Tom Hayes MP to speak at the National Play Conference
Tom Hayes MP, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Play, has been announced as one of the first speakers at the inaugural National Play Conference this October.
A parliamentary voice for play
Tom Hayes MP was elected Chair and Registered Contact of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Play at its inaugural meeting in September 2025.
He has since provided sustained parliamentary leadership on Play Sufficiency, the case for a renewed National Play Strategy and the need to restore children’s freedom to play.
The APPG, for which Play England provides the Secretariat, brings together MPs, Peers and experts to ensure that play is recognised, protected and embedded across public policy, planning and national decision-making.
Bringing the strategy to life
The inaugural National Play Conference will take place on Friday 9 October 2026 at The Slate, University of Warwick.
The conference is jointly organised by Play England and the Sports and Play Construction Association (SAPCA). The one-day conference will be co-hosted by Oscar and Amber Ogunsanya-William, the NSPCC’s first Champion of Childhood.
Grounded in Play England’s ten-year strategy – It All Starts with Play! the conference will examine how society can create the conditions children need to play.
Through keynote addresses, panel discussions and practical learning sessions, delegates will examine some of the most pressing issues affecting children’s play today and into the future.
Connecting the whole play system
The conference will connect planning, design, construction and play provision with national policy, local government, health, education and community leadership.
It will bring together everyone involved in creating, enabling and advocating for play, including playworkers, designers, contractors, manufacturers, local authorities, educators, playground operators, policymakers and community organisations.
Discussions will cover the political and policy context for play, children’s wellbeing and public health, adventure playgrounds, physical inactivity, planning reform, investment and the sustainability of the play workforce.
The conference will also showcase new thinking and practical innovation in how spaces and opportunities for play are planned, designed, delivered and supported.
Eugene Minogue, Executive Director of Play England, said:
“This conference marks an important moment for the play sector. Following the launch of Play England’s ambitious ten-year strategy in 2025, it reflects our commitment to putting play firmly on the national agenda.
“We have already seen significant momentum build in Parliament, including the establishment of the APPG on Play. The National Play Conference is the next step in bringing people together to turn that political momentum into practical and lasting change.
“Play matters in its own right. It is also fundamental to children’s health, development, happiness and sense of belonging.
“I strongly encourage everyone working in or alongside the play sector to attend, contribute and help shape what happens next.”
Richard Shaw, Chief Executive of SAPCA, added:
“Creating safe, sustainable and innovative opportunities and places for play that encourage movement, creativity and exploration has never been more important.
“With insight, inspiration and practical takeaways at its core, the National Play Conference aims to inform, challenge and connect the entire play community.”
National Play Awards and booking
The evening before the conference, on Thursday 8 October 2026, The Slate will host Play England’s Annual General Meeting and the inaugural National Play Awards. The awards will celebrate excellence, innovation and achievement across the play sector.
Book your place at the National Play Conference 2026 here.