Play Policy

All children are entitled to play; it is intrinsic to their quality of life and an important part of how they learn and enjoy themselves.

According to the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (2017), “Play is essential for children’s development building their confidence as they learn to explore to think about problems and relate to others. Children learn by leading their own play and by taking part in play which is guided by adults.”

At Branches Out of School we recognise the importance of play to a child’s development and follow the Playwork Principles. As play workers we support and facilitate play, and do not seek to control or direct it. We will never force children to participate in play but allow children to initiate and direct the experience for themselves.

Facilitating play

We support and facilitate play by:

• Providing an environment which is safe and suitable for playing in.
• Setting up the Club so that activities are ready before the children arrive.
• Providing a range of equipment, resources, and activities daily, and keeping a record of these to ensure that varied play opportunities are offered
• Encouraging children to request additional or alternative equipment as they choose, and if a request must be refused, explaining why.
• Not expecting children to be always occupied.
• Making outdoor play available every day unless the weather is particularly bad.
• Involving children in planning activities, to reflect their own interests and ideas.
• Planning activities that enable children to develop their natural curiosity and imagination.
• Allowing children freedom of creative expression, particularly in artistic or creative play.
• Intervening in play only when necessary: to reduce risks of accident or injury, or to encourage appropriate social skills.
• Warning children in advance when an activity or game is due to end.

Play areas and equipment

• All indoor and outdoor play areas are checked, and risk assessed daily before the children arrive in accordance with our Risk Assessment policy.
• The Club keeps an inventory of resources and equipment, which is updated regularly and reviewed to identify where any additional resources are required.
• Children are involved in selecting additional equipment and resources for use at the Club.
• The resources used at the Club promote positive images of different ethnic backgrounds, religions, and abilities, in line with our Equal Opportunities policy.
• The Club has a selection of fiction and non-fiction books, suitable for all age ranges.

Written in accordance with the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (2021): Learning and Development requirements [1.1- 1.17]; Safeguarding and Welfare Requirements: Safety and Suitability of Premises, Environment and Equipment [3.58 – 3.59 & 3.65]