PlayNation UK
The importance of Play!
Play England campaigns for all children and young people to have freedom and space to play throughout childhood.
We work with national partners and other organisations with shared aims to raise awareness about the importance of play. We lobby government to make fundamental policy changes to protect and promote play, and encourage everyone who has an impact
on the lives of children and young people to recognise and plan for children’s play.
Play England has also built up considerable experience and resources to help support individuals and organisations that work in these particular areas:
Government
Local Authorities
Schools
Playwork
We need your support
The new UK government is making positive noises about understanding the importance of play. However, against this positive backdrop, Play England is suffering from a lack of funds to pay for our essential work campaigning for children’s right and freedom to play. Donate today to support our work. www.playengland.org.uk/donate
www.playengland.org.uk
20 PlayNation UK
13 PlayBoard NI update
A detailed look at the work of the region’s
14 Column: Play Scotland
Marguerite Hunter Blair argues that when decision-makers at local and national level collaborate with young people on the issues which affect them, great things can be achieved
16 Bringing back play
Eugene Minogue, Executive Director of Play
England calls for the Labour government to publish a new, national play strategy and also introduce play sufficiency legislation
20 A passion for play
PlayNation speaks to Amber OgunsanyaWilliam, the first-ever NSPCC Champion of Childhood, who has made play her mission in life
26 Quack team – Puddle Ducks
STA President and Director of Puddle Ducks, Ali Beckman, explains the importance of play in teaching children how to swim
Designing play for the whole community
Designing play for the whole community
Less than 50% of play areas are accessible, fewer of those are inclusive. We work with clients to ensure that everyone can play alongside one another, in spaces built for the whole community.
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n Design led approach
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n Interactives bring together technology and play
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n Full catalogue of inclusive play equipment
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Got a project coming up?
Talk to our design team today!
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marketing@jupiterplay.co.uk
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Join our webinar series
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John Challinor
Publisher
PlayNation
john@nationmedia.uk
Contributors
Eugene Minogue
Executive Director
Play England
@EugeneMinogue
Amber Ogunsanya-William
Play specialist
@playworkeramber
Tom Walker Editor
PlayNation
tom@ nationmedia.uk
Ali Beckman Director
Puddle Ducks
@babyswimexpert
PlayNation UK
The importance of play and physical activity for young people
PlayNation, in partnership with Play England and SAPCA (the Sports And Play Construction Association), is dedicated exclusively to the dynamic and growing sector of play and physical activity for children and young people. Published bi-monthly, the magazine focuses on the policies, people and places that help young people to play and be more active. Subscribe now and we will email you a complimentary copy of the magazine every two months.
Marguerite Hunter Blair
CEO, Play Scotland
@PlayScotland
This publication is protected by copyright and no part may be reproduced, transmitted or stored in any print or electronic format without the written permission of the publisher. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the contents of this publication and PlayNation accepts no responsibility for any error or misrepresentation. Opinions expressed by the contributors and advertisers are not necessarily those of the publisher and we do not accept responsibility of losses or damages arising from them. Printed by BCP Media Group Ltd. Advertising opportunities Contact John E: john@nationmedia.uk www.linkedin.com/ company/playnationmag
PlayNation is published by SportsNation Ltd in association with Play England (www.playengland.org.uk) and the Sports And Play Construction Association (www.sapca.org.uk)
Young people’s insights included in Staffordshire’s transport plan
Staffordshire County Council is calling on young residents to share their views on the future of the county’s transport network.
An online map has been set up to get feedback from young people that will be used to inform the development of the new Local Transport Plan, which will outline the future transport network and the practical steps needed to achieve it.
The county council is keen to understand how young people use transport in their daily lives and gather ideas on how to improve the transport system for the future. By taking part in the online activity, young residents can directly contribute to shaping Staffordshire’s transport future.
Mark Deaville, cabinet member for strategic highways at Staffordshire County Council, said:
“We are committed to creating a transport system that meets
the needs of all our residents, including our younger population. Their input is vital in ensuring that our future transport network is efficient, accessible and sustainable. The map will help us understand the unique transport challenges
faced by young people and identify opportunities for improvement. By combining public input with strategic planning, the county council aims to create a transport network that supports the needs of its residents now and in the future.
New children’s plan gets seal of approval in Gloucester
Partners from the county council, NHS, the police and the Voluntary Community Sector Alliance have signed a charter committing to work together to make Gloucestershire ‘a great place to grow up where children and young people thrive’.
The One Plan for All Children and Young People in Gloucestershire sets out the county’s priorities for delivering the vision by reducing inequalities, creating an inclusive county that celebrates diversity and providing effective services. The strategy was developed using local data, with input from children, their families, voluntary organisations and professionals.
The council wants to understand how young people use transport
PHOTO:
The partners signing the new charter for children and young people
Council grant secures play space upgrade in Watford
Watford Community Housing has upgraded the play space in Foxhill thanks to a grant of £12,500 from Watford Borough Council’s Neighbourhood Grant programme.
Before the improvements, the play space based in North Watford was showing signs of wear and tear and required upgrades to meet the changing needs of the community.
With the recent increase of new families into the neighbourhood as part of the wider regeneration efforts, there was a growing demand for improved recreational facilities. Modern amenities, inclusive equipment, and landscaping enhancements now feature in the new space, helping to create an inviting atmosphere for all members of the community to enjoy. The project incorporated input from residents to ensure that the revitalised play area reflected the needs and preferences of the
neighbourhood. By investing in the refurbishment of the play area, Watford Community Housing aims to provide a high-quality outdoor space, as well as a welcoming environment where families can gather, children can play safely,
and neighbours can socialise.
Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said: “Every year since 2013, the council has delivered significant improvements to play and recreational facilities in all parts of Watford.”
Lappset Interactive’s SUTU improves
skills
The interactive sports wall has been a huge hit since its launch
Installed at the U-Mix Centre in Lowfield Park, Sheffield, the UK’s first fully funded interactive sports wall, SUTU, was funded by Sport England and the Football Association. Created by Lappset Interactive, SUTU offers opportunities for all ages and abilities to play together and improve their skills.
The Data Dashboard provides the local council with insights into total play time, game popularity, and even total calories burnt from users. With an incredible play time of almost 1000 hours over the last 12 months, it’s clear that the community is still taking full advantage 5 years after launch.
Councillor Mary Lea, from Sheffield Council, said: “SUTU combines fantastic technology with movement: truly innovative for the digital world we are submerged in today.”
Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor (left) at Foxhill Park
Young people get to design new Sussex Youth Hub
Children and young people in Heathfield, East Sussex, have started to put their stamp on a new art youth hub.
The development of a fully accessible, two-storey facility on the High Street is underway thanks to £8million of grant funding from the Government’s Youth Investment Fund to upgrade two youth centres in East Sussex.
As work progresses to replace the old 1950s youth club building, local young people took part in a series of urban art activities to encourage them to take ownership of their new space.
Three graffiti workshops were held in October where young people worked with local artist Tom Goulden to create graffiti messages. Over 20 young people participated in the youth voice graffiti sessions, working as a team to create their artworks.
The graffiti murals have now been mounted to the construction site hoardings, illustrating the positive messages that young people associate with the youth club including ‘friendship’, ‘fun’ and ‘hope’. Young people have been involved in the project from the beginning.
Councils collaborate for play area revamp
A collaborative project between Cheshire East Council and Wilmslow Town Council has resulted in the restoration of a once popular play area which had fallen into a state of disrepair.
The play area at Alveston Drive in Wilmslow was in need of a revamp.
The revitalised play area includes a slide and climbing equipment, new swings and a spring-loaded spinning piece of equipment for younger children. New seating has also been provided. The works have been carried out thanks to funding from Cheshire East Council, Wilmslow Town Council and section 106 monies – a developer contribution from the surrounding estate.
Councillor Mick Warren, chair of Cheshire East Council’s environment and communities committee, said: “In the same way that the play area at Little Lindow had a really positive effect on the local community in Wilmslow when it was revitalised, I’m sure it will be the same here.”
Work starts on new all-year play facility in Oxford
Work has started on a new all-yearround play area featuring water play and a bike and scooter track. Oxford City Council have commissioned specialist waterpark provider, Ustigate Waterplay, to deliver the scheme at Hinksey park next year.
Cllr Chewe Munkonge, Oxford City Council, said: “Big things
are happening at Hinksey Park. Construction has started – and it’s not just a splash park. Thanks to a £100k grant, it’s going to be a fantastic space for families.”
The inclusive facility will have a balance bike and scooter course that wraps around the large splash park & waterplay area.
Young
Alliance Leisure brings playful tness to Prestatyn Leisure Centre
Working in collaboration with Denbighshire Leisure Ltd (DLL), Alliance Leisure has delivered playful fitness experiences at Prestatyn Leisure Centre. The innovative programming has been designed to to transform PE for local children and boost community engagement.
The digital fitness experiences include the first Prama immersive group exercise studio in North Wales as well as the country’s inaugural interactive squash court.
The Prama studio offers a dynamic and engaging environment where sound, lights, floors and walls come to life. The studio will revolutionise the centre’s junior fitness programme and deliver an innovative PE curriculum for students of Prestatyn High School, which use the leisure centre during school hours.
The interactive squash experience enhances the traditional game to appeal to a new generation of
The digital experiences are designed to get children moving
players. Utilising laser projectors, motion sensors and responsive sensors to track the ball, players can choose from a diverse range of games designed to enhance key skills such as hand-eye coordination, speed, strength and reaction time.
The project also includes a Clip
and Climb climbing experience to expand DLL’s portfolio of family-friendly adventures.
Will Gardner, Business Development Manager, Alliance Leisure, said: “This investment is another example of DLL’s ongoing commitment to innovation.”
Sutcli e Play launches new Playzone unit
Playground designer and manufacturer Sutcliffe Play has revealed the latest addition to its extensive range of inclusive equipment.
The brand-new themed Nature Park is packed with play features and designed to be accessible to children of all abilities. The Made in Britain-accredited company recently debuted the new multi-play unit at the playground outside their head office in West Yorkshire, where it received a fantastic reception from local children. It is now available nationwide. As with the rest of their inclusive-focused range, Nature Park utilises innovative design to deliver fun and inclusion at every level for children with disabilities.
The unit as a whole can accommodate more than 41 children at any one time, including those in wheelchairs or buggies.
PHOTO:ALLIANCE LEISURE
Nature Park is packed with play features
Young people reveal motivations to move as screen time “explodes”
A survey of more than 1,000 children and young people aged seven to 14, conducted with kids and family insight agency, Beano Brain, has revealed the latest views and habits of the next generation when it comes to being active.
Two-fifths of children want to be more physically active than they currently are but some report spending six hours a day glued to their devices when not at school, according to research by ukactive.
Only 26% of children sampled said they’d want to be on a screen over taking part in physical activity and 40% said that they want to be more physically active than they currently are.
However, over half of the seven to 14-year-olds sampled (53%) are using screens for more than three hours each day when not in school, with almost a quarter (24%) of 11 to 14-year-olds spending more
40% of children want to be more physically active than they currently are
than six hours a day on devices. Spending time on screens increases as children get older, but their time being active does not.
