iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

PlayBoard NI @playboardni.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

In this month's E-Play: 💻 FREE webinar: Making Out-of-School Playful 📅 PlayBoard AGM - save the date 🆕 NICSS update ...and much more! Go to us7.campaign-archive.com?u=de6cc7455c...

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PlayBoard NI @playboardni.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Making Out-of-School Playful: A Playwork Approach for Schools 🟣 9 October 🟣 9:30-11:00am Our free workshop will consider how small changes can make a big difference to children’s experiences. Book your FREE place at www.playboard.org/training-events

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PlayBoard NI @playboardni.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

𝗪𝗲'𝗿𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 - 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗔𝗱𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿 Join our team and provide key administrative support to PlayBoard’s play-based community relations programme, delivered as part of the OUR Generation Project. Go to www.playboard.org/job-vacancy-our-generation-project-administator #PEACEPLUS

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PlayBoard NI @playboardni.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

Catch up on this month's play news roundup, including opportunities to join #TeamPlayBoard and our survey on business support needs for school-age childcare providers. 👉 us7.campaign-archive.com?u=de6cc7455c...

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PlayBoard NI @playboardni.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

Interested in joining #TeamPlayBoard? 🤩 Help us make a real difference to children & young people across NI through the power of play! We're recruiting: 🟣 SEN Inclusive Play Development Officer 🟣 OUR Generation Project Administrator 🟣 Volunteer Board Member/Trustee 👉 www.playboard.org/jobs

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PlayBoard NI @playboardni.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

School-Age Childcare Business Support Needs Survey SAC providers in Northern Ireland - your input is important. Find out more and complete our short survey at www.surveymonkey.com/r/SACBusinessSupport26

Coloured blocks spelling out 'childcare' and 'abc' with the text 'School-Age Childcare Survey'

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PlayBoard NI @playboardni.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

𝗪𝗲'𝗿𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴! We have two great opportunities to join our team: 🟣 SEN Inclusive Play Development Officer 🟣 OUR Generation Project Administrator For further details go to www.playboard.org/jobs Closing date: Friday 4 September 2026 at 5:00pm

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PlayBoard NI @playboardni.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

𝗩𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗕𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿/𝗧𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗲 𝗢𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 We are seeking enthusiastic, committed, and forward-thinking individuals to join our voluntary Board of Trustees. Visit www.playboard.org/volunteer-board-member-trustee-opportunity Closing date: Monday 14 September 2026 at 4:00pm.

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PlayBoard NI @playboardni.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

Join our FREE online information session on financial support available to working parents in Northern Ireland. 🟣 25 August, 12-1pm 🟣 26 August, 7-8pm Delivered by Employers For Childcare, the session is suitable for parents and childcare providers. Book: pbfinancialsupport0826.eventbrite.co.uk

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PlayBoard NI @playboardni.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

The latest edition of Play Nation Magazine is out now, including an article on our Inclusive Play programme and input from Alan Herron, PlayBoard CEO, on rethinking inclusion through the lens of play value. playnation.uk/magazine/?mc...

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PlayBoard NI @playboardni.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗱𝗮𝘆! 🎉 Check out our new resource to help you build playful moments into every day. View the PDF at www.playboard.org/resources/playful-playday-adventures-2026 #Playday2026 #PlayEverywhere

Playful Playday Adventures information sheet

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PlayBoard NI @playboardni.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

Today, as children, young people, and families across the UK celebrate #Playday2026, PlayBoard is calling on everyone to champion children’s right to play and help build a more playful NI where every child can thrive. 👉 www.playboard.org/latest-news

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PlayBoard NI @playboardni.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝗹𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲! 🎉 Join us tomorrow in celebrating the power of play - share our poster and show your support for every child's right to play! Find out more about #Playday2026 at www.playboard.org/playday-2026-theme-announced #PlayEverywhere

Colourful boxes with Playday and PlayBoard logos and the text: The national day for play. I support the power of play. Wednesday 5 August 2026.

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PlayBoard NI @playboardni.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

Read our monthly roundup in July's E-Play including how you can get involved in #Playday2026 and fun #SummerOfPlay ideas from our Inclusive Play team. 👉 us7.campaign-archive.com?u=de6cc7455c...

