Deborah (mother of Tara and Charlotte): All right, let’s go.

Tara: Yeah, let’s go.

Narrator: Playgroups are a great way for children to start learning social skills, and it gives parents a change of scene too.

Rahnia (mother of Allirah and Ashtyn): I went to my local youth centre and I just said, ‘Can I start up a young parents’ playgroup’, because I felt that there was a need for it in the area and that a lot of young parents were very isolated – well, I felt isolated. You get a lot of good advice from a playgroup, and you just meet some really good friends.

Narrator: Playgroups are affordable and are a gentle transition for children to play with other children and adults, with the security of having you around.

Kids: ‘Happy birthday to you ... ’

Onscreen text: Prices vary – check your local playgroups for charges.

Tony (father of Declan and Angus): They are with their peers, and I think that’s a really important thing. Kids need to feel that they are part of a group. They start to understand that other adults can tell them things, and they can take instruction from them.

Narrator: Kids learn to communicate, share and take turns, and get a taste of what school will be like, and parents can meet and learn from each other.