PlayBoard NI

Managing staff in a childcare setting
2024-01-16 18:30 - 20:30 (Europe/London)
This webinar for childcare providers will explore a range of responsibilities and tasks involved in managing a staff team within a childcare setting. It will cover matters such as effective staff meetings, support and supervision, difficult conversations and performance management.

In a childcare setting, your staff team are your greatest asset. How those staff members are managed determines not only how effective they are but how happy they are in their role. In leading your team, communication is key. This webinar will cover some of the tools available to managers and team leaders to help them understand their role better and enhance their management skillset.

Delivered by Ciara McKenna, Development Officer, PlayBoard NI.

To book your place please email ciara.mckenna@playboard.co.uk including your name, setting name and postcode by 15 January at 2:00pm.

The cost for the webinar is £20.00.

If you book a place and are unable to attend, please let us know by emailing ciara.mckenna@playboard.co.uk so your place can be reallocated.

Christmas play ideas
2023-12-05 10:00 - 11:00
December 5 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Get ready to celebrate Christmas in your childcare setting.

Join our webinar for childcare providers on 5 December at 10:00am or 7:00pm.

As the Christmas season approaches, come along and discover some ideas to include in your play programme to help the children in your setting get ready for the magic of the season.

This session will share some new ideas to help childcare practitioners working with children of school age, provide fun activities for a playful Christmas within your after school programme.

The session will be delivered by Becca Smith and Maeve McLaughlin, PlayBoard.

Book your free place at https://PBChristmasPlayIdeas051223.eventbrite.co.uk

PlayBoard NI's 38th Annual General Meeting
2023-11-22 10:00 - 11:30
PlayBoard members are invited to join us for our 38th Annual General Meeting taking place online on Wednesday 22 November.

The event will review PlayBoard’s continued work over the past year in leading the play agenda.

In the week we celebrate World Children’s Day, members will also hear from Fey Cole, Curriculum Manager: HSC & CCLD, South West College on the Art of Storytelling.

Fey has worked with children and young people for over 23 years. As an established author, Fey sees storytelling as a powerful tool for connection and bringing people together. In her session on the Art of Storytelling, Fey will share the importance of reading throughout childhood and adolescence and how books can engage us in playful interactions with peers.

Attendees will also get the opportunity to listen to a reading of our recently published children’s book, Archie’s Adventures in Emotions, and reflect on how the book and accompanying resources can be used as a catalyst for meaningful conversations with children about big emotions.

Download the Programme and AGM papers.

This event is free and open to PlayBoard members. To book your place please email info@playboard.org.

PlayBoard membership is free and open to all with an interest in play and our work. Sign up for free membership.

Effectively managing complaints
2023-11-06 19:00 - 20:00
Free online webinar for childcare settings.

Complaints arise when parents or other service users are unhappy with a particular aspect of the setting’s policy, procedures, etc.

Each setting should have a policy in place which ensures that all customer complaints are addressed in a consistent and fair manner.

The effective management of complaints helps to ensure that a potentially difficult situation is given a balanced approach where a reasonable outcome is achieved.

This session will look at complaints primarily from the perspective of Minimum Standards, Standard 16 – “Staff directly involved with the management and investigation of complaints are trained and supervised in the application of the complaints procedure.”

This free webinar is aimed at those who manage childcare settings who may have to deal with potential complaints from parents or other service users. It will explore why people complain; good practice responses to complaints; why a robust policy is important and what key elements it should contain and; how to manage difficult conversations within the complaint process.

Delivered by Ciara McKenna, PlayBoard NI.

Inspection process
2023-10-09 19:00 - 20:30
Two-part online webinar for childcare providers on 9 and 10 October at 7:00 – 8:30pm.

A detailed look at the Inspection process from start to finish including forms used before, during, and after the Inspection process, and how to complete them.

These sessions take an in-depth look at the Inspection process from the perspective of Minimum Standards. We will explore the forms you need to complete, and we’ll provide insight to the forms social worker inspectors use during the process.

These sessions would be extremely useful to anyone who is leading their setting through Inspection – whether your first inspection is coming up and you are new to the process or you have been through the process many times before but you’d like a greater insight to build your confidence on how best to be prepared ahead of the inspection visit.

