Finding a suitable venue

Requirements

Certificated playgroups are required to operate from venues that can be used by other groups in the community.

Most playgroups operate from schools, church buildings or community halls which are often centrally located, easily accessible and affordable. Some playgroups share premises with other early childhood education providers such as playcentres and kindergartens. Certificated playgroups cannot operate from private homes.

Your premises should be a safe and comfortable place for parents and children to meet. Children attending need to have access to a wide range of experiences and it is important the facilities and equipment reflect the culture and purpose of the playgroup.

Things to consider when choosing a venue

• When is the venue available?
• Would you be comfortable bringing your child to this place?
• Is this a place where you would feel comfortable as well?
• Would your child be safe here?
• What is the cost of the venue and what does this include/entitle you to?
• How confident are you that you will have ongoing access to this venue?
• Is there adequate parking and is it easily accessible?
• Is there public transport close by?

Meet the certification criteria before you sign an agreement

You should ensure that the premises you select have met the certification criteria before you sign an agreement. 

Other things you will need to consider in relation to your premises are:

Toilets

These need to be clean and tidy and easily accessible, with handwashing facilities.

Kitchen

Can this be easily accessed by adults, with facilities the group could use, for example, fridge, microwave, crockery?

Heating and ventilation

Is there adequate heating? It is important to ensure all heaters are safe and inaccessible to children. There need to be enough doors and windows to allow air to flow through easily.

Outdoor area

If there is an outdoor area for children to play in, does it have safe structures and suitable fencing so children can be kept safe? If there is no outdoor area, you will need to consider how the group is going to provide for physically active play opportunities.

Furniture

When thinking about furniture such as couches, chairs and tables, consider the comfort of parents and children.

Operating days and hours

You will also need to think about when the playgroup is open – what days the group will meet each week and how many hours the group will operate each day.

Remember that no child can attend for more than 4 hours in any 1 day.