Evidence shows that children and young people who are more active have more confidence, higher self-esteem, less anxiety
and stress, better social skills and better academic performance. And widely published evidence shows that physical activity is essential in preventing over 20 chronic conditions including type 2 diabetes, obesity, heart disease and many types of cancer.
Playdale unveils sustainable timber range
Outdoor play equipment specialist, Playdale Playgrounds, has launched a brand-new sustainably sourced modular timber range with 12 tower units.
With a strong focus on sustainability, the new range is made from slow-grown laminated timber poles. The timbers are sourced from FSC and PEFC certified suppliers to guarantee the long-term health of forest ecosystems and provide a natural and recyclable material choice for playground projects.
By using timber as the primary material, Playdale ensures that these playground structures have an environmentally friendly lifecycle from creation to end-of-life.
The Woodland Eco Towers range has been designed to seamlessly blend with its surroundings, enhancing the overall natural play experience.
PlayBoard NI update
PlayNation works together with leading play organisations across the UK. Here, PlayBoard NI provides an update on the region’s latest policy developments
Putting Play on the political agenda in Northern Ireland
Following the resumption of the Northern Ireland Assembly in February 2024, PlayBoard NI has been actively advocating for the child’s right to play to be recognised and prioritised at policy level. As part of this process, PlayBoard NI has met with the ministers for education, health and justice, highlighting the developmental benefits of play whilst also advocating for the development of a Play Strategy for Northern Ireland in line with recent UNCRC recommendations.
The development of a Northern Ireland Play Strategy would transform the landscape for play in Northern Ireland, enhancing children and young people’s lives whilst delivering significant developmental benefits. Development of a Play Strategy would also echo the progress made in Wales and Scotland which has been shown to deliver significant benefits for children, young people, families and communities.
Ministerial meetings have been followed up by a series of engagements with political parties focused on enhancing understanding of the critical developmental role of play, the impact of play in terms of building cross-community understanding and the need for dedicated support for play-based School Age Childcare providers.
PlayBoard NI and the School Age Childcare and Playwork Forum meet with Northern Ireland Children’s Commissioner
Building on its political advocacy work, PlayBoard NI recently facilitated a joint meeting between the School Age Childcare and Playwork Forum and Chris Quinn, the Children’s Commissioner for Northern Ireland.
The session provided an opportunity for playbased, school age childcare providers to highlight the many challenges they continue to face in maintaining the delivery of essential afterschool childcare support. In particular, attendees highlighted the vulnerable position many providers
find themselves in due to rising costs and the growing use of unregulated childcare. The session further provided an opportunity to highlight the failure of NI Executive childcare investment programmes to impact on after-school care due to its focus on pre-school and early years provision. The commissioner listened intently to the challenges facing the sector, giving a commitment to continue engagement with a view to securing the sustainability of the sector.
PHOTO: PLAYBOARD NI
PlayBoard NI works with Stormont
The importance of listening to children
Marguerite Hunter Blair CEO Play Scotland
When decision-makers at local and national level collaborate with young people on the issues which affect them, great things can be achieved
The early morning enthusiastic crowd of people were heading towards the Gates at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
But we weren’t happily anticipating a rugby international clash, but a game-changing event to launch the National Review of The State of Play in Ireland. It was clear to all the delegates, marveling at the impressively maintained pitch, that no one could ever hope to play on it if they had never mastered their timing, accuracy, focus and ball skills by ‘just playing’ as children.
I was delighted to be the keynote speaker at the ‘Participation, Play and Recreation Seminar’ in Ireland. This was organised by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) to promote the right to play and highlight the importance of children and young people having a say in decision-making about local play and recreation facilities. Children’s participation is now required by the Irish Government for capital grant funding schemes for play and recreation, and other funding streams. This follows a clear recommendation of the UN Committee of the Rights of the Child Concluding Observations (2023) that children should be fully involved in planning,
designing, and monitoring the implementation of play and recreation policies and programmes.
Children and young people’s voice and agency is at the heart of improving the state of play in Ireland. The rights to ‘play and recreation’ and ‘participation in decision making’ are clearly interlinked. Comhairle na nÓg is an organisation which directly involves children and young people in evolving local and national services and policies. It is government funded and the child and youth councils operate in each of the Local Authority areas across Ireland. The councils enable young people aged 12-17 to exercise their right in influencing decisionmakers on the topics most important to them.
The young participants from Comhairle na nÓg presented and interacted at workshops with delegates attending the seminar to share practical examples of how they would like to be supported to participate in civic society. Their confidence was drawn from the knowledge that their opinions, views, and ideas were being taken seriously in the decisions impacting them every day on critical issues like mental health, climate change, diversity, and inclusion. And having a big voice in planning play and recreation facilities
Policymakers need to involve young voices in decision-making processes involving children and young people
has resulted in improved play opportunities and experiences for young people across Ireland.
A ground-breaking research report on play in Ireland and international best practice was launched at the seminar. Outdoor Play and Recreation Provision for Children and Adolescents: A Scoping Review was commissioned by the government and carried out Dr Carol Barron and Ms Niamh Buckle from Dublin City University. The evidence-based recommendations in the report include: a focus on the importance of play being more prominently recognised as a right and not a vehicle to improve learning, physical activity and decrease sedentary lifestyles; children and young people’s genuine participation in planning, design of play and recreation outdoor spaces; and more consistency in play and recreation terminology to ensure common understanding and interpretation of meaning across disciplines.
