Teaching through play
Play is a critical part of any child’s development, yet it is sometimes easy to overlook its importance. Life today is often very busy, and it can be hard to find safe opportunities where children have the freedom, space or time that they need for play.
How We Teach Through Play
Our role is to help overcome these challenges so that children can have opportunities for child-centred play – and so develop social skills, build relationships, progress as individuals and keep healthy at the same time.
Play is so important that the United Nations has included the right to play in its Convention on the Rights of the Child. This states that we must “recognise the right of the child to rest and leisure, to engage in play and recreational activities”.
We believe in this too. We do all that we can to champion the rights for all children to play openly and freely in Milton Keynes and surrounding areas and to provide practical solutions to make this happen.
play in the park
Every year, we host a series of play events which are free of charge, in Milton Keynes and surrounding areas. These events are supported with funding from our Parish Councils.
What are play events?
All events are ‘Open access’ play where children choose what and who they want to play they play with – children direct their own play, and there is no external goal or reward.
Do I need to supervise my child?
All children attending the play events must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Teen sessions are the only sessions that young people can attend alone.
Where are Play events located?
The sessions we provide take place in many different outdoor settings, including playgrounds, parks and playing fields. We also hold a small number of indoor play sessions in church buildings and sports centres.
Who hosts the events?
All events are staffed by MKPA play workers, who are DBS checked and have an understanding of the principles of play and are either qualified in play work or are working towards a qualification in play work. MKPA play leaders coordinate and manage their play team and our open access play sessions ensuring your child has a fun, safe and enjoyable session.
Craft Packs
We have created a number of play craft packs that are available to buy at a low cost. These packs encourage play, creativity and learning ideal for projects at home.
Coming soon!
