Play is a fundamental part of childhood, but as children move through education, opportunities for play often become increasingly limited.
That’s why TTS partnered with the Play is Learning campaign to launch a special four-part mini-series of the Educators’ Podcast, exploring the evidence, experiences and advocacy behind play-based learning in Key Stage 1.
Hosted by TTS’ Early Childhood Educationalist, Adam Marycz, the series brings together campaigners, researchers, academics and school leaders to discuss why play continues to be a powerful tool for learning and development beyond the Early Years.
Whether you’re an Early Years practitioner, KS1 teacher, school leader or education professional, this series offers valuable insights into the role of play in supporting children’s confidence, wellbeing and educational outcomes.
What is the Play is Learning Campaign?
Founded by education and inclusion consultant Ruth Lue-Quee, also known as My Mummy Teacher, the Play is Learning campaign is calling for play and continuous provision to be made statutory within England’s Key Stage 1 curriculum.
The campaign was created in response to growing concerns that formalised approaches to learning do not meet the developmental needs of all children. Advocates argue that play-based learning supports children’s social, emotional and cognitive development while helping to create more inclusive and engaging learning environments.
Since its launch, the campaign has gained significant momentum, including a petition that was debated in Westminster and support from educators, researchers and organisations across the education sector.
As Strategic Partner of the Play is Learning campaign, TTS is committed to helping amplify these important conversations and provide a platform for experts to share their knowledge and experiences.
Read on to learn more from expert guests in this series and discover where to watch or listen to all four of the episodes.
Episode 1: Understanding the Play is Learning Campaign
In the opening episode, Adam is joined by Ruth Lue-Quee to explore the origins of the Play is Learning campaign and the motivations behind it.
The discussion examines the campaign’s goal of making play and continuous provision statutory within Key Stage 1, while also considering wider issues around child development, school readiness and developmental gaps in education.
Listeners will gain insight into how different countries approach play within education systems and hear Ruth reflect on her campaigning journey, from the campaign’s beginnings through to seeing her petition debated in Westminster.
Watch Episode 1 here:
Episode 2: The Research Behind Play-Based Learning
In episode two, Adam speaks with Professor Julie Fisher, Independent Early Years Adviser and Visiting Professor of Early Childhood Education at Oxford Brookes University.
Together, they explore the extensive research supporting play-based learning and discuss how play contributes to children’s communication, problem-solving, creativity and emotional development.
The conversation also looks at practical approaches to embedding play in Key Stage 1 classrooms and examines the policy considerations surrounding play-based education.
Watch Episode 2 here:
Episode 3: Bringing Play into the Classroom
In episode three, Adam is joined by Tina Farr, Headteacher of St Ebbe’s Primary School in Oxford, who shares her school’s journey of embedding play-based learning within Key Stage 1.
Tina discusses the practical realities of implementation, including challenges, successes and lessons learned along the way. She also shares the positive impact that a play-focused approach has had on children’s confidence, wellbeing, engagement and attainment.
This episode offers practical insights for school leaders and teachers looking to incorporate more opportunities for purposeful play within their own settings.
Watch Episode 3 here:
Episode 4: Preparing Children for the Future Through Play
In the final episode, Adam speaks with researcher, educator and Coffee & Theory founder Dr William Zoppellini about how children learn and develop, and why play remains a critical component of education.
The discussion explores how play helps children develop essential skills such as collaboration, resilience, communication and adaptability – skills that will be increasingly important in a rapidly changing world.
Dr Zoppellini also highlights the importance of evolving educational approaches to better prepare children for future challenges and opportunities.
Watch Episode 4 here:
Key Themes from the Play is Learning Series
Across all four episodes in this series, several important themes emerge:
- The importance of aligning education with children’s developmental needs.
- The growing evidence base supporting play-based learning in Key Stage 1.
- Practical examples of how schools can successfully embed play within their curriculum.
- The role of play in supporting wellbeing, confidence, communication and attainment.
- The importance of preparing children for a future that values creativity, collaboration and adaptability.
Listen to the Full Series
The Play is Learning podcast mini-series brings together a diverse range of perspectives to explore one shared belief: play is not separate from learning – it is a powerful way that children learn, develop and thrive.
Whether you’re interested in education policy, classroom practice or child development research, the series offers valuable insights into one of the most important conversations currently taking place in education.
You can listen to each episode here:
1. An Overview of Play is Learning with Ruth Lue-Quee
2. Evidence of Play Supporting KS1 Children with Professor Julie Fisher
3. Real Stories of Play Supporting Learning with Tina Farr
4. Why Play Matters with Dr William Zoppellini
To hear more conversations with leading educators, researchers and practitioners, subscribe to the TTS Educators’ Podcast on your preferred podcast platform.
