Play policy, research and practice: Getting it right for children

The Playing and being well literature review published by Play Wales emphasises that unstructured play opportunities give children a chance to support their immediate wellbeing whilst naturally building life skills which contribute to long-term development outcomes.  Alongside this compelling evidence, what can we learn from what children tell us about how they play?

Over recent years, the play and playwork sectors have delivered significant progress in creating a play-friendly environment for children, supported by ground-breaking policy and research. This progress and momentum need to be nurtured and maintained.

Join us at the Play Wales national conference to discuss how we continue this momentum and explore ways to build on our combined work, and work together to provide, promote and protect children’s right to play.

The conference will provide delegates with the opportunity to:

• hear about children’s views in relation to play satisfaction
• reflect on and share good practice about children’s play
• contribute to a wide range of case study workshops
• network with colleagues
• consider ways to ensure that policy and research is implemented to make a real difference to children and their opportunities to play
• celebrate Wales’ place inshaping global trends and ideas about play.

Who should attend?

The conference is aimed at: play sufficiency officers, childcare and playwork practitioners, local government elected members, and those involved in health, education, active travel, town and community planning.

Keynote speakers

• Dawn Bowden, MS, Minister for Children and Social Care
• Dr David Dallimore, researcher and consultant
• Professor Philip Jaffé, member of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child
• Robyn Monro Miller, President of International Play Association and Winston Churchill Trust Fellow.

Delegate rates

This year we are able to offer an early bird rate for Supporters in Wales. Book your place today to get the best price:

• Supporters in Wales, until 1 September: £55
• Supporters in Wales, 2 September onwards: £75
• Delegates outside of Wales: £100

Closing date for bookings: 30 September 2025

Accommodation

Our conference venue, The Hilton hotel in Cardiff city centre, is offering delegates a 15% discount on advertised rates. To receive the discount, please use the code PlayWalesOctober2025 when booking.

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