The Playgroup Census

Thankyou!

A big thank you to everyone who participated in the September 2026 Playgroup Census! We were thrilled with the number of playgroups involved and appreciate the time and effort that went into capturing this important data. Running census weeks like these helps us capture real-time insights into playgroup participation and emerging trends across the country.Stay tuned for information about future census dates.

Snapshot: September 2026 Census, Victoria

  • 692 playgroups submitted attendance data during the week
  • 7,184 children attended
  • 6,194 adults attended
Playgroup is for everyone

Assisting With the Rollout of the Playgroup Census

The next census will run from 15th – 21st March 2027

1. Save the Next Census Date:

15th – 21st March 2027

2. Count your Attendees: Playgroup leaders, at any playgroup session you run during the Census Week make sure you keep track of how many adults and children attend your session

3. Submit Your Attendance Numbers: After your session, submit your attendance numbers HERE

What is Playgroup Census Week?

Playgroup Census Week aims to capture the number of families taking part in playgroup sessions.

We are seeking the support of playgroup leaders to record the number attendees at their group during the Playgroup Cenus Week. The Census will not collect any personal or demographic information, and is focused exclusively on how many people are attending playgroups, how many playgroups they are attending, and where they are attending them.

The Census itself will be a short form, that can be accessed via a QR Code or direct web link. The questions will be as follows:

  • Playgroup details (Playgroup name, address, time and day)
  • How many children are attending the group?
  • How many adults are attending the group?
  • What type of playgroup is it?

Playgroup Victoria will provide playgroups with a digital pack, containing supporting resources for playgroup leaders.

Playgroup is for everyone

The Importance of the Playgroup Census

Children from the Raywood Playgroup
Playgroup is for everyone
In showcasing the number of families attending playgroup each week, we are highlighting how many families benefit from regular playgroup sessions. The Playgroup Census allows us to demonstrate the wide impact playgroup has. From there, it opens opportunities to extrapolate on all the positive elements of playgroup as families gain support, connection, insight, learning, fun and meaningful relationships that support the wellbeing of the family unit and wider community.

The Playgroup Census helps to set playgroup up for the future, establishing it as a mainstay in the early years education journey, running alongside kinder and preparing children for school. Moreover, it illustrates the shared experience and the benefit it extends to parents and carers bringing up the next generation of children.

 

A big thank you to everyone who took part in the March 2026 Playgroup Census! We were thrilled by the number of playgroups involved and appreciate the time and effort that went into capturing this important data. Your participation helps us better understand the impact playgroups have across our communities.

March 2026 Census Results

613 playgroup sessions submitted attendance data during the week
6,004 children attended
5,305 adults attended

Breakdown by type

Community playgroups: 33.3%
Facilitated playgroups: 29.7%
Supported playgroups: 37%

Breakdown by session frequency

Weekly: 96.2%
Fortnightly: 1.5%
Monthly: 0.8%
Other: 1.5%

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