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PlayBoard NI @playboardni.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

Just 1️⃣ week to go until #Playday2026 on 5 August! Find out how you can get involved on our website: www.playboard.org/playday-2026-theme-announced #PlayEverywhere #SummerOfPlay 🎉🪁

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PlayBoard NI @playboardni.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

Just 2️⃣ weeks to go until #Playday2026 on 5 August! 🎉 Visit www.playboard.org/playday-2026-theme-announced to download posters and find summer events in your local Council area. ☀️ For #SummerOfPlay ideas and activities visit our website: www.playboard.org/play-activities 🪁

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PlayBoard NI @playboardni.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

𝗔𝗻 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 - Childcare Partnership training delivered by PlayBoard 🟣 Thursday 10 & 17 September 2026, 6.30–9.30pm 🟣 Thursday 14 & 21 January 2027, 6.30–9.30pm Delivered online, this introductory course provides a foundation in the principles, values, and practice of playwork.

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PlayBoard NI @playboardni.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

Just 4️⃣ weeks to go until we celebrate #Playday2026 across the UK! ☀️ On 5 August, children, families, and communities will go out to play and have fun. 🎉 For ideas and activities check out our 𝘗𝘭𝘢𝘺𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘗𝘭𝘢𝘺𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘈𝘥𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘴 from previous years at www.playboard.org/resources/playful-playday-adventures

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PlayBoard NI @playboardni.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

Catch up on the latest play news in this month's E-Play, including: 🎉 #InternationalDayOfPlay wrap-up 🪁 Inclusive Play project launch with @education-ni.gov.uk ☀️ New Inclusive Play Summer Calendar 📖 Latest on the ELC Strategy Consultation 👉 us7.campaign-archive.com?u=de6cc7455c...

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PlayBoard NI @playboardni.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

Reminder - the closing date for our 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲𝗿 vacancy is Friday 26 June at 12:00pm. 👉 Go to www.playboard.org/were-hiring-play-development-officer

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PlayBoard NI @playboardni.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

Two great opportunities for schools, SAC settings & community groups to apply for our FREE programmes 🟣 From Sept '26: 𝗦𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗕𝗲 ~ 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 For children aged 9-11 across NI & border counties of ROI 🟣 From Jan '27: 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘀 For children aged 4-9 in Belfast www.playboard.org/projects

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PlayBoard NI @playboardni.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

Inspired by the #InternationalDayOfPlay? Join #TeamPlayBoard! We're recruiting a Play Development Officer. Go to www.playboard.org/were-hiring-play-development-officer Closing date: Friday 26 June at 12:00pm

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PlayBoard NI @playboardni.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

On #InternationalDayOfPlay, Katherine, PlayBoard’s Regional Coordinator for School-Age Childcare, spent the day with CCLD students and lecturers at Northern Regional College. The group enjoyed hands-on practical experiences that brought learning to life with plenty of fun and creativity! #IDOP2026

Image of three adults standing behind a '31' made out of natural resources

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Reposted by PlayBoard NI

UNICEF @unicef.org · 10/06/2026

Whether it’s a simple game, a bedtime story or a shared laugh, play shapes how children grow and experience the world. This #InternationalDayofPlay, let’s come together to protect play and protect childhood. What is your child’s favourite playtime activity?

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Reposted by PlayBoard NI

UNICEF @unicef.org · 11/06/2026

Happy and healthy childhoods are built on play. Yet for millions, conflict, climate disasters and shrinking play spaces leave nowhere safe to run, laugh, or simply be children. This #InternationalDayofPlay, let’s commit to protecting every child’s right to play. unicef.link/47YcrW5

unicef.link

International Day of Play

Help us make sure that every child everywhere can fulfil their right to play

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PlayBoard NI @playboardni.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

PlayBoard NI & IPA NI launch new report on play deprivation to mark #InternationalDayOfPlay. The publication was launched at Parliament Buildings, Stormont, where Alan Herron, PlayBoard CEO, & Jacqueline O’Loughlin, IPA NI Chair, were joined by Junior Ministers Aisling Reilly & Joanne Bunting .