It is clear from much of the research reviewed in this report and Scotland’s State of Play Report (2023) that outdoor play supports everyone’s wellbeing. For example, children who spend more time playing outdoors and adventurously have fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression, and adults who said they regularly played out on the
street when they were children had significantly lower psychological distress scores as adults.
The importance of keeping abreast of current research to assist in policy formulation around play and recreation for young people is crucial. At the same time as the seminar in Ireland, the first national survey of play among preschoolage children in Britain revealed that girls play outside in nature less than boys even at the age of two, and preschool-age children from a minority ethnic background play less outdoors than their white counterparts. The research, by universities of Exeter and Cambridge, concluded: “The results highlight inequalities in play even in the youngest age group, which may exacerbate existing inequalities in health”.
We need to focus on understanding the mechanisms behind lower free play activity, to develop interventions to encourage it. And there is no better way to do this than by hearing and responding to the lived experiences and views of young people. As the young participants from Comhairle na nÓg said, “When decisionmakers at local and national level collaborate with young people on the issues which affect them, great things can be achieved.”
Bringing Back Play
Eugene Minogue, Executive Director of Play England, wants play to be at the heart of policy-making. He is calling for the government to publish a new, national play strategy and also introduce play su ciency legislation
Earlier this year, Play England published its manifesto, could you outline the main aims of it?
It’s primarily aimed at changing the landscape in England around the introduction of play sufficiency legislation. Wales has had such legislation for a while and Scotland has introduced it too – so England is lagging behind. What we want to do is to follow the good work that Wales and Scotland have done and build out from it. We are looking at wider opportunities, particularly with the government’s legislative agenda, such as in relation to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill. That’s how we see that play sufficiency could be introduced as a ‘no-cost’ policy ask.
What are the main aims and targets that Play England has set itself for 2025?
This year (2024) has been a period of reflection and “re-imagineering” (from “imagination” and “engineering” – implementing creative ideas in practical form) for Play England. In short, we assessed where we are as an organisation and where the play sector is.
The next stage is now to reposition Play England to reflect the current context in landscape and to put us in a high state of preparedness to meaningfully take forwards our emerging strategy. As part of that – and to ensure Play England remains at the forefront of ‘good governance’ – we also undertook an independent governance review in the past 12 months, which was conducted by the Sport + Recreation Alliance (SRA).
Our focus next year (2025) will be on adopting our strategy, which we’re looking to do as early in the year as possible. There will be three key areas: spaces and places, the workforce and play provision. Wrapped around that will be how we are going to change as an organisation (Play England) in order to deliver the strategy over the next 10 years. As part of the governance review we will be recruiting new independent board members in 2025.
We are also doing some early implementation work now – such as the review of the National Occupational Standards for Playwork
Children’s right to play is enshrined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
(NOS). It’s all about developing our workforce and of professional standards so that we have a highlyqualified, competent and dedicated workforce.
The work is being done by The UK Playwork NOS Consortium, which comprises of Play England, Play Wales, Play Scotland, PlayBoard NI and The Playwork Foundation. It is expected that the final NOS will be approved and published in summer 2025.
We’re also working with various national partners on how we can ensure we get play back up on the national agenda. For this, we held a play sufficiency webinar and we had more than 120 people from local government and Active Partnerships register for it. So we are gearing up our work on how we support local authorities and active partnerships to implement the principles of play sufficiency in the current absence of national legislation in England. All of that is happening on a local level.
There are also emerging collaborations with the likes of Sport England and Active Travel England, amongst others, around embedding play principles in their work.
Ultimately, in 2025, what we’d like to see is for the new government to introduce play sufficiency legislation and a new national play strategy. There hasn’t been any play strategy in England since 2008 – and that was something that Play England developed with the last Labour government.
We think that the current government could publish a new play strategy under their legislative
programme, particularly – but not exclusively – via the Children’s Wellbeing Bill. Announced in the King’s Speech, the bill aims to put children and their wellbeing at the centre of the education and children’s social care systems, and “make changes so they are safe, healthy, happy and treated fairly”.
So 2025 will be the year we will really look to mobilise our strategy and to get that forward.
Has Play England had any discussions with the new Labour government, regarding play, yet?
Yes, we have – and we had some discussions prior to the election too. We also published an open letter, outlining our main message, which is that it is vitally important that the new government urgently address the decline in children’s play over recent decades.
Minogue says that play is unique, because it is universal - and everyone has an experience of it
The current planning system in England fails to protect, enhance, or provide spaces and places that support children’s health, development, and wellbeing. In too many towns and cities, traffic-dominated neighbourhoods, low quality housing layouts, inadequate facilities, and poorly designed housing estates, along with a lack of parks and green spaces, harm children’s wellbeing, undermine their quality of life and deprive them of critical infrastructure that they need.
We’ve also written to the new chair of the Housing, Communities and Local Government Select Committee, asking them to finish the inquiry on children and young people and the built environment, which was started prior to the election.
In addition, we’ve responded to the government’s consultation on the national planning policy framework and the 10-year health strategy. We’ve also had informal discussions with various officials from the likes of the DCMS and the Department for Education (DfE) around play and re-establishing it as a societal norm.
So we’ve had some positive discussions and there have been warm responses, but we’re now moving into the stage where the government really needs to bring that into meaningful practice.
We are already starting to see some wins, too. Very recently, the government announced that it will prohibit smoking in playgrounds and outside schools. That is something we directly called for in our manifesto and thankfully the government has responded.
The current planning system in England fails to protect, enhance, or provide spaces and places that support children’s health, development, and wellbeing
Which departments do you see as being the most relevant for play going forward - and why?
