New research commissioned by Playgroup Australia shows that kids who attend playgroup have improved outcomes over those who don’t. Playgroups also contribute to the economic well being of the country with an estimated benefit of $3.60 for every $1 spent in supporting them.

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 investing in Community Playgroup helps improve emotional well-being and physical health, capacity and independence, more engaged education experiences, reduction of isolation and an increase of social inclusion, all which have substantial economic benefit to Australia.

Researcher Ms Williams told Oliver Peterson that community playgroups helps kids get “school ready” with those who don’t attend being almost two times more likely to have issues with the transition.

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