Four adults standing at the front of Parliament Buildings holding the IPA NI and PlayBoard logos

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PlayBoard NI @playboardni.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

On the eve of the #InternationalDayOfPlay, Alan Herron, PlayBoard CEO, is joining colleagues from across the four nations at the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Play, taking place in the House of Commons. Alan will update on our work towards a Play Strategy for Northern Ireland. #IDOP2026

Photo on a TV screen with the text: appg on play

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PlayBoard NI @playboardni.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

Statement from Alan Herron, Chief Executive, PlayBoard NI

Text reads: We utterly condemn last night’s unlawful behaviour.

As a children and young people’s charity working towards building peaceful communities, we were appalled to see the violence on our streets and in our local communities.

We stand with our colleagues across the VCSE sector calling for calm, and our thoughts are with all those affected by this week’s events.

Alan Herron
Chief Executive
PlayBoard NI

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PlayBoard NI @playboardni.bsky.social · 08/06/2026

Calling all schools across Ireland - are you ready for #InternationalDayOfPlay? 🎉 We've joined play organisations across the UK and Ireland to share the Play 31 Challenge - to encourage more time for play in the school day.

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PlayBoard NI @playboardni.bsky.social · 08/06/2026

Do you work with children aged 4-9 in the #Belfast area? Join us for a fun-filled journey into the world of emotions with #PlayfulMinds, our FREE programme that supports children's mental health, well-being and resilience through the power of play. 👉 www.playboard.org/resources/playful-minds

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PlayBoard NI @playboardni.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

#TeamPlayBoard had a welcome opportunity to showcase Spaces to Be ~ @ourgeneration.bsky.social to Nick Mathison MLA, Chair of the Education Committee, this week. Nick joined us at yesterday's event, where we celebrated the new Play Champions from Glasswater PS & St Joseph's PS, Crossgar.

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PlayBoard NI @playboardni.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

We were delighted to join @education-ni.gov.uk Minister Paul Givan at Stepping Stones Playgroup this morning for the launch of the Inclusive Play Programme. www.playboard.org/education-minister-launches-inclusive-play-programme-transforming-learning-environments-in-schools

playboard.org

Education Minister launches Inclusive Play Programme transforming learning environments in schools

Education Minister Paul Givan has officially launched the Inclusive Play Programme, as part of the Special Educational Needs (SEN) Reform Delivery Plan, during a visit to Stepping Stones Playgroup at ...

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PlayBoard NI @playboardni.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

Excitement is building ... are you ready for the International Day of Play? Just 1 week to go! Inspired by Article 31 of UNCRC - the right to play - check out our NEW 31 summer play ideas. ☀️ 👉 www.playboard.org/get-ready-for-international-day-of-play-11-june

International Day of Play - 31 summer play ideas flyer

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PlayBoard NI @playboardni.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

As #VolunteersWeek is celebrated across the UK, we’d like to thank our dedicated Executive Committee members for sharing their time and leadership as we work to protect children’s right to play! #TeamPlayBoard

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PlayBoard NI @playboardni.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

Do you work with children aged 4-9 in the Belfast area? Join us for a fun-filled journey into the world of emotions with #PlayfulMinds, supporting children's mental health, well-being and resilience through the power of play. Bookings for 2027 now open: www.playboard.org/resources/playful-minds

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PlayBoard NI @playboardni.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

📣 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹𝘀 𝗮𝗰𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘀 𝗜𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱! Join the Play 31 Challenge on the UN International Day of Play on 11 June and make more time for play. 🎉 www.playboard.org/schools-encouraged-to-celebrate-the-international-day-of-play-on-11-june-with-play-31-challenge #InternationalDayOfPlay #IDOP2026

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PlayBoard NI @playboardni.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

Research study - Perceptions of Defining Play Exploring how play-based professionals across any context perceive and apply definitions of play. If you'd like to take part in the anonymous, 8-10 min survey, go to docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F... Led by Dr Pete King, Swansea University

docs.google.com

Perceptions of Defining Play

PARTICIPANT INFORMATION SHEET What is the purpose of the research? The aim of this study is to explore how play-based professionals (practitioners, trainers, educators, etc) across any context (play...