The four key departments are the DCMS, the DfE, the department for Housing, Communities and Local Government and the Department for Transport. But they aren’t the only departments.
Children and young people and play cut across all elements of government. We are, after all, talking about our future generations here. For children to be able to play freely will benefit their cognitive, physical and mental wellbeing. It also develops resilience and prepares people for future life.
So it’s very much a cross-governmental topic and play doesn’t fit neatly in one place. That’s why we need the importance of play to be understood in every area of government.
Eugene Minogue provides a SWOT analysis on the play sector
Strengths
Play has something unique, when compared to the likes of sport and physical activity – in that is that play is universal. Every child and every human being has played and plays.
That’s very different to sport or exercise, which can be polarising for some. Whether through previously bad experiences or limitations in the ability to take part. With play, a vast majority have very fond memories of play and it’s universal – it’s something everyone has done in some way.
And play isn’t just about the physical aspect, there is a creative side to it too, whether that be music, literacy or the arts, for example. You can play in a variety of different ways – with your family around the Christmas table, out in the park with your friends, or, indeed, something to do with sports.
So play is unique and we need to remind people how valuable play is for children. It has something to offer every aspect of society.
Weakne es
Play has, societally, been “de-normed”. Unfortunately, a play-based childhood started to decline in the 1980s, a process which accelerated in the 1990s. Arguably, the COVID-19 pandemic has been a breaking point for children’s play.
We now have a generation growing up who not only don’t have the freedom to play in the way their parents or grandparents did, but also we have a generation of children who don’t know HOW to play freely. We don’t have the same free range of movement, we don’t have many games that are being passed down and we don’t have the time, space and opportunity to play. Our lives are so busy and structured these days that play has been marginalised. Take schools, for example, where playtime has been squeezed and is often the thing that is taken away from children as a form of punishment - which is wrong. We need to protect children’s right to play and encourage them to play in all aspects of life.
Societally, we’ve lost sight of play and we have reached a default point where things like “no ball games” signs mean that playgrounds are the only place where play can happen.
O ortunities
They are huge - especially with the government’s current legislative agenda. If we were to get play sufficiency legislation and a new national play strategy, that would be transformational for our children, families and caregivers. It would mean that we value play and give children the voice that they need within society.
It would mean that they would have a valid voice in the planning system, making sure they are fundamental to the way spaces and places are designed for them. Simply put, we have the opportunity to give children their childhood back.
Threats
The status quo. Where we are is damning. It’s an oxymoron that we have to call for national legislation to protect children’s rights and freedom to play. It’s an utterly bizarre situation.
Culturally and societally, we need to take a look at ourselves and where we are. We built the cultures – and the urban environments in which we live in – solely through an adult lens. We need to fundamentally change that. We need to make sure children are heard and that they have the spaces and opportunities to play.
If we don’t we will endanger the mental and physical health of our children, which is in a worrying state as it is. We have children growing up who are not physically literate and are struggling with their mental health. Play can play a huge part in addressing that balance.
PEXELS-ALEKSANDR-BALANDIN
FOR PLAY A PASSION
Amber Ogunsanya-William is the first-ever NSPCC Champion of Childhood. With seemingly limitless energy, she has made play her mission
Could you outline to readers your career journey/path, please? Where did it start and what do you currently do/what keeps you busy?
To understand my journey, we need to go to the very beginning, aged three at an adventure playground. There, eyes wide with wonder, I first explored a sprawling playground that seemed to stretch to the horizon.
Towering wooden platforms that felt like castles, slides that twisted and turned like magical vines, and swings made from tires and ropes that soared into the sky, touching the clouds! This was my world, my sanctuary, where every day was a new adventure.
I remember the sheer joy of running, jumping, and climbing, often tumbling down only to spring
back up with a giggle. The freedom to play, explore, and discover was simply beautiful. Building dens became my specialty – crafting secret hideaways from sticks, leaves, and whatever else I could find. These dens were my fortresses, my secret worlds where my imagination could run wild. Roasting marshmallows over a crackling fire, creating gocarts from scraps, and embarking on endless quests – this playground was my home, my heart.
From these playful beginnings, I blossomed into an inclusive play consultant, advocate, and worker. Through my personal experience, I understand that play is a universal superpower, transcending language and cultural barriers, empowering everyone from babies to the elderly. My mission became clear: to spread the power of play to the world.
I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with a diverse range of organisations on an international level, crafting inclusive play environments, leading play events, and influencing practices in local authorities, museums, early years settings, theatres and adventure playgrounds. I’ve delivered workshops to teachers, nannies, childminders, and charities, sharing the transformative power of play. One of the highlights of my career was being invited to 10 Downing Street to represent play and inclusion – a true honour! Thus gaining the title from the NSPCC as their first ever Champion of Childhood which definitely brought tears to my eyes. The wonderful Catherine Hudson, NSPCC’s celebrity talent manager, and her team wanted to highlight my work within the field of play.
In world of play, no two days are ever the same!
So your passion for play comes very much from your childhood?
Yes, thanks to my father, the head playground manager of Weavers Adventure Playground. His journey from a playworker to a passionate advocate for play inspired me immensely. Growing up with a father whose life revolved around creating purposeful play solutions for every child was transformative. He would regale us with fantastical stories of how he found me in the jungle, saving him from a sabertooth tiger while still in pampers and with a dummy in my mouth. These tales transported us to different worlds, sparking our imaginations and filling our days with laughter and joy. Building go-carts alongside other children, listening to his stories,
People
and letting our imaginations run wild – these experiences ignited my passion for inclusive play, creative learning, and community engagement.
