Webinar: Play-centred learning in primary schools
What is the purpose of this webinar?
This webinar is part of a series around curriculum enrichment in primary schools as part of the extensive Rethinking the Curriculum project. This series aims to support and equip both teachers and school leaders with the knowledge and skills to identify, plan and implement curriculum development work in a sustainable, creative and impactful way.
Who is this webinar aimed at?
This webinar will be particularly valuable to primary teachers, those involved in curriculum design more broadly, and all educators who want to learn about play-based curricula in practice.
What does the webinar explore?
In this webinar, school leaders, expert practitioners and consultants – Ellen Parker, Jo Gray and Kath Bransby – share insights and experiences about implementing a play-based curriculum.
How could I use this webinar to support my team?
This webinar could be re-watched with your school leadership or teaching teams to develop a shared understanding of this approach. We have prepared some reflective questions that could be used to inform discussions and begin to consider what this might look like in your context.
The webinar has been edited split into the following sections:
- 0.17 – Kath Barnsby, Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood at Sheffield Hallam University, explores the evidence-base underpinning a play-based approach. She also offers four conditions that promote play in early childhood.
- 11.13 – Jo Gray, Head of Education at Once Education, explores the value of play-based learning. She also outlines the barriers and challenges of adopting this approach and suggests potential ways these can be overcome.
- 24.41 – Ellen Parker, Assistant Headteacher at Stoke Primary School in Coventry, shares her school’s journey designing and implementing a play-centred curriculum.
- 40. 21 – A Q&A session to further explore the challenges, opportunities and practicalities of introducing and implementing a play-based curriculum in primary schools.
As you watch the webinar, you may wish to note down insights that build on your understanding of this work.
You may wish to consider:
- What principles and practices resonate with your current understanding and application of a play-based curriculum?
- How have the presentations shifted your current thinking around play-based and education? How could this inform your approach going forward?
- Consider the four conditions to promote play – time, space, independence, permission to take risks – introduced by Kath Barnsby in the first presentation. To what extent does your school provide these?
- Why do you think a play-based curriculum could be important for the students in your context?
- What are the challenges of adopting this approach? How have the presenters attempted to overcome these
- What are your key takeaways from the webinar?
- Are there any further questions you have about introducing, implementing or refining your current approach?
