The inaugural National Play Conference will bring together the people, places and systems that shape children’s play.

Grounded in Play England’s strategy - It All Starts with Play! the conference will explore how we create the conditions children need to play: places and spaces that welcome play; skills that enable and support play; systems that protect children’s right to play; and a society where play is accepted as a normal part of everyday life.

The conference will connect planning, design, construction and play provision with policy, local government, health, education and community leadership, creating a shared agenda for accessible and inclusive play, so that every child has the time, space, freedom and opportunity to play.

The conference will provide a unique national forum for everyone involved in creating, enabling and advocating for play, from designers, playworkers, contractors, manufacturers and local authorities to educators, playground operators and policymakers.

Through a carefully curated programme of keynote addresses, panel debates and practical learning sessions, the event will explore the most pressing issues shaping play today and into the future.

Delegates will hear from an influential speaker line-up, including policymakers, sector specialists and innovators connected to play. Speakers will be announced over the coming months, with the first announcement welcoming Tom Hayes MP, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Play, as a speaker, and Amber Ogunsanya-William and Oscar as hosts for the day.

Discussions will span the political landscape around play, wellbeing and public health, as well as topical issues such as adventure playgrounds, the ongoing challenge of getting children more physically active, the realities of the current planning climate and funding issues.

The event will also act as a showcase for the latest innovations that are redefining how play spaces are designed, delivered and experienced.

With insight, inspiration and practical takeaways at its core, the National Play Conference aims to inform, challenge and connect the entire play community.

For anyone working in, or alongside, the UK play sector, the National Play Conference will be an essential date in the diary.