This course is suitable for anyone involved in the Inspection process – from assistants to deputies, managers and those aspiring to become managers. Everyone has a part to play.

Delivered by Ciara McKenna, Development Officer, PlayBoard NI.

To book your place please email ciara.mckenna@playboard.co.uk including your name, current role, setting name and address.

Please note: This is a two-part webinar so your booking will reserve a place on both sessions. The total cost for both sessions is £30.00.

Resourcing the play: free and found
2023-09-26 18:30 - 21:30
Location: St Comgall’s Youth Centre, Antrim.

PlayBoard training with Childcare Partnerships.

This practical session for childcare providers will cover ‘loose parts’, the free and found resources that have little other value and cost, re-using materials for play and recognising the play value of objects.

Participants will gain a wealth of ideas on using these materials to support the play offered in settings across various types of play.

For further information and to book go to https://ccptraining.hscni.net/Courses/Details/215

Financial assistance with childcare costs
2023-09-19 10:00 - 19:00
Join this webinar for childcare providers to find out about financial assistance available to parents, to help with childcare costs.

Delivered by Employers for Childcare, this webinar for childcare providers will focus on the financial assistance available to parents. Most working families are entitled to financial support with their registered childcare costs. Depending on circumstances, working parents could save up to 85% on registered childcare costs.

Join us on 19 September at 10:00 – 11:00am or 7:00 – 8:00pm.

Book your place at https://PBFinancialAssistanceChildcare190923.eventbrite.com

Physical Play, Health & Well-being
2023-09-19 09:30 - 12:30
Location: South Lakes Leisure Centre, Craigavon.

PlayBoard training with Childcare Partnerships.

This session is targeted at childcare providers who wish to incorporate physical play when supporting children and young people, and highlights the benefits to their health and well-being. Practitioners will develop an understanding of the importance of physical activity and the links with making healthy choices in relation to food and activity.

For further information and to book go to https://ccptraining.hscni.net/Courses/Details/116

Physical Play, Health & Well-being
2023-09-12 18:45 - 21:45
Location: Online.

PlayBoard training with Childcare Partnerships.

This session is targeted at childcare providers who wish to incorporate physical play when supporting children and young people, and highlights the benefits to their health and well-being. Practitioners will develop an understanding of the importance of physical activity and the links with making healthy choices in relation to food and activity.

For further information and to book go to https://ccptraining.hscni.net/Courses/Details/116

Bridge to Management - School Age Childcare Settings
2023-09-12 18:30 - 21:30
Location: Online.

PlayBoard training with Childcare Partnerships.

A number of settings are currently struggling to recruit a Leader and/or Deputy Leader’s post. As an interim measure, your local Trust may permit another member of staff (usually qualified at QCF Level 3) to act up in the role temporarily. This training will provide information on the key management aspects of that role to help those Level 3 staff fulfil the duties of a Leader/Deputy more effectively.

This training is also available to anyone currently qualified at Level 3 who may be considering undertaking Level 5 in the near future.

The training takes place across three sessions (12, 19, 26 September) – you are advised to attend all three sessions.

For further information and to book go to https://ccptraining.hscni.net/Courses/Details/193

Playday
2023-08-02 00:00 - 23:59
PlayBoard is holding a Playday event on Wednesday 2 August, 10am – 12pm in Ormeau Park (3G MUGA pitch, Ozone complex), Belfast. (This event is FULLY BOOKED.)

The free event will have a range of inclusive play activities including: arts & crafts, music & dance, traditional games, loose parts, den building and more.

Children/young people must be accompanied by a parent/carer. Places are limited – early booking is strongly advised.

To book go to https://PlayBoardPlayday2023.eventbrite.com *Please note – this event is now fully booked*

The event is supported by Mae Murray Foundation, Belfast City Council, Disability Sport NI, Bryson Energy Play Resource.

About Playday

Playday is the national day for play across the UK, taking place every year on the first Wednesday in August. Playday is a celebration of children’s right to play, and a campaign that highlights the importance of play in children and young people’s lives.

