National week of play: 21 – 27 June 2021

The Alliance is launching a National Week of Play starting on the 21 June 2021.

The Covid-19 pandemic has had a hugely detrimental impact on children’s access to play. Playgrounds and outdoor recreation areas have been closed, and many children have been denied the opportunities to socialise with their friends and peers.

We know that play is fundamental to a child’s learning and development. That’s why we are launching a National Week of Play to encourage and inspire early years professionals to ensure that learning through play is at the heart of their practice, and to support parents to discover and explore new play ideas for the home learning environment.

What’s happening?

We will be sharing tips, activities and resources throughout the National Week of Play including:

• A panel on play – a recorded panel discussion with early years experts Helen Moylett, Cathy Nutbrown, Nancy Stewart and Anni McTavish, talking about the importance of play
• Blogs, activities and resources – plenty of tips, ideas and activities for you to try throughout the week.
• Parent tips and videos – ideas and resources to share with families at your setting and encourage them to get involved in the National Week of Play
• EduCare module on Play – a taster module of our new EduCare course on Play.

Throughout July, we will be delivering four online Alliance Spotlight sessions for early years professionals, all on the topic of play:

• The power of play – a reminder of the importance of play
• Connecting through play – helping children to reconnect with their peers and the learning environment (indoors and outdoors)
• Rediscovering play – engaging with children’s play to support their learning and helping adults reconnect with their innate ability to play
• A celebration of play – celebrating what has been achieved

How to get involved

Providers can register their interest in taking part in the National Week of Play. We will then email the details of all the online sessions, resources and activities once they are available.