An Out of School Childcare Club that has championed children’s right to play and striven to provide high quality play opportunities for the children in their care.

Below are anonymised nominations for the shortlisted Out of School Childcare Clubs / Playworkers. Please read the descriptions below and cast your vote for the winner here.

Nothing is out of bounds (once it’s been risk assessed!) During school time my daughter has been told she can’t climb trees in case she falls and can’t make pencils out of sticks because they’re sharp, but in After School Club these skills are supported and encouraged in a way that allows her to let her imagination run wild, whilst also staying safe. Every opportunity is maximised to encourage free play, creativity, imagination, teamwork and skill development and she thrives from it. 

Always a step ahead with activities for all our children, all needs and all backgrounds. Thank you. 

This Out of School Childcare Club is an outstanding example of a setting that has championed children’s right to play and consistently strived to provide high quality play opportunities for every child in its care.  

At the heart of the provision is a strong commitment to child-led play. Children are empowered to make meaningful choices about how they spend their time, with free access to a range of stimulating play environments designed around their interests and needs. Care Inspectorate Wales recognised that children at the setting have “a very strong voice” and are able to influence their experiences and guide their own play.  

The setting fully embraces the principle that play should be freely chosen, personally directed and intrinsically motivated. Children move independently between a variety of dedicated play spaces, selecting activities according to their own interests, moods and ideas. Staff actively consult children about future activities and experiences, ensuring the provision remains responsive, relevant and engaging. Inspectors observed children confidently making decisions about trips, activities and how they wanted to spend their time, with staff adapting plans to follow the children’s lead.  

Children benefit from an exceptionally rich play environment that promotes creativity, imagination, social interaction, physical activity and relaxation. The setting includes areas for imaginative role play, construction, creative activities, quiet relaxation and outdoor play. Children also enjoy regular trips into the community, including parks and beaches, expanding opportunities for adventurous and active play.  

A particularly powerful aspect of the setting is the way children are genuinely involved in shaping their environment. Management embraced children’s ideas for the design and atmosphere of the club, creating a welcoming space where children feel ownership and belonging. Inspectors described the provision as having a real “club house feel”, enriched by children’s artwork and contributions.  

The staff team plays a vital role in protecting and promoting children’s right to play. Staff are warm, nurturing and highly skilled in supporting children without unnecessarily directing or interrupting their play. They listen carefully to children, respect their views and create a calm, trusting environment where children feel emotionally secure and valued. Care Inspectorate Wales highlighted the “very warm relationships” between staff and children and recognised the staff team’s commitment to making “a positive difference to children’s experiences.” 

Children clearly thrive within this environment. Inspectors observed children laughing, collaborating, problem-solving and sustaining interest in self-directed play for extended periods. Children were seen building, performing talent shows, engaging in imaginative play and supporting one another during group activities. These experiences help children to develop confidence, resilience, independence and strong social skills.  

The setting also demonstrates a deep understanding of children’s emotional wellbeing as part of their right to play. Initiatives such as “worry boxes” provide children with safe opportunities to express concerns and seek support, ensuring children feel heard and respected.  

This Out of School Childcare Club is an inspiring example of excellent playwork practice. Through its child-centred ethos, exceptional play opportunities and unwavering commitment to children’s voices and wellbeing, it has created a setting where children’s right to play is not only respected but actively celebrated every day.

This setting is an exceptional example of an out of school childcare provision that actively champions children’s right to play and consistently provides high quality play opportunities that enrich children’s lives.  

At the centre of the provision is a strong commitment to child-led play and children’s freedom to choose how they spend their time. Children are encouraged to follow their own interests, ideas, and curiosity within a rich and stimulating environment designed to promote creativity, exploration, independence, and enjoyment. The setting recognises play as essential to children’s wellbeing, development, and happiness, and this philosophy is embedded throughout daily practice.  

Children benefit from free access to both indoor and outdoor play spaces where they can independently select from a wide variety of high-quality, open-ended resources. Opportunities for imaginative play, loose parts play, physical play, sensory exploration, creative activities, and engagement with the natural world are thoughtfully provided. Outdoor play is a particular strength, with children encouraged to take managed risks, solve problems, build confidence, and experience freedom in their play.  

