How do you start up a playgroup?

[lunavix]

There is maybe 5 ones local but they are very unfriendly. I used to go for one for young parents (but it was people between 20 and 35!) but there weren't enough people and it closed down last year.

We have nowhere to go now... there's a group of us who'd be willing to run it but we have no idea where to start!

You will have to find a venue first, church hall?? Get in touch with who ever looks after the hall and find out about insurance. Get in touch with the local pre 5's section of the council and see what help and advice they have.

I helped to set one up but we had the advantage of the ministers wife being involved.

Start collecting toys and equipment like baby bouncers and changing mats, once you get the word out people usually are happy to give you there old cast offs.

Forgot to add you will have to sort out the formalities of treasurer etc and what format you want the session to take.

do you want an Ofsted funded playgroup ("preschool" type environment) or just a mother+toddlers/kids/babies group (not Ofsted inspected & funded).

I suspect you actually want the Mother+Toddlers variant? In which case you wouldn't necessarily need the treasurer.

Its true you don't necessarily need a treaurer but it can help to have one person responsible especially if you start fundraising.

Try the Pre-School Learning Alliance. They are brilliant - will give you advice and cheap insurance. I think the cost is very low per annum for what you get. I seem to remember something like £36.

I am sorry hear that your Play scheme is go not well.
I hope you have Better luck from how on
I think the message Skibble is very GOOD Ideas
About how to set up play group.
I start after school club up in st wilfrilds church hall for 7 to 13 year old.every Tuesday and Thursday 4pm--6pm.
I was award 2,500.last year.
FROM children funding.
We have two payed staff and two volutary staff.
AND 20 YOUNG PEOPLE.
We start last sept until Dec 8th 2005
Then we relived extra funding from Our Community Partnership £500.
This was very helpful.
So we carry on until Christmas.
This was enough to keep us going until i applyed
for more funding in which i was award futher 5,000 pound this morth february.
So this will take up untill july 2006.

So i think you go for it.
Try all types funding hope this will start you off. GOOD LUCK.
I hope you have same luck i have had.