What is a playgroup?
A playgroup is a group of children, who are not in school yet and their carers who meet together on a regular basis. This group may consist of mums, dads, carers, grandparents, relatives or anyone who regularly cares for children. In this time children interact and play with other children of similar ages as well as spend positive time with their carers. In this time parents and carers spend quality time with their child as well as interact with other parents and carers. This can assist carers in developing relationships with other parents and carers in similar circumstances.
Why does the Uniting Church have so many playgroups?
The Uniting Church connects with families through camps, events, festivals, small groups, services and so on. We meet lots of families so when we tell them that we have a playgroup running, lots of families want to join! Our playgroups are so much fun that word of mouth spreads and we find that we need to run more and more playgroups.
The Uniting Church loves to serve the community. Hosting playgroups is one way that the Uniting Church can serve families by providing a great place to catch up with other families from the community, get support through the tough times, build on skills, make friends and most of all have a great time.
Uniting Church SA Playgroup Manual
The manual is a comprehensive resource that includes information for Churches about playgroups. Below is an outline of the topics covered:
- About playgroups
- MRN playgroup resources
- Starting a playgroup
- Administration
- Safety and property
- Leaders and volunteers
- Finances
- Getting the church involved
- Promotion
- Frequently asked questions
- Useful contacts
Download UC SA Playgroup Manual:  UC Playgroup Manual (407.26 kB)
In addition to the manual we have created some Uniting Church SA Playgroup specific templates:
Playgroup Ideas Resource
This free resource is designed to help leaders of Christian playgroups in planning their program. This resource is not a set curriculum; it provides ideas that you may pick and choose from or adapt to your own situation. The themes and activity ideas can fit into whatever format you have established for your playgroup. This resource also has faith enrichment ideas that link in with the weekly theme's.
Download Term 2 Ideas: Playgroup Ideas Term 2 2010 (505.84 kB)
Download Term 3 Ideas: Playgroup Ideas Term 3 2010 (433.59 kB)
Activity ideas for Winter
These resources have been graciously donated by KUCA News
Winter Playgroup Ideas 1 (259.7 kB)
Winter Playgroup Ideas 2 (375.63 kB)
Winter Playgroup Ideas 3 (235.73 kB)
Training for Playgroup facilitators
Paid to Play
What: A training course for playgroup facilitators.
Who for: Playgroup coordinators and volunteers.
When: The Uniting Church hopes to run another course soon.
Cost: Free, however 10 hours practical volunteer work experience is required. This time can be done at any playgroup.
Contact: Heidi Harding P: 08 8236 4281, or E:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Playgroup Articles
Play is More Than an Enjoyable Waste of Time by Kathy Blazewicz Play is More Than an Enjoyable Waste of Time (146.53 kB)
Music-based Playgroups (from KUCA e-news vol. 2 no. 2 2009) Music and Playgroups (969.43 kB)
|
Children's Ministry 
Playgroup Enrolment and Medical Form (
Playgroup sign in sheet template (Excel) (
