As the lead organisation for the development and promotion of children and young people’s play in Northern Ireland, PlayBoard offers a wide range of training to various stakeholders.
Youth@Play – embedding play in youth settings
2024 got off to a busy start with PlayBoard staff delivering our Youth@Play training to almost 200 Education Authority regional youth workers. Visiting Hammer Youth Club, Belfast and Broughshane Youth Centre, Ballymena, there was great interest and enthusiasm for the importance of play and offering play-enriched settings for youth club members.
Our Youth@Play training is available for delivery across Ireland to build the capacity of youth workers to facilitate play for their younger members. Read more about Youth@Play.
Play in schools – enhancing learning and development
Play has a critical role in schools offering an outlet for expending energy during break times, enhancing concentration levels within the classroom, and as a means of contributing to learning through the curriculum. For many children and young people, the school playground represents the only open, accessible space that allows them to engage in physically challenging and socially developmental outdoor play.
PlayBoard’s school training and play support programmes focus on assisting schools to implement play strategies for learning and relaxation. We work with the entire school community to support and enhance play knowledge, whilst developing the outdoor play environment to maximise children’s play, learning opportunities and experiences. Read more about play in schools.
Corporate training – play for parents
PlayBoard’s parenting programme is delivered to groups of parents within a workplace setting. Focused on children of primary school age, the programme supports parents in promoting positive mental health and well-being for their children, and to gain an understanding of the many benefits of play in relation to their child’s development.
Delivered by PlayBoard’s expert staff team, the training sessions explore mental health and resilience, and the value of play to help children and young people manage their emotions in a fun way. Parents will also come away with some playful ideas to share with their children.
Email info@playboard.org to register your interest.
PlayBoard webinars – supporting the School-Age Childcare sector
31 January – Financial assistance with childcare costs
Delivered by Employers for Childcare, this free 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 with some working parents saving up to 85%, depending on circumstances. Book now.
22 February – Too cool for Afterschool
Are you finding it challenging to engage older children (8-11 year olds) in your School-Aged Childcare setting? Are their play needs so very different from the younger child? How do we keep them engaged? How do we attract new children who are in this age range? Book now.
Find out more about our professional training and development services.