Supported Playgroups Rapid Evidence Scan

The DCJ Family and Community Services Insights, Analysis and Research (FACSIAR) team conducted a Supported Playgroup Rapid Evidence Scan (2024). The scan summarises the evidence base for supported playgroups and shares best practice elements that can guide playgroup design, service planning and implementation.

The Evidence Portal technical specifications were not used in conducting this review.

What is a ‘supported playgroup’?

While self-managed playgroups are a universal service model aimed at all families, supported playgroups are a more targeted service model for families with particular needs or vulnerabilities, such as trauma, mental health issues, social isolation, financial disadvantage, disability and/or developmental concerns (Williams et al, 2018). Some supported playgroups may be delivered to Aboriginal families, families from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds (including refugee families), or families where the parents are young (e.g., under 25 years old) (Williams, Berthelsen & Kenny, 2019).

Evidence Scan findings

The Supported Playgroup Rapid Evidence Scan found that the following evaluated programs had the strongest evidence:

  • Kids in Transition to School (KITS)
  • smalltalk
  • Peep-Learning Together Program (Peep-LTP)
  • Learn, Engage and Play (LEaP)
  • Parent-Child Mother Goose (PCMG).

These programs show that supported playgroups with specific interventions can improve child outcomes, including language, cognition, behaviour, socialisation and transition to school; and parent outcomes, including attachment, responsiveness, and social connection.

The Supported Playgroup Rapid Evidence Scan is available to be downloaded below:

FACSIAR summary (July 2024) (PDF, 911.8 KB)

Supported playgroups as early intervention: What can we learn from the evidence? (July 2024) (PDF, 1.1 MB).

See the following for further information about the five supported playgroup models with the strongest evidence:

Some best practice principles that strengthen supported playgroup design and practice were identified in the research evidence, including thematic analyses of quantitative and qualitative studies.

What should I consider when working with Aboriginal families?

The rapid evidence scan located two supported playgroup models delivered to Aboriginal communities, Exploring Together Preschool Program (ETPP) and Kindilink, that show promising evidence based on quasi-experimental design and qualitative studies (Barblett et al. 2020; Barratt-Pugh et al. 2018). It is likely that these models improve children’s social, emotional, communication and cognitive skills and behaviours, increase school readiness, build parenting skills, capacity and satisfaction with parenting, and strengthen belonging and connection of families in their communities.

The rapid evidence scan also identified some additional key elements of successful supported playgroups delivered to Aboriginal families.

Last updated:

05 Aug 2024

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