Empowering Play in Primary Education

The education system does not always promote or give primacy to play within the curriculum, yet research and policy alike acknowledge the importance of play for children and young people. Empowering Play in Primary Education addresses this issue, contributing innovative ideas about how teachers, teaching assistants and children may incorporate play within the classroom while also advocating for its use as a powerful tool for ensuring successful learning outcomes.

Packed with imaginative ideas and practical suggestions, this essential book combines theory with tried and tested practice to encourage and inspire teachers to make use of the pedagogy of play and enhance their children’s learning experience. Topics explored within the book include but are not limited to:

• Playful enquiry exploring the relationship between academic research and practitioner wisdom;
• Practices of play within different settings;
• Inclusive practice for play in the primary school;
• Designing a high-quality, low-cost model for play in the Early Years;
• Play within the wider school community, e.g., playful leadership and pedagogy as play.

This is an essential read for any teacher, teaching assistant, headteacher, senior leader or policy maker who wishes to embed more opportunities for play within their curriculum and school.

Aimee Durning is the Director of Inclusion & Community at the University of Cambridge Primary School, the first University Primary School in the country, which has a principled, research-informed approach to education.

Sara Baker is a Reader in Developmental Psychology and Education at the University of Cambridge and a key advisor for the Centre for Research on Play in Education, Development and Learning and has worked with teachers throughout the UK.

Paul Ramchandani is a British consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist, and the first LEGO Professor of Play in Education, Development and Learning at the University of Cambridge. He also works as a consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist in the NHS with CNWL NHS Foundation Trust.