Playing outdoors isn't just for fun for children, it is essential for their overall health, well-being and development. With spring here and the evenings getting longer read about the benefits of playing outdoors! There are a range of reasons why children today have fewer opportunities to play outside such [...]
10th Annual Northern Ireland Childcare Cost Survey now OPEN! Calling all parents and childcare providers: Share your views on the provision of childcare in Northern Ireland, and the support available for parents and childcare providers. Employers For Childcare has opened the 10th Annual Childcare Cost Survey and needs [...]
A Crisis In Childhood Is Happening Every Day, All Around Us The Children’s Play Policy Forum has today issued a policy statement identifying a crisis in childhood and calling for more children’s play opportunities. The cancellation of public liability insurance for children’s playgrounds comes at a time when new [...]
"Playing With Nature, Mud & Getting Dirty" is the latest article from the Department of Education's Play Matters team. Packed full of ideas and tips for parents on playing outdoors, in mud and getting messy. Download the PDF version here: Download Play [...]
In July and August, our peripatetic staff delivered outdoor play sessions to the children and young people of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council. Making creations with art materials, dressing up as princesses and superhero’s, baking mud pies and mud smoothies, creating forts in competition with each other, and [...]
The importance of school environments for play cannot be understated. For many children and young people the school playground may be the only open, accessible space available to them on a regular basis that allows them to engage in physically challenging and socially developmental outdoor play. TOPS (taking outdoor [...]
In October, our 34th year, we hosted a conference in Riddel Hall, Belfast. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved in the organisation of the conference, all the participants, speakers and of course all the fabulous PlayBoard staff who worked really hard to make the [...]
