Phase One of Set up for Success: An Early Childhood Strategy for the ACT includes increasing partnerships with playgroups, playschools and nature playgroups to support children and families experiencing vulnerability or disadvantage.
To provide schools with knowledge and confidence in establishing a playgroup, the School Community Playgroups – Guidelines for ACT Public Schools has been created. These guidelines can assist schools to determine an appropriate model of playgroup for their setting and community.
Families seeking to support the establishment of a playgroup at their child’s school can also use these guidelines as a basis for further discussion with the school.
- School community playgroups: guidelines for ACT public schools
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School community playgroups: guidelines for ACT public schools
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Why establish a playgroup at your school?
Playgroups offer many benefits for school communities, children and their families. They support the development of strong relationships and connections and support local families to access early learning opportunities.
For children, playgroups provide the opportunity to:
- play with other children of various ages
- learn how to interact with adults beyond their parents or carers
- develop social skills such as taking turns, playing with others and contributing as part of a group
- build relationships with other children from the local and school community.
For adults, playgroups provide the opportunity to:
- socialise and make new friends
- share tips, concerns, ideas and experiences
- learn from other parents and caregivers
- connect with the local and school community.
Playgroups also contribute to effective transition processes for children and their families as they enter preschool.
For more information on this initiative please contact earlychildhoodpolicy@act.gov.au.