Playful Childhoods has launched Project Play Autumn in response to a vital need for children to get playing outside and away from screens during the colder months.

Playful Childhoods advocates all forms of play, whether it be at home, at school or in the community, and believes more can be done to provide safe, inclusive play in a positive social environment to all children at any time of year.

The autumn and winter months are a perfect time to get out and explore with children. There’s so much fun to be had, be it playing conkers, splashing in puddles, building a den or going on a scavenger hunt.
Emotional and physical health are so important for a child’s happiness and development and lay the foundations for the future. Recognising this importance and a need to spread awareness both to schools and the community, Playful Childhoods has launched Project Play Autumn to encourage everyone across Wales to bring back play time and get children away from screens.

We can all do more at home and in schools to encourage free, outdoor play and continually improve the minds and imaginations of the next generation.

Playful Childhoods is a Play Wales campaign.

Mike Greenaway, Play Wales’ Director, says:

‘This year, we conducted our own research* survey which confirmed that the rise in the use of technology – amongst other things – has had a negative impact on outdoor play opportunities for children today. Parents are increasingly concerned about this. That’s why as part of Project Play Autumn, we’ll be sharing lots of tips on how to encourage play in school and for all the family.’

Project Play Autumn is also being supported by Learning through Landscapes, which co-ordinates Outdoor Classroom Day in the UK and Ireland.

Carley Sefton, CEO of Learning through Landscapes which leads Outdoor Classroom Day in the UK and Ireland, said:

‘Play is essential for children’s development and wellbeing, but outdoor play brings added benefits. These include opportunities to appreciate the seasons, engage all the senses and experience awe and wonder in the natural world. The global Outdoor Classroom Day movement champions play because we know from our recent Muddy Hands report that children who play outdoors during the school day gain a better understanding of the environment, are happier and more likely to reach their full potential. We encourage everyone to get outdoors for Project Play.’

Visit the Playful Childhoods website.

Read more about the Outdoor Classroom Day Muddy Hands report.

Not yet signed up for Outdoor Classroom Day?  Register your class or school here.