Better Playtimes

What is Better Playtimes?

Better Playtimes is a strategic initiative led by Stockport Educational Psychology Service, aimed at transforming playtimes across primary schools.
The programme focuses on creating safe, inclusive, and enriching playtime experiences for all children.

Schools can gain Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum accreditation. The initiative takes place across 3 academic years:
Year 1: Inclusive playtime provision, policy, staff facilitation and planning.
Year 2: Neuro-diverse affirmative playtimes, train-the-trainer dissemination, and healthy communication skills at playtimes.
Year 3: Preventing and responding to bullying and intervening for children who act unsafely at playtimes.

Feedback from previous attendees

“Great ideas and theories to enable truly better playtimes.”
“I would recommend other Stockport schools to take part in Better Playtimes. It is vital for all schools to invest in their children's wellbeing and create an enabling environment where they can reach their full potential. BP educates staff on how they can do this and the positive impact it will have in and out of the classroom.”
“Significant impact on playtimes and the ‘knock-on’ effects of this.”
“Great resources and ideas which saves reinventing the wheel.”
“Many thanks, really appreciate your excellent facilitation.”
“It will make you change the way you see playtimes.”
“Behaviour has improved significantly.”

Why do playtimes matter?
As part of this initiative, schools can work towards formal recognition of their commitment to excellent playtime provision through the Better Playtime Accreditation Awards.

• High-quality play isn’t an ‘extra’—it’s a proven driver of better learning, behaviour and wellbeing. A strong play culture can transform a school day. Research suggest that effective playtimes positively impact upon:
  Behaviour and focus: calmer transitions and improved concentration back in the classroom
• Social and emotional development: stronger relationships, cooperation and conflict-resolution skills
• Wellbeing and resilience: children feel happier, more confident and better able to cope with challenges
• Physical activity levels: more active, healthier pupils without adding workload to staff
• Positive attitudes to school: increased enjoyment, belonging and readiness to learn

Better Playtimes presents up to date research and evidenced based practice in relation to playtimes. Attendees are supported to develop their school playtimes so that they are inclusive, safe and promote the best outcomes for children.

Commitment from schools

The BP Champion attends all 6 training sessions.
The BP Champion accesses appropriate supervision via our optional supervision sessions or a school colleague.
The BP Champion disseminates training to all staff.
Playtimes are a priority & plans are enacted & embedded in policy.
The initiative is supported by your Senior Leadership Team Governors, & Headteacher.
We recommend that the attendee has a position of responsibility in your school so that they have the decision-making authority to make the changes needed to develop practice. Some of the current Better Playtimes schools have chosen to send 2 members of staff; 1 member of SLT responsible for coordinating changes and 1 member of staff (e.g., a Teaching Assistant) responsible for implementing practical changes).

Costings

£650 for the full course (annual instalments available) - payable via SLA Online.
20% discount for a second delegate from the same school.

New cohorts enrol annually with the next Better Playtimes Course beginning in October 2026.

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Host or Publisher Stockport Educational Psychology Service