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Spaces to Be

Spaces to Be is a unique programme, delivered by PlayBoard, advocating the use of play as a means of supporting the development of childhood resilience, and as a mechanism for positively addressing differences.

It is an innovative and interactive programme comprising training for practitioners and play sessions for children.

Spaces to Be recognises that learning is more effective when it is enjoyed and promotes the power of play and its contribution to positive mental health and resilience.

Outcomes:

By the end of their journey through the Spaces to Be programme, we hope that children become Play Champions by:

Playing more than ever

Choosing outdoor play over screen play

Accepting people despite perceived differences

Promoting equality

Regulating their own emotions

Managing their own risks

Making independent decisions

Continuing to build upon their own level of resilience.

'Spaces to Be' Information Pack

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Spaces to Be Participants

Children (aged nine to 11 years) and practitioners within participating settings.
Delivered to School Age Childcare settings, primary schools, and community groups who work with children (aged nine to 11 years) *Selection criteria applies

Practitioners’ Training

Duration: 3 Sessions

Session 1 – CPD opportunity for a full staff team.
Topics covered include: the role of play in supporting holistic development with a focus on well-being and resilience; resilience and self-care tools; childhood adversities and trauma and responding to stress.
Session 2 – CPD opportunity for a full staff team.
Topics covered include: the playwork approach; the Playwork Principles; acceptance and diversity; dynamic risk assessment; and mindfulness.

Session 3 – reflective workshop for practitioners who took part in the full programme (including children’s sessions) identifying learning and key messages to implement into practice. Opportunities to develop cross community work.

Children’s Play sessions

Duration: 1.30 - 2hrs

PlayBoard facilitates play sessions for children aged nine to 11 years within their setting. Practitioners, teaching and non-teaching staff working with the children will attend the play sessions to gain first-hand experience of implementing the theory learnt during the practitioner training.

The play sessions include a range of practical and playful exercises for children to support them to build characteristics closely associated with high levels of resilience, support their positive mental health and as a mechanism for positively addressing differences. These complex issues are explored in an indirect and playful way by providing an exciting and free-flowing play environment, filled with a range of fun and exciting invitations to play.

We believe that when children are provided the TIME, SPACE and PERMISSION to play, they will explore and learn in a way that best suit their needs and interests, helping them to reach their full potential.

Sessions are tailored to suit the individual needs of each setting, identified during the practitioner training to ensure the programme is inclusive and accessible to all.

Topics covered include:

ME (Mind & Emotions) – Exploring emotions, promoting positive physical and mental health, well-being and resilience through play.
ME and My Connections – Exploring problem solving, empathy and intrapersonal skills.
ME, My Connections and My Community – Supporting children to consider the multiple social groups they are part of, and how they contribute to building peaceful communities.
Better Together – Supporting children to consider and range of perspectives and have positive attitudes towards other communities.
Better Together Celebration – Celebrating the power of play and how it can promote peacebuilding on a cross-community basis.