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PlayBoard NI @playboardni.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

Join us for a fun-filled journey into the world of emotions with #PlayfulMinds, our FREE programme that supports children's mental health, well-being and resilience through the power of play. Bookings for 2027 are now open - secure your spot today! 👉 www.playboard.org/resources/playful-minds

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PlayBoard NI @playboardni.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

Just 2 weeks until #InternationalDayOfPlay! 🎉 Get involved in the global celebration of the power of play! We're encouraging families, schools & settings to make more time for play on 11 June. www.playboard.org/get-ready-for-international-day-of-play-11-june #IDOP2026

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PlayBoard NI @playboardni.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

Catch up on the latest play news in this month's E-Play 👉 us7.campaign-archive.com?u=de6cc7455c...

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PlayBoard NI @playboardni.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

Looks like warmer weather is on the way just in time for the long weekend! 😎 Kick off your #SummerOfPlay with some traditional street play ideas. 🪁 Find more summer play activities at www.playboard.org/resources/summer-of-play-challenge-2024 PlayBoard is closed on Monday.

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PlayBoard NI @playboardni.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

PlayBoard attended Southern Regional College's Early Years Conference this week, facilitating a workshop titled ‘The Inclusive Room: Supporting Emotional Regulation Through Inclusive Play’. @ourgeneration.bsky.social

Woman stands by a table with information leaflets and two pop up stands

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Reposted by PlayBoard NI

Outdoor Classroom Day @outdoorclassroom.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

Happy Outdoor Classroom Day! 🤩 Thank you to all the children, educators, families, and volunteers getting involved today! Make sure to tag us in your posts using the #OutdoorClassroomDay hashtag. We can't wait to see how you celebrate!

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PlayBoard NI @playboardni.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

Just 3 weeks until #InternationalDayOfPlay! On 11 June, we're encouraging schools to take part in the Play 31 Challenge by making more time for play during the school day. Schools have a unique & vital role in supporting children’s ability to learn, play, and be active. #IDOP2026

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PlayBoard NI @playboardni.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

By harnessing children’s natural drive to play, schools can strengthen curriculum delivery, well-being and whole-school culture. On #OutdoorClassroomDay, read 𝘞𝘩𝘺 𝘗𝘭𝘢𝘺 𝘔𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘗𝘳𝘪𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘚𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘭𝘴 at www.playboard.org/resources/why-play-matters-in-primary-schools

Why play matters in primary schools - publication cover

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PlayBoard NI @playboardni.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

It's just 4 weeks until #InternationalDayOfPlay! 🎉 On 11 June, we're encouraging schools to take part in the Play 31 Challenge by making more time for play during the school day. www.playboard.org/schools-encouraged-to-celebrate-the-international-day-of-play-on-11-june-with-play-31-challenge

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PlayBoard NI @playboardni.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

📣𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱!🎉 Get ready for Playday 2026, celebrated across the UK on 5 August. 🌟 This year's theme is: Play – here, there, everywhere. 🌟 Find out more at www.playboard.org/playday-2026-theme-announced #Playday2026 #PlayEverywhere

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PlayBoard NI @playboardni.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

Play is instrumental in supporting children and young people’s mental health and well-being. Play helps children develop resilience, cope with stress and anxiety, and build good mental health. 👉 Read more at www.playboard.org/resources/fostering-resilience-through-play #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek

Fostering resilience through play booklet cover with image of child camping outside

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PlayBoard NI @playboardni.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

School-Age Childcare Matters - MLA Engagement As the ELC Strategy continues to develop, PlayBoard is hosting a series of informal “Meet and Greet” sessions, bringing together SAC providers and MLAs. Book now at www.eventbrite.com/cc/school-age-childcare-matters-mla-engagement-4835871

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PlayBoard NI @playboardni.bsky.social · 08/05/2026

We'd like to extend our sincere thanks to Eileen Russell for her support & commitment during her time as Trustee on our Ex Committee. We'd also like to extend a warm welcome to Dr Rachael Black. We look forward to working together to continue making a positive impact for children & young people.

Four blue/purple squares with text: thank you, welcome

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