The Playwork National Occupational Standards (NOS) are a set of standards outlining the competencies playworkers need in various areas of work. For playwork, the NOS include the knowledge, understan...

We are proud to announce the finalists for the inaugural National Play Awards 2026 , recognising outstanding contributions to children’s play across England. The Awards are rooted in Play England’s ...

Play England will hold its 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Thursday 8 October 2026, from 14:00–15:00, at the University of Warwick. The AGM forms part of our National Play Conference and Awards...

Playces, the new national digital platform designed to support evidence-led planning for play provision, will be formally launched at the National Play Conference on Friday 9 October 2026. The launc...

Dr Naomi Lott , one of the UK’s leading academic voices on children’s right to play, will speak at the inaugural National Play Conference at the University of Warwick on Friday 9 October 2026. A L...

Professor Helen Dodd, Director of the new Outdoor Play Research Centre at the University of Exeter and an Elected Director (Trustee) of Play England, joined Amber Ogunsanya-William, Elected Director (...

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government will join the inaugural National Play Conference in Warwick this October, at a pivotal moment for investment, planning policy and children’s p...

Who is creating the conditions for children to play? Play England is calling for nominations for the inaugural National Play Awards 2026 . For the first time, the National Play Awards will brin...

Playday 2026 calls for support to enable children to play here, there and everywhere Today, as thousands of children, young people, and families across the UK celebrate Playday by attending local e...

Wednesday 5 August 2026 is Playday , the national day for play. Celebrated across the UK each year, Playday calls on families, community leaders, play providers, childcare settings, and everyone work...

Join us in Bristol as we share learning, look ahead and release this amazing, diverse movement for children's freedom into the world.