Growing up in an adventure playground with my one-of-a-kind father as the play manager was nothing short of magical. It shaped my belief in the power of play and fuelled my desire to ensure that every child, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to experience the joy and freedom of play.
What current roles do you hold and what do they entail?
I’m the first-ever NSPCC Champion of Childhood. I’m also the Creative Learning, Community Delivery Lead, plus Designated Safeguarding Lead with an esteemed, organisation.
I’m an international, inclusive play specialist and I believe that play is a universal superpower. I want to drive positive behaviour change and elevate performance through purposedriven solutions. I believe I have an innovative approach – one that transcends boundaries and empowers individuals across diverse contexts.
I’ve worked with both charities and commercial enterprises and I’d like to think of myself as a trailblazer in creating inclusive play environments. I want to ensure that children of all abilities and backgrounds can participate.
If I’d had to list some of my notable contributions, I would probably include creating the Childline Play Room, serving as a Royal Opera House play
Growing up in an adventure playground with my one-of-a kind father as the play manager was nothing short of magical
specialist, delivering training to Haringey Early Years childcare professionals and partnering with the Museum of London. I’ve also been a Play Presenter for Disney, Kunda Kids, the Department of Education, and the London New Year’s Day Parade, among many others.
What’s your typical day-to-day?
Or is there one?
In world of play, no two days are ever the same! As a play advocate, worker and consultant, I collaborate with a diverse array of unique companies, adventure playgrounds, and schools, enhancing their environments through the magic of inclusive playwork. Each day is a new adventure, filled with creativity and joy! Thus I’ve created the @playwokeramber play parties, which have built into them the principles of playwork and entertainment for every family and child.
Which recent projects have you completed and what are you working on at the moment?
From providing inclusive playwork in an adventure playground to collaborating with Hackney Museum for a @playworkeramber takeover day, every moment is a celebration of play.
Working with the Haringey Early Years team was another delightful experience. I was invited to be a play practitioner for the “Get Talking Haringey” initiative, where I delivered a workshop called “Bringing Language to
Ogunsanya-William’s father has acted as a huge inspiration in her journey through play
Life Through Play.” This workshop allowed professionals to unleash their creativity and value their lived experiences, transforming language learning into a playful journey.
One of my most cherished collaborations was with Childline, where I created a magical playroom known as Playworker Amber’s Creation Station. This enchanting space was filled with joy and creativity, providing children with a delightful environment to truly express themselves and have the best time imaginable. I wanted to create a space where children could follow their instincts and interests!
Keep an eye out for something incredibly exciting with Compton Verney gallery and some incredible play events at the Museum of London!
Why is play so important, in your view?
Play was a lifeline for me in my world, shaping my character, social skills, emotional well-being, and childhood. It built my resilience (with a few broken bones along the way!), and I found it incredible as I was able to problem-solve and regulate my emotions. In school, academic lessons are crucial for any child’s life, yet they are wonderfully complemented by play. Play opened my mind to possibilities and developed my curiosity, offering a holistic approach to learning. Play is not just an activity; it’s a powerful pedagogical tool that fosters holistic development. It provides hope, nurtures creativity, and builds a foundation for lifelong learning. So, let’s embrace the freedom to PLAY!
Ogunsanya-William says the UK play sector benefits from a network of passionate individuals and organisations
Ogunsanya-William works in play through a number of various roles
What does the UK do well when it comes to play and activating kids –when compared to other countries?
The UK excels in championing play by providing accessible adventure playgrounds that encourage unstructured, imaginative play. The availability of well-designed playground spaces supports children’s discovery and development. Community engagement is strong, with parents and families recognizing the importance of play. However, the biggest area for improvement is ensuring consistent funding for play provisions to keep these spaces open and accessible for all. Plus the UK needs to do more as looking at play as a fundamental right in law would, I believe, solidify it’s importance.
Do you think we will see a change in direction, when it comes to policies, with the change of government?
I think there will be a change in policy with the change of government. When a new government takes office, it often brings a shift in policy direction to reflect its priorities and campaign promises. In the UK, we need to highlight the significance of both outdoor and indoor play provisions. Ensuring that children have access to safe, engaging, and diverse play environments is crucial for their development and well-being. This should be a focus for any new government looking to improve community health and cohesion.
Additionally, it would establish adventure playgrounds nationwide, with secured funding for each provision for three years once open. This policy would prioritise play, making it accessible and inclusive for all children. By fostering a culture of play, we would invest in the physical, emotional, and social well-being of our children, creating a healthier, happier, and more connected society. Wouldn’t that be fantastic?
If you were given the opportunity to change one current (or introduce a new) law or policy, which would have a hugely positive effect on play in the UK, what would that be? It would be a “Play Whenever and Wherever Act”. It would ensure play opportunities throughout the UK by creating temporary and permanent play streets, providing specific grants for play provisions, and developing the Playworker Amber Inclusive Toolkit for schools.
Could you give some insights and/or examples of excellent deliveries of play, which you’ve witnessed or worked on?
One of the most inspiring examples of excellent play delivery I’ve experienced was with the Arts Depot. Their team is phenomenal at infusing play into their events. They hire outside practitioners and are dedicated to putting play on the map, which is why they collaborated with me! I’ve seen
Inclusive Toolkit for Teachers
Recognising the transformative power of play, I created the Inclusive Toolkit for Teachers. This toolkit integrates four different types of play into the curriculum, making learning creative and fun:
Locomotive Play (My Favourite): Encourages movement and coordination. Activities like obstacle courses and dance sessions help children develop motor skills and physical health. Teachers can integrate physical play into subjects like PE and even math, using movement to teach counting and spatial awareness.
