The Journey – The Future
We’re inviting YOU! to a special morning of celebration, inspiration, and connection – because your passion, dedication, and care deserves to be recognised!
Join us for a fun-filled event packed with practical ideas for your setting and opportunities to grow your network.
The event will bring together the School Age Childcare (SAC) workforce to celebrate the vital and often unsung contributions they make to the lives of children and families.
With topics related to the challenges facing the sector, the day has been designed to be both practical and inspiring whilst lifting morale. The event aims to empower and equip practitioners to further enhance their practice and the quality of provision they deliver.
Themes Include:
- PlayWorker Amber – Celebrating PLAY
- PlayBoard NI: Play and Supporting Children’s Mental Health & Wellbeing
- PlayBoard NI: Making Inclusive Practice Playful
- Connect with Further Education Colleges – Meet Your Future Team!
- Peter McCartney: Celebrate the Child’s right to be heard
- Clandeboye Nature Rangers: Outdoor Play Magic
Bring your team, celebrate your impact, and leave with tools, ideas, and new connections to energise your practice!
Who should attend: SAC Practitioners, Supervisors, Deputy Leaders & Managers
Bio‘s
PlayWorker Amber
“Amber is an award-winning international Inclusive Play Worker, Consultant and Advocate who believes that play is a universal superpower. As a pioneer in her field, Amber drives positive behaviour change and elevates performance through purpose-driven solutions. Her innovative approach transcends boundaries, empowering individuals across diverse contexts.
Her remarkable impact in the field of play has earned her global recognition, including the title of the first ever NSPCC Champion of Childhood. Amber collaborates with a vibrant mix of brands and organisations, infusing every partnership with the transformative power of play, ensuring imagination, inclusion and wonder are woven into the very fabric of their work.
An international trailblazer in creating inclusive play environments, Amber ensures that children of all abilities and backgrounds can participate. Her work has influenced play initiatives worldwide, shaping how communities and organisations embrace accessible, imaginative spaces for learning and development.”
Peter McCartney
Although retired from formal playwork practice, Peter has never retired from being playful. With a rich background in playwork, his journey began whilst working with Children’s Community Holidays, the City Council, and the establishing Venture Kids Afterschool Club.
He went on to become a respected playwork trainer and manager with Belfast Met and PlayBoard, where he inspired countless others to champion play throughout his diverse career.
A passionate play advocate, everywhere and always, Peter continues to influence the sector through their active roles as a Board Member of PlayBoard and a member of the Northern Ireland Branch of the International Play Association.
Clandeboye Nature Rangers
With a pioneering approach that prioritises outdoor exploration, imaginative play, and child-led discovery, Clandeboye empowers young minds to thrive beyond the classroom walls. Backed by years of experience in nature based education, the team maintains a strong commitment to quality, delivering high-standard practice in line with minimum standards.
Date: Friday 26th September, 2025
Time: 9am – 1.30pm
Location: The Hill of O’Neill and Ranfurly House, 26 Market Square, Dungannon, BT70 1AB
Click here to book your place