Playgroup Australia has released findings that community playgroups have a positive impact on the economy long-term.
In its economic analysis of community playgroups, Playgroup Australia commissioned an independent Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA) to answer the question of whether playgroups added to the net economic wellbeing of society.
The answer was a resounding yes.
Economists Emeritus Professor Anne Daly and Dr Greg Barrett, along with researcher Rhian Williams, took a rigorous approach to identifying and assigning values to the costs and benefits arising from community playgroups.
They found that investing in community playgroup helps improve:
- Emotional wellbeing and physical health;
- Capacity and independence;
- Educational experiences; and
- Social inclusion.
And all of these offer a substantial economic benefit to Australia.
“Community playgroups provide benefits to both pre-school children and their caregivers by providing opportunities to play, share and develop parenting skills and social networks,” Professor Anne Daly said.
“According to the results of this study, the estimated benefit of these community playgroups is $3.60 for every $1 spent in supporting them. This shows they are a highly effective use of government resources.”
A sound investment in Australia’s future
The report provides further evidence that investing early in the lives of children and families has the greatest impact on long-term economic outcomes and overall wellbeing.
Community playgroups are volunteer-led and welcome children from birth to five years, with most families participating until their child enters the formal education system or both parents return to work.
Strong evidence already exists for the value of investing in early childhood education and this research makes it clear that investing in playgroup is a very sound investment – in people and in the economy.
Community playgroups are good for the economy, they are good for children, and good for parents.
That makes them good for Australia.
The more we do to support more Australian families to share the benefits of community playgroup participation, the better for everyone.
“Raising children isn’t a one-person job. The saying “it takes a village” is a message that inspires and drives our work, and this research shows that the whole village, our community, benefit from playgroup,” Playgroup Australia CEO Fiona May says.
Find out more about the range of playgroups SECC offers in the local community.