National Week of Play 2025
National Week of Play 2025: My play, my way
We all know that play is fundamental to children’s early learning and development – but how much value do we place on children taking in the lead in how they play?
Children’s play doesn’t always need expensive toys, complicated resources or even any adults to shape it. All it needs is a child’s imagination and their unique way of seeing the world – and the possibilities are endless.
That’s why this year’s Early Years Alliance National Week of Play is all about recognising the value of allowing children to play in their own unique way, and giving both educators and caregivers the confidence to support and encourage child-led play.
Through a range of free resources, blogs and virtual events – plus a fantastic exclusive early years expert-led podcast – we’ll celebrate the uniqueness of children’s play in all its forms, and explore what children’s play choices can tell us about how they are connecting with each other and the world around them.
PLUS, if you're an early years setting joining this year's event, you'll have the chance to enter a prize draw to win a fantastic bridge stile plus two fence panels worth £499.19, kindly provided by Muddy Faces Ltd!
Sign up for free via the form at the bottom of this page.
PLUS ... free virtual events for both educators and families!
For educators
Alliance Connect: Play is our favourite way of learning
Wednesday 2 July, 6.30pm - 7.30pm
Play is a transformative force for children. Through play, young children can explore the possibilities of the world around them and make discoveries about their own potential. It can help fuel their hopes and dreams, build a greater understanding of the world, help develop communication and connections, boost wellbeing and allow confident explorers and problem-solvers to flourish.
How, then, can we ensure that play remain at the heart of our early years practice?
Taking place as part of this week's National Week of Play, join this free Alliance Connect where we will explore what play means for children, and our role as adults to be the guardians of play.
For parents and carers
Family Connect: understanding how your child learns through play
Thursday 3 July, 10am - 11am
Children learn by exploring the world around them through their play. Play offers opportunities for children to try new skills as well as develop existing ones.
During this session, we will consider why play is so important, how you can support your child’s play in the home and how this will then help their learning and development.