PlayBoard members gathered together on 14 November for our 39th Annual General Meeting (AGM), held at NICVA in Belfast. The event provided an opportunity to reflect on our achievements over the past year in advancing the play agenda. As the need for play has never been more crucial, we continue to strive for the right to play for all children and young people.

View our Annual Report 2024 – Building a Culture of Play.

Following the AGM, we presented a ‘first look’ at key findings from our recent State of the Sector – School-Age Childcare Survey.

With work progressing on the development of the NI Executive’s Early learning and Childcare Strategy for Northern Ireland alongside a review of the Minimum Standards for childcare providers, this is a critical time for the School-Age Childcare and playwork sector.

The survey was an opportunity for School-Age Childcare providers (including childminders) to share insights into their practice, workforce and quality standards as well as challenges facing the sector now and in the immediate future. Additionally, parents and carers of children attending School-Age Childcare settings were invited to share their views and help shape the future of play-based School-Age Childcare services in Northern Ireland.

The full survey report will be published in the coming weeks. In the meantime, you can view the Initial Key Findings.

Every day, the School-Age Childcare sector plays a vital role in supporting children, young people, and their families. PlayBoard will continue to champion the sector and advocate for the support it needs to thrive.