The South Australian playgroup quality improvement practice framework and guide (PDF 9 MB) supports the facilitation of engaging, inclusive, welcoming and fun playgroups.

The framework and guide help playgroup facilitators to:

• learn about the elements underpinning high-quality playgroups
• reflect on their playgroup practises
• learn new ways of working
• explore playgroup resources
• implement quality improvement practises.

The framework and guide has been developed by the Department for Education with support from Preventative Health SA (previously Wellbeing SA) and guidance and advocacy from the South Australian Playgroup Reference Group.

Using the framework and guide

The South Australian playgroup quality improvement practice framework and guide is for all playgroup facilitators, from volunteer facilitators running community parent-led playgroups to paid facilitators running targeted supported playgroups.

This resource aims to assist playgroup facilitators in understanding the principles that develop a quality playgroup:

1. Playgroups are about play
2. Playgroups are child-focused, child-inclusive and developmentally appropriate
3. Playgroups are about connection
4. Playgroups are safe and welcoming
5. Playgroups are culturally safe
6. Playgroups are flexible
7. Playgroups are both strengths-based and strengthening
8. Playgroups have organisational-level support and governance
9. Supported playgroups draw on skilled facilitators to engage families and link to local services.

The guide identifies the core elements for each of the 9 quality principles to support a shared understanding of quality playgroup provision with agencies, volunteers and facilitators for ongoing growth, development and quality improvement.

Playgroup facilitators are encouraged to use any or all of the information in this resource to support their thinking about what currently happens at their playgroup and what they could build on to support the quality elements identified.