Constructive Play: Involves building and creating. Using blocks, clay, or other materials, children can explore concepts of design and engineering. This type of play can be woven into science and art lessons, allowing children to construct models or create art projects that reflect their learning.
Dramatic Play: Allows children to role-play and act out scenarios. This type of play is fantastic for developing social skills and empathy. Teachers can use dramatic play in language arts by having students act out stories or historical events, making the learning experience immersive and engaging.
their family-friendly events come alive with a variety of playful activities. They even invited me to lead a “Move, Draw, and Play” workshop, which was an amazing opportunity. A special shoutout to Isy and Louisa for being a true catalyst for play advocacy! The energy and creativity they bring to every event are simply unmatched.
What would you describe as the play sector’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats?
The strengths of the play sector in the UK include a network of passionate individuals and
Sensory Play: Engages the senses and helps children explore the world around them. Activities like sand play, water play, and sensory bins can be used to teach concepts in science and early literacy. Sensory play is particularly beneficial for children with special needs, providing a calming and engaging way to learn.
By integrating these types of play into the curriculum, teachers can create a dynamic and inclusive learning environment. Play allows children to break away from routine and experience the freedom to explore, imagine, and learn in a way that is both joyful and impactful.
organisations dedicated to promoting play and its benefits. However, weaknesses such as the uneven distribution of play facilities, especially in rural and under-served urban areas, and the need for more training and support for playworkers, hinder the quality of play experiences. Opportunities exist in public-private partnerships to fund and develop new play spaces, and the growing interest in nature-based play. On the flip side, budget cuts in local councils threaten funding for play provisions, and the rise of digital entertainment continues to compete with traditional play activities, reducing engagement in outdoor and physical play.
Quack team
SportsNation spoke to STA President and Executive Director of Puddle Ducks, Ali Beckman, about the aquatics sector and the importance of play in teaching children how to swim
Ali Beckman’s passion for swimming is a result of being brought up in a swimming family. Her mum was a competitive swimmer who began teaching and coaching when an eight-year-old Beckman and her sisters first joined their local swimming club in Swinton, Manchester. To this day – 40 years later – her mum remains as Chief Coach at the club.
Beckman swam competitively until she was 15 years old and also volunteered as a teacher and coach as a teenager. She turned her passion into a full time job when she joined Puddle Ducks as the company’s first ever teacher in March 2005.
“I became a mum in 2004 and attended Puddle Ducks
sessions with my baby son – and fell in love with the brand,” Beckman says. “Within six months of joining, I was appointed into the role of Technical Director and took on the responsibility of heading up the teaching and training side of the business.”
Today, Beckman is an Executive Director of Puddle Ducks Franchising Ltd, supporting CEO/ Managing Director, Jo Stone, on the management and strategic direction of the company. She is also Head of Aquatics, responsible for managing a 12-strong team which supports franchisees in the field by training, mentoring and assessing teachers. She is also president of the Swimming Teachers’ Association (STA), supporting Dave Candler in his CEO role. She also chairs the Safety Training
Beckman has been STA President since October 2021
PHOTO: PUDDLE DUCKS
Aspects of play can be used effectively to teach children how to swim
Awards, the awarding organisation for STA, which ensures compliance and governance set by the qualification regulators are being adhered to.
Beckman is a huge advocate of play, having recognised its importance in the success of Puddle Ducks. “Children learn through play, and play is proven to improve cognitive, physical, social and emotional well-being,” she says.
“There are still, however, many swim schools who haven’t adapted lessons to incorporate play.”
Through her passion for – and experience in – the aquatics industry, she is perfectly placed to offer insight into the sector’s future, its challenges and its opportunities. PlayNation sat down with Beckman to do just that.
What does the UK do well when it comes to teaching children swimming (when compared to other countries)?
Baby swimming in particular has evolved over the years and adult-led submersions, once the staple of baby and toddler lessons, are no longer considered best practice. Instead, the focus is now on child-led activities and games to
encourage a baby/child to immerse themselves. The majority of the UK’s swim schools have moved to this style of teaching, but there’s still work to be done here and across the rest of the world.
One of the great things about swimming in the UK is that the organisations that support the training of teachers, in particular the STA, believe in research-informed training. Best practice evolves and training courses always reflect this.
And
where are the biggest needs for improvement?
There’s still more work to be done on educating teachers regarding child-led practices and to also encourage swimming teachers to keep upskilling, in particular on child development and psychology. It’s what makes a teacher that little bit extraordinary. We also need to stop pounding young children up and down the pool when they don’t have the foundations and correct skills –you just end up reinforcing an incorrect stroke. Teachers often feel under pressure by parents to deliver a lesson that is jam-packed and when they see their child stood around doing ‘nothing’
People We want every child to love swimming, respect the water and swim beautifully
they often complain. What they don’t see is the play that leads to a defined skill or the science behind some of the activities which builds the foundations needed to swim longer distances.
If you could change one law or policy to help swimming/ aquatics, what would that be?
Remove VAT from swimming lessons. In 2022 the STA campaigned for the government to stamp out VAT from learn to swim lessons. It would help swim schools put on more lessons and ensure millions of people, mainly children of primary school age, had access to swimming lessons. An overwhelming 92% of the UK swim schools surveyed by STA in October 2022 agreed that if swimming lessons were zero-rated or exempt from VAT, more people would be able to afford / access swimming lessons. Of the swim schools surveyed that are purposely keeping under the VAT threshold, two-thirds said if swimming lessons were free from VAT, they could teach a lot more swimmers and reduce the heavy waiting lists.
What is Puddle Ducks and what does it do?
