Our Playgroup Development Officer, Jenny, shares her insights on what matters most at playgroup…

In a world that feels busier and more disconnected than ever, community playgroups offer something beautifully simple — a space to belong, to breathe, and to build connection. Run by parents, for parents, these small gatherings are much more than just “playtime.” They are the heartbeats of local communities, nurturing both children and adults through the power of connection, friendship, and free play.

The magic of connection
Research consistently shows that strong social relationships improve our mental health, resilience, and sense of wellbeing. When parents come together at playgroup, they’re not just building community — they’re building capacity. As social beings, our brains are wired for connection. When we feel supported and understood, our ability to cope with stress, parent effectively, and enjoy daily life increases dramatically. It truly takes a village — and playgroup is that village.

Regular weekly visits to playgroup also create comforting routines that help children feel secure. Knowing what to expect each week builds confidence, a sense of belonging, and excitement for social interaction — key ingredients for positive early learning experiences.

Free play: the best kind of learning
While it can feel like children need constant activities or clever crafts, studies in child development show that free play — unstructured, child-led exploration — is where the deepest learning happens. Through play, children develop language, emotional regulation, and social skills that form the foundation for school readiness. They learn how to share, negotiate, take turns, and navigate big feelings — all vital for a smooth transition to school life.

“Free play” is often misunderstood as letting children run wild and create chaos, but true free play is much more intentional. It’s best described as “freely chosen play” — play that children initiate and direct themselves within a thoughtfully prepared environment. Adults still play a guiding role by setting clear boundaries, such as encouraging children to finish a puzzle before starting another, helping when a challenge feels too big, or reminding them which toys belong indoors or outdoors. This guidance helps children learn respect for resources and others’ play spaces. Freely chosen play means offering a range of engaging experiences — puzzles, blocks, imaginative play, outdoor exploration — and allowing children to decide what captures their interest. When we observe and follow their lead, we gain valuable insight into what they are curious about and ready to learn next, supporting deeper, more meaningful learning through play.

Parents grow too
Volunteering at playgroup benefits parents as much as children. Helping run sessions fosters teamwork, purpose, and friendships that often last a lifetime. Parents who feel connected to others in their community report lower rates of stress and depression. Simply having someone to share a laugh, a story, or a moment of reassurance with can make an enormous difference in a parent’s mental health and sense of belonging.

Less pressure, more presence
There’s growing pressure on parents to “create things” with their kids — from elaborate crafts to Instagram-worthy sensory bins. While messy play and craft activities can be wonderful, the most important thing we can create is connection. Children don’t need perfect projects to take home; they need secure, nurturing relationships with their caregivers and peers. Those strong emotional and social bonds are what allow them to learn, grow, and thrive.

Reclaiming the village
Our modern society is stretched thin — parents are juggling more, often with fewer support networks than ever before. But when we reconnect with each other, we rebuild the foundation of community. Playgroups offer this in its purest form: a safe, emotionally rich environment where adults and children alike can relax, play, and belong.

To truly sustain this, playgroups need more local government support — affordable or free venues, less red tape, and recognition of the value they bring. Playgroups shouldn’t have to compete with commercial activity providers. Their true worth lies in emotional connection, not in what children take home in their hands, but what they carry in their hearts.

Let’s bring playgroups back to their heart — the heart of connection, community, and belonging. Let’s create spaces where parents don’t burn out trying to entertain, but instead feel safe to simply be — to set out a few toys, share a cup of tea, and let the magic of play and connection unfold.

Because it’s not the crafts that build confident children.
It’s the village.