Play Connect feel truly privileged to have had the opportunity to host one of the Lightning Sessions at Play Assembly, beautifully organised by Play Collective.

After many years of reflection and practice, I wanted to share what Playwork really means to me.

Perhaps our role as adults is not always about asking how or what we should do. More importantly, we need to ask ourselves “Why?”

Why do we create time and space for children to play? This is not only about play itself, or simply about letting children be children, but about recognising and respecting that children have their own path of growth, and that they deserve the time, space, and trust to follow it in their own way.

When we keep this “why” at the heart of our work, it helps us stay focused and grounded in purpose. It also naturally connects us with like-minded people who share the same values and are committed to creating meaningful change.

I’m especially grateful to Mian from Mosaic Preschool for her unwavering support in embedding this philosophy into the school culture.

Today, Mosaic Preschool has dedicated free-play time in its timetable, and almost all staff have received different levels of PARS training. Teachers are intentionally creating more time and space for children to be children, while also building a shared understanding and culture around play.

This is what happens when people truly believe in the “why” and work together with consistency and care. ❤️

Thank you, Play Collective, for creating the space for these important conversations and for bringing practitioners together in such a meaningful way.