Playtimes in schools are under pressure. Children are playing 50% less than a generation ago, behaviour is getting harder to manage, and playtime is getting squeezed out.
In this episode, Liz Worthen talks to Positive Playtime champion Thérèse Hoyle – coach, author and founder of the Positive Playtime Award Programme – about why play is so vital for children's wellbeing, learning and resilience, and how schools can make it work in practice.
We address common barriers to play in schools, including:
Struggling with playground behaviour, staff deployment at lunchtime, or getting the most from a limited budget? Listen for straightforward, actionable ideas.
Thérèse Hoyle is Director and Founder of Positive Playtimes and the Positive Playtime Award programme. An experienced coach and teacher, she regularly consults and advises schools on play, behaviour management, mental health, and the social and emotional needs of children and teens.
Liz Worthen’s career in education spans teaching, training, commissioning and programme development. Creating Value in Schools is all about sustainable working: taking care of people, planet and resources to secure better outcomes for children and communities.
00:00 Welcome and guest
00:57 Playtime crisis today
02:35 Why play gets squeezed
04:31 Screens and equity
07:28 When play works
09:58 Mud sticks and rules
12:20 Risky play fears
16:29 Staffing and training
23:16 Equipment craze cycle
28:26 Zoning concrete playgrounds
33:58 Books and final thoughts
#education #sustainableschools #childhood