The biggest celebration of children’s play in the UK, Playday is the most important date in the play sector’s calendar. The campaign sees thousands of children, young people, and communities get out and play at events, large and small, across the UK.

This year’s theme is Playing on a shoestring – making every day an adventure.

The theme focuses on the everyday low-cost or no-cost play adventures that children can enjoy at home, in settings, and in our communities.

Play opportunities don’t need to involve expensive activities, costly toys, or trips to far-off destinations. It is often the simplest ideas, the free and found opportunities, which offer the most fun, and are the most developmentally beneficial for children and young people.

Play is essential at all ages and stages of childhood, and is particularly important during times of crisis.

Play helps children and young people make sense of the world around them, deal with challenges, and build resilience.

Play is fun, enabling children and young people to make friends, blow off steam, and cope with stress and anxiety.

Play is vital for children and young people’s health, happiness, and skills development including creativity, imagination, and sense of adventure.

Make this Playday, and every day, an adventure!

Get involved

Share your Playday event – add your event to the Playday events listing.

Find a Playday event near you.

Download campaign posters.

Become a Playday Champion – an opportunity for national organisations to support the Playday campaign.

Visit the Playday website for more information at www.playday.org.uk

Play ideas & activities

Click on the links below for fun, low-cost play ideas and activities:

Playful Playday Adventures

Summer of Play Challenge

Low-cost playful ideas

Play for busy parents

Watch – PlayBoard staff share some of their favourite low-cost play memories

Stay up to date by following Playday on Facebook and Twitter. #Playday2023 #PlayingOnAShoestring

Playday is coordinated by PlayBoard NI, Play England, Play Wales and Play Scotland.

Play Week Ireland
2023-07-01 09:00 - 2023-07-08 17:00
PlayBoard is delighted to be involved with National Play Week, taking place at the beginning of July in the south of Ireland.

The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth provides funding for Local Authorities to celebrate a day of play. The National Play Day can take place between 1 and 8 July with a wide range of outdoor activities planned.

This year’s theme is Wonder & Discovery with a focus on children experiencing the natural world by playing outside.

PlayBoard’s Michelle McGee will be involved in the fun, through her work in collaboration with National Childhood Network. Visit the Let’s Play Monaghan Facebook page for further information.

Read more about National Playday at www.gov.ie/en/publication/700dc-national-play-day

Progressing the Play Agenda
2023-06-22 11:00 - 12:30
Online

The first in a series of PlayBoard NI engagements within the Republic of Ireland focusing on enhancing play opportunities.

Play is the main occupation of childhood (from birth through to the older years), providing children with opportunities to develop physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially as well as developing lifelong skills such as creativity, imagination, self-confidence, self-esteem, and resilience.

Every child, regardless of their background or community in which they live, has a right to play.

This free online information session begins a series of engagements planned throughout 2023 within the Republic of Ireland which aim to explore how we can collectively enhance play opportunities – through play advocacy, policy and strategy development, strategic connections, networking, training, and play delivery across a variety of environments and arenas.

Focusing on PlayBoard’s strategic work in the Republic of Ireland, this first session will showcase a number of approaches aimed at supporting the development of quality play opportunities for children and young people.

Who should attend?

This session is the first in a series of dialogue events and will be of interest to a range of key stakeholders including government departments, councils, CYPSC, County Childcare Committees, community groups, school age childcare practitioners, sports bodies, schools, youth and play providers, and library and museum staff.

Early Years, Care, Education & Play Employers' Forum webinar
2023-06-07 10:00 - 11:00 | Online
June 7 @ 7:00pm – 8:00pm

Considering a career working with children and young people?

Early years, childcare and playwork roles provide excellent opportunities to nurture and support children’s development, and to positively influence their lives.

Gaining a qualification in early years studies, childcare or playwork is the way to begin your career.

To find out what qualifications you need and what it’s like working in a children’s setting join the webinar.

Book your FREE place at https://bit.ly/3LjK9sO

Read the flyer – Working with children.

IPA Glasgow 2023
2023-06-06 09:00 - 2023-06-09 17:00
Play: Rights & Possibilities

The 22nd International Play Association Triennial World Conference is going to Glasgow.