Founded in 2002 by Jo Stone and Tracy Townend, in Cheshire, it was born out of wanting to give babies and toddlers the best start when it comes to water confidence and learning the essential life skill that is swimming. We have a very clear mission, vision and set of values that are at the heart of everything we do. Everyone who works with us (and for the Puddle Ducks brand) has a passion for swimming, an ambition for growth and a commitment to become experts in every aspect of their business. The original ethos has never been lost and is reflected in our mission statement, which is “we want every child to love swimming, respect the water and swim beautifully – that’s why our
standards are the highest and our approach is unique”. We call it the Puddle Ducks Difference.
In 2005, the company was franchised; this seemed the most effective way to deliver the mission to children across the UK. From early beginnings, a team of three people and a pilot franchise in Chester, we now have 35 franchisees, operating from 53 territories across the UK, teaching 25,000 babies and children to swim every week from a combination of hired, managed and owned swimming pools.
In 2014, we launched our Swim Academy product for children aged 4-10, giving those children who hadn’t accessed baby or preschool swimming, the chance to benefit from our expertise. This was relaunched with a stand-alone brand in 2017, which now accounts for 30% of our customer base and is growing. Having spent a total of 10 months out of the water during
One of the major issue for aquatics over the past decade has been the shortage in swimming teachers
PHOTO:
PUDDLE DUCKS
Covid-19 between March 2020 and September 2021, we came back with a bang – and the demand for lessons was higher than ever. However, the period also saw a backdrop of pool closures, rising energy costs and a cost-of-living crisis.
Today, Puddle Ducks is stronger than ever, with a 19-strong Head Office team supporting the franchise network to deliver brand excellence to our customers. We are very highly regarded in the franchise industry as multiple award winners and 12 consecutive years of 5* franchisee satisfaction.
What is the Puddle Ducks USP when it comes to teaching kids swim? What do you do differently?
We are regarded as the informed choice by our customers. As the first national swim school to develop our programme to be 100% child-led,
we have led the way, educating the industry and the public in why child-led swimming is so important for the child’s long-term relationship with the water and beyond that, their confidence and relationship with healthy living and sports.
Our Baby & Pre-school programme has 6 levels and the same in our Swim Academy. The lesson plans are developed in such a way that every activity the children learn, from birth to the age of 10, can be adapted and broken down to ensure the child is moving at their own pace and only doing things, such as putting their face in the water, when they are ready. We deconstruct each stroke and build it back up, developing a beautiful, efficient stroke. Our teachers are trained to the highest standards, and are continually developing their qualifications to ensure they are at the cutting edge of both learning to swim and child development.
THE PUDDLE DUCKS
RIPPLE EFFECT
SKILLS FOR LIFE
Making swimming independently and water safety as natural as breathing
HEALTHY LIFE
Making exercise fun and learning through active play
SOCIAL LIFE
Developing valuable social skills; children and parents making friends for life
FAMILY LIFE
Helping to create memories, from bath time to holidays and more
skills for life
healthylife
social Life
familylife
Could you explain the “Ripple Effect” to our readers?
The Ripple Effect is best explained in this infographic (see above). It demonstrates how learning to swim impacts every aspect of a child’s, and their family’s, lives.
• Skills for Life – simply put, this is the essential life skill that is learning to swim
• Healthy Life – by making exercise part of a child’s routine from the early years, good habits are formed plus, swimming itself is one of the best forms of exercise around
• Social Life – many of our swimmers and their parents/carers make friends for life through their Puddle Ducks lessons
• Family Life – making baby’s bath time more enjoyable, being able to turn to swimming as an activity to do on a day off, making family holidays more enjoyable, leading on to other activities such as open water swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding etc. Swimming opens many doors! Children learn through play, and play is proven to improve cognitive, physical, social
Puddle Ducks focuses on making children love swimming
and emotional well-being. However, there are still many swim schools that haven’t adapted lessons to incorporate play. Play also motivates a child and that motivation is what helps a child learn new skills, especially in the water.
At Puddle Ducks we want children to love swimming, respect the water and swim beautifully. That’s not going to happen if we can’t engage with the child, so we educate our teachers to teach skills in a playful environment. We’re proud that children don’t feel under pressure in our lessons. They have fun, but they are constantly learning without realising and we have so many children swimming 5m-25m independently before even starting school. Compare that to the expectation, at the end of Key Stage 2, for children to have achieved 25m and you can see the excellent results we are achieving!
Ali Beckman’s SWOT analysis of aquatics
l Strengths
Two national governing bodies, Swim England and Swimming Teachers Association recently entered into a strategic partnership for the first time in history –whilst the partnership is in its early stages, it gives the industry hope that there is a collective goal of the NGBs to promote the benefits of aquatic activity and to ensure everyone in England has the opportunity to swim, and to see every teacher vacancy filled.
l Weaknesses
Lack of swimming facilities – over 1,200 pools have shut down in the UK since 2009, a major chunk of these during the COVID-19 pandemic. The rate of new pools being built is nowhere near the numbers lost so we need help, from the Government, to save further pools closing.
l Opportunities
In May this year the Department of Education announced a new module on ‘personal safety’ in relationships, sex and health education (RSHE) lessons. It states that “pupils should know to recognise risk and keep safe around water, including the water safety code”. There’s still more campaigning to be done but hopefully the new Government will continue to support this and recognise the importance of learning to swim to reduce the risk of accidental drownings.
l Threats
Rising energy costs continue to affect leisure centres, in particular swimming pools. We can’t afford to lose any more and the Government needs to do more, not just to give people access to swimming lessons but for the important health benefits gained from aquatic exercise.
PHOTO: PUDDLE DUCKS
