create lots of fun experiences.
Register your playgroup online
You will need:
Contact details for your committee (Coordinator, Secretary and Treasurer)
Venue details and hire agreement
Price you will charge members
Details of your members
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Supported By
Playgroup NSW acknowledges the traditional owners of country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respect to them and their cultures; to elders both past and present, and the children of today who will become the elders of tomorrow.