Workshops

Simply play delivered by Sam James, Senior Playworker Vale Play Team

In this session, Sam shares a few stories of play from his time as working as a playworker, alongside his own childhood. Exploring those seemingly smaller moments of playfulness that seem to glimmer with so much more, the moments that leave an impression, the moments that help understand play and define our practise; in celebration of play and the children we work with.      

Quality assurance in playwork – an introduction to the Chwarae o Safon – Playwork Quality Mark deliver by Martin King Sheard, Assistant Director: Workforce Policy and Strategy PlayWales

Play Wales have worked with the playwork sector to develop an external quality assurance scheme for playwork. Badged using the Welsh ‘Chwarae o Safon’ (Play of Quality), settings can work towards a digital quality mark to demonstrate their setting meets the expectations of quality playwork practice. This workshop will provide an introduction to the quality framework, explore the quality indicators, understanding the self-assessment process and provide an opportunity to discuss the process of external quality assurance. Along the way we hope to have some fun and laughs as we explore what quality playwork practice really means.

Ace Hub Wales delivered by Natalie Blake Borough, Deputy Leader – Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Hub Wales

In this workshop we will explore the Trauma-informed Wales Framework, consider what this means in practice for childcare services and share examples of resources to help embed trauma and ACE-informed practice into your settings.

Giggles, Glitter & Compassion – Celebrating Playful Leadership delivered by Bex Steen, Leadership Development Manager, Social Care Wales

Play is at the heart of out of school childcare and behind every joyful space is a team that feels supported, valued and inspired. This uplifting workshop explores how compassionate leadership helps playworkers and teams truly thrive. Blending real-life insight with reflection, humour and a touch of magic, we’ll celebrate the incredible role playworkers play while sharing simple, practical ways to lead with kindness, confidence and heart. Together, we’ll explore how small acts of compassion can create stronger teams, richer play experiences and places where everyone can flourish. Expect warmth, laughter and plenty of “that’s so true!” moments – along with ideas you can take straight back and use.

Power of Play delivered by Ben Kingston-Hughes, Managing Director Inspired Children

Ben Kingston-Hughes is an international keynote speaker, author and muli award-winning training. He works with vulnerable children across the UK and has appeared on television working on a variety of children’s projects. His distinctive blend of humour, neuroscience and real-life experiences have made his training invaluable for anyone working with children.

Understanding behaviour delivered by Elinor Newland Jones, Training Officer & Dawn Bunn, National Training Manager, Clybiau Plant Cymru Kids’ Clubs

This session explores what children’s behaviour can tell us and how to support children positively when behaviour becomes challenging.

Reflect on situations where behaviour has challenged club expectations.

Consider how to work constructively with children and their families to move forward.

Explore ways to help children cope within group agreements while still following their play preferences.

Discuss how to support individual needs without negatively affecting other children’s play.

Mental Health and Wellbeing in Playwork – using the NYTH/NEST framework delivered by Clare Dare, Lead Childcare Business Development Officer & Alex Fudge, Development Manager, West Wales Clybiau Plant Cymru Kids’ Clubs

Welsh Government, Play Wales and Clybiau Plant Cymru Kids’ Clubs have developed new training resources for playwork to support playworkers and childcare staff to use the NYTH/NEST framework in their playwork practice.

The NYTH/NEST framework is a whole system approach to mental health and wellbeing for babies, children and young people, it introduces a shared set of principles across sectors to build joined up support for children and families’ mental health and wellbeing.

This workshop will introduce the NYTH/NEST framework and give you a chance to try out some of the new activities and resources that have been developed for the playwork sector.

The Welsh Promise in Practice delivered by Welsh Language Business Development Officer team, Clybiau Plant Cymru Kids’ Clubs

This workshop explores how the Welsh Promise supports practitioners to:

Strengthen your engagement with families to support children’s learning and help embed the Welsh language in everyday experiences.

Create a rich, supportive environment that naturally encourages Welsh language development.

Participants will also identify meaningful opportunities to promote and use Welsh across routines, play, and interactions in line with the Welsh Promise.

Play in Winter Weather: Come Rain or Dark delivered by Phoebe Wilson, Lead Training Officer & Sarah Bird, Lead IQA, Clybiau Plant Cymru Kids’ Clubs

As the days grow shorter and the weather becomes colder, wetter and darker, outdoor play can often be reduced or avoided altogether. This session explores the importance of embracing winter play and creating meaningful opportunities for children to play outdoors throughout the darker months. Together, we will consider practical ideas, risk-benefit thinking, seasonal environments, and ways to support confidence, wellbeing, resilience and joy through play in all weathers, finishing with a couple of practical games that you can take away to play.