Barriers and enablers of providing high quality, accessible, affordable and sustainable community playgroup venues: A qualitative study of stakeholder perspectives

Play has many benefits for child development. In Australia, playgroups are a key setting for young children’s play. The venues where playgroups are held play an important role in families’ participation and engagement with playgroups. However, little is known about the barriers and enablers to providing high-quality, accessible, affordable and sustainable venues for community playgroups.

Four main themes were identified; quality, affordability, accessibility and sustainability. The main barriers perceived by participants included transport-related barriers (e.g., insufficient public transport or parking), high venue fees, poor venue quality and insufficient playgroup funding. Enablers included government support for playgroup venues and child-friendly venue attributes.

These findings may help guide increased collaboration between State and Territory Playgroup Associations and local government authorities to improve venue infrastructure, increase access to suitable venues and support the long-term sustainability of community playgroups.