Playgroup Australia invites parliamentary candidates to see play-based learning in action
In the lead up to the Federal Election, scheduled for Saturday 18 May, Playgroup Australia has welcomed parliamentary candidates to visit their local playgroup and experience the benefits of play-based early learning and parent engagement, using the opportunity of the visits to lobby for all candidates to prioritise investment in national policy agendas, funding for playgroup, and more research into what works for children and families.
Playgroup Australia calls for all political parties and parliamentarians to demonstrate that they value the contribution of playgroups to the Australian community by:
- Supporting a national policy agenda for child, family and community wellbeing for 2020 — 2035 to include recognition of the role of play and playgroup for children’s development and family outcomes;
- Developing a whole of government ‘Early Years Strategy’ which recognises the importance of family support, early childhood development and play based early learning across home, community and early childhood settings, noting the important role of playgroup in home and community settings;
- Increasing investment for community playgroup (by an additional $3m per annum ongoing);
- Establishing a national supported playgroup program which includes a focus on supporting vulnerable and disadvantaged communities and families, and on growing intergenerational playgroups ($3m per annum ongoing).
- Investing in the evidence base to build our understanding of early childhood and families, including the role of playgroup.
Calling on Local Parliamentarians
We urge all federal political candidates to consider how they are supporting build strong foundation for our future Australians. To arrange a visit with your local playgroup please contact [email protected].
