“Most importantly, these collaborations helped clarify a very clear and strong vision and a plan and capability to deliver. Because of the confidence, clarity, and the tangibles that we've created, working with Sefa really has enabled us to scale and initiate change in a relatively short amount of time, but in a sustainable way”
Unstructured, creative play is essential to children’s development – especially in the first 1,000 days of their lives.
Playgroups provide a safe and fun environment for play and help parents and children develop important social networks. They also help children explore and make sense of the world, and build critical skills that will enable them to interact with others, solve problems, manage stress and adapt to change.
As the peak body representing playgroups across NSW, Playgroup NSW has focused on giving children an equal opportunity in education, health and wellbeing since 1972.
The organisation has grown significantly, from 10,000 members to 53,000 in the past five years, with plans to reach 100,000 members by 2027.
Rapid growth takes a lot of work.
“It takes a great amount of determination, vision and collective strategic, internal and external resources and capability,” says Playgroup NSW CEO, Nadene Lee. “One of the challenges not-for-profits face, especially during substantive growth, is adequate support and funding for capacity building, innovation, and human and other resources.”
Many purpose-driven organisations lack investment in critical capabilities and infrastructure. This affects their ability to grow and deliver impact, as well as their sustainability.
Playgroup NSW relies on working with volunteers, contractors, partners and specialists - and nationally, playgroup organisations - to deliver and support over 200,000 playgroup sessions each year. Playgroup NSW knew it would take close collaboration to put impact first, build its capability and create the foundations for sustainable growth.
Working closely with Sefa, as well as Social Impact Hub, Infoxchange and other providers through the NSW Government’s Social Sector Transformation Fund (SSTF), Playgroup NSW has been able to address key gaps and opportunities and position itself for expanded growth and impact.
“Most importantly, these collaborations helped clarify a very clear and strong vision and a plan and capability to deliver. Because of the confidence, clarity, and the tangibles that we've created, working with Sefa really has enabled us to scale and initiate change in a relatively short amount of time, but in a sustainable way,” says Nadene.
Playgroup NSW is now in a position where it can continue working with a number of the SSTF providers in an incrementally paid capacity. Its next project with Sefa will answer some important questions around the organisation’s long-term vision and future.
