Playgroups are licence-exempt services where parents attend with their children and provide the play programme. Playgroups cannot operate for longer than three hours a day, and at least half the children attending must have a parent or caregiver stay with them throughout that time. The Ministry of Education (the Ministry) funds playgroups to assist with equipment and hall hire. The Ministry also gives information and training so that a suitable range of activities is provided for children. Sometimes these groups evolve into fully licensed and chartered early childhood services.