Scotland is recognised as one of the world’s leading nations for its support and practical action for children’s play. The right to play is backed by policy and practice across all sectors. The conference will examine how UN General Comment No 17 on article 31 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child has impacted policy and practice in Scotland, and worldwide, to improve children’s right to play and to create possibilities for the future. As Scotland is setting out to implement and integrate children’s rights into all parts of Scottish life by making the Convention on the Rights of the Child part of the law, there is an opportunity to explore what this means for the right to play. The conference will also explore how play reduces pressure and increases resilience in children’s lives, supporting their positive mental health and well-being.

Children’s experience is woven through the conference, with presentations of visual media, papers, projects and research. Delegates can find out about children’s experiences in Scotland first-hand through the programme of facilitated visits.

For more information go to www.ipaglasgow2023.org

PlayBoard staff will be involved in the event – stay tuned for details.

Childhood Services Week
2023-05-01 08:00 - 2023-05-05 17:00
Shining a spotlight on the work of the childhood services sector across Ireland.

Organised by National Childhood Network (NCN), the campaign runs 1 to 5 May. Services are encouraged to hold their own Festival of the Arts, providing opportunities for children to enjoy different art experiences, enriching their learning and supporting their holistic development. Settings can get involved in NCN’s daily theme or plan their own.

There are also children’s workshops planned and a full schedule of webinars.

Shauneen McCusker, Play Participation Officer, PlayBoard is delivering two webinars as part of NCN’s programme:

24 April – Play in times of hardship

2 May – Supporting inclusion though playwork

Find out more.

Book a webinar.

Toy Swap
2023-04-13 10:00 - 12:00 | Crescent Arts Centre, 2 - 4 University Road, Belfast, BT7 1NH
and 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Help your local community to reduce waste, reuse, recycle, and swap!

Bring along an unwanted, preloved toy to donate to another home and pick up a replacement.

Toys should be in good condition and cleaned before drop off.

We cannot accept soft toys or electronic toys.

A maximum of three toys can be swapped.

Our thanks to Crescent Arts Centre, Asda Shore Road and Lidl NI for their generous support.

Persons taking part in a toy swap event do so at their own risk. PlayBoard accepts no responsibility for items swapped and gives no warranty as to the condition, suitability or provenance of any item swapped. Please take all reasonable measures to check the condition, suitability and provenance of any item swapped for your own protection. PlayBoard accepts no liability for any claim or loss resulting from any transaction taking place at the toy swap.

OUR Generation, OUR Play, OUR Legacy
2023-03-31 10:00 - 14:00 | Girdwood Community Hub, 10 Girdwood Avenue, Belfast, Co. Antrim, BT14 6EG, United Kingdom
A shared learning seminar showcasing the impact and legacy of PlayBoard’s Spaces to Be programme, delivered as part of the OUR Generation project.

Over the past three years, PlayBoard has delivered our Spaces to Be programme in schools and childcare settings within the Urban Village Areas in Belfast and Derry/Londonderry.

Through PLAY, we have supported children in building resilience and understanding and managing their emotions, supporting their overall mental health and well-being. The project has also supported children to become diverse thinkers by being accepting and inclusive of other communities and cultures.

The seminar will feature impactful talks, testimonials, and a live Q & A.

The event will run 10:00am to 1:00pm, followed by a networking lunch.

There will be an opportunity for organisations to showcase their work at a networking stand during the lunch – numbers are limited and available on a first come, first served basis when registering.

Everyone with an interest in our work is welcome to attend, and we would particularly like to encourage OUR Generation and PlayBoard stakeholders to join us.

OUR Generation is supported by the EU’s PEACE IV programme, managed by SEUPB.

Focus on play
2023-03-20 10:00 - 11:30
March 20 @ 6:30pm – 8:00pm

The 4 Ps of quality in play provision – cluster for school age childcare providers.

This online webinar will be beneficial to those operating in out of school provision including staff, committee members, and providers.

Throughout the session participants will explore what ‘quality’ play entails through the lens of the play environment, the playworkers role, play values and types of play, and children’s participation.

Join this cluster to share ideas, learn from others and look at some of the quality indicators of best practice in play provision for out of school settings.
