We have designed this document to empower playgroup facilitators to lead meaningful, engaging, and informative conversations with families about key child safeguarding topics. Safeguarding children is essential not just for their safety but also for their overall wellbeing and development. As facilitators, you play a vital role in fostering a culture of safety, trust, and support within your playgroups.

These sessions aim to build families’ awareness of child safeguarding in a way that is practical, accessible, and tailored to their needs. Each session focuses on a specific topic and has been designed with short, engaging discussions that can take place during regular playgroup activities. They are conversational rather than formal, making them easy for families to participate in while remaining attentive to their children.

This guide provides you with all the information, tools, and prompts you need to facilitate these sessions confidently. Even if you’re not an expert in child safeguarding, this guide breaks down key concepts into manageable and relatable sections, ensuring you feel well-prepared.

We recognise that information about child safeguarding can be confronting and, for some parents and carers, may bring up strong or distressing emotions. While these documents are important in helping keep children safe, we understand they can also be triggering or difficult to read.

We have included links to trusted support services such as MACH, Parent Line, Lifeline and Beyond Blue to ensure parents and carers have access to professional support if they need it. These services offer confidential guidance, emotional support and practical advice, helping families feel supported, heard and not alone while navigating challenging conversations or experiences related to child safety.