Staff demonstrate an excellent understanding of playwork principles. Rather than directing children’s experiences, they sensitively support and extend play based on children’s interests and developmental needs. Children’s voices are highly valued, and they are empowered to make meaningful choices throughout the session. Staff build warm, trusting relationships with children, creating an environment where children feel safe, secure, respected, and confident to express themselves freely.  

The impact of this approach is clear in the children’s wellbeing and engagement. Children are enthusiastic, deeply involved in their play, and demonstrate high levels of confidence, independence, cooperation, and emotional security. They form positive friendships, show respect for one another, and engage joyfully in both self-directed and shared play experiences.  

The setting also has a significant positive impact on families and the wider community. Strong partnerships with parents ensure children receive consistent support, and families feel valued and listened to. Staff work collaboratively with professionals and external agencies to ensure all children, including those with additional needs, are fully supported and included.  

Leadership within the provision is passionate, reflective, and committed to continuous improvement. The team works hard to create an inclusive, nurturing, and inspiring play environment where children can thrive socially, emotionally, and developmentally.  

This setting is a powerful example of how high-quality out of school childcare and playwork can positively influence children, strengthen families, and contribute to healthier, happier communities. Their dedication to protecting and promoting children’s right to play makes them highly deserving of recognition. 

This club is an outstanding example of a setting that fully embodies the Playwork Principles, placing children’s freely chosen, self-directed play at the heart of everything it does while creating lasting benefits for children, families, and the wider community.  

Children are recognised as capable, creative individuals with the right to shape their own play experiences. The setting actively listens to children’s voices and ensures they are involved in decision-making about activities, resources, snacks, and the development of the club environment. The Quality of Care Review highlights that children are encouraged to take ownership of the club, with older children helping to organise quizzes, competitions, and themed activities, building confidence, leadership skills, and a strong sense of belonging. 

 The setting clearly demonstrates a deep understanding of the Playwork Principle that play is freely chosen, personally directed, and intrinsically motivated. Staff provide rich, responsive environments rather than adult-led programmes, offering access to creative play, outdoor exploration, role play, sports, sensory resources, loose parts, and quiet spaces. Children are trusted to follow their own interests and imaginations, supported by skilled practitioners who intervene thoughtfully only when necessary to maintain inclusion, safety, or emotional wellbeing.  

The commitment to inclusion is particularly impressive. Children with additional learning needs, autism, sensory processing differences, and attachment trauma are supported sensitively through adapted resources, close family liaison, and individualised approaches. Their use of play-based emotional regulation strategies—including playworker support, sensory equipment, and creative behaviour support tools—demonstrates excellent reflective practice rooted in children’s developmental needs rather than punitive responses.  

The impact on children is evident in both the feedback and outcomes. Children consistently report being happy, excited to attend, and proud of their experiences. Parents describe the setting as invaluable, with comments such as “I couldn’t have done without it” and “My child always leaves happy.” Families report children forming friendships, developing confidence, trying new foods, building independence, and gaining social communication skills through collaborative play.  

The benefits extend well beyond the children themselves. For families, they provide trusted, high-quality childcare that enables parents to work, manage family responsibilities, and feel reassured that their children are safe, engaged, and emotionally supported. The overwhelmingly positive parent feedback—with 72% rating their overall experience 5/5—demonstrates the strength of this relationship.  

The setting also strengthens the wider community. By working in close partnership with schools, training staff in Playwork qualifications, promoting Welsh language and culture, and creating inclusive provision across multiple clubs, they contribute meaningfully to community wellbeing. Their expansion to younger children reflects responsiveness to local family needs and a commitment to accessible childcare provision.  

What makes them especially deserving of recognition is the intentional quality of its playwork practice. This is not simply childcare supervision; it is a setting where highly skilled practitioners understand the value of play as essential to children’s development, wellbeing, resilience, and identity. Their reflective approach, continuous improvement, and commitment to playwork training ensure children receive authentic, high-quality play experiences every day.  

This club is a powerful example of how excellent playwork transforms lives—supporting happier children, stronger families, and healthier communities.

Cast your vote for the winner here