Our Story
The National Play in Education Group is a collective of passionate educators, researchers, and advocates working together to champion the role of play across all phases of education.
Formed to connect and amplify the voices of those leading change, we are committed to embedding play as a powerful, research-informed approach to learning building upon the early years throughout primary school and beyond.
Rooted in diverse perspectives but united by a shared vision, our mission is simple: to ensure play and childhood sit at the heart of every child’s school experience and educators can access the research and support they need on their playful journey.
Play in Education is an ‘unincorporated association’ – This means we have been set up through an agreement between a group of people who have come together for a reason other than to make a profit.
We hope you will join the community.
Our Purpose
The association exists to connect, support, and inspire individuals and organisations interested in embedding play in education.
We aim to:
1. Share knowledge, research, and best practice.
2. Provide a supportive network for members.
3. Promote play as a powerful tool for learning and leadership.
4. Encourage collaboration across schools, community groups, and educational projects.
Our Vision
Our work is guided by the following values:
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Playfulness – we value creativity, curiosity, and joy in learning.
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Equity & Inclusion – we seek to create spaces where all voices are heard and respected.
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Collaboration – we work together, share generously, and celebrate diverse perspectives.
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Transparency – we are open about our decisions and how we operate.
We follow the Pledge to Play which can be found in its entirety here.
Steering Group Members
We want Play in Education to be an association that anyone can join and membership is free.
In addition to this we have the core steering group members listed here. The constitution document explores what their roles are and the length of term. The Steering Group, as a collective, is a diverse group of educators, consultants, academics, researchers and more.
If you are interested in joining the main steering group if a position arises this will be shared on the website and on our social pages.
Jo Gray - Head of Education at One Education. @JoGrayEducation,
Kerry Murphy - Early Childhood Consultant, author and founder of @diversepathways_earlyyears
Liz Price - Teacher at Cheselbourne Village School
Natasha Crellin - Head Teacher at Long Furlong Primary School
Ben Kingston-Hughes - Author and Director at Inspired Children Ltd @inspiredchildrenltd
Jamel C Campbell - Early Years Educator and Consultant @jamel.Carly
Greg Bottrill - Author and Consultant @canigoandplaynow
Emma Lewry - Consultant @emma_lewry_early_education
Emma Turner - Author and consultant
Suzi Bray- Head teacher at Weston Rhyn Primary School
Nova Robinson - Consultant for Early Excellence @EarlyExcellence
Jenna Crittenden -Consultant at The Chartered College of teaching
Helen Dodd - Play England Trustee and Professor of Psychology at University of Exeter
Rajan Bhatti - Deputy Head Teacher at St Michaels CE Primary
Soizic Le Courtois - Educator and researcher for PEDAL
Nicola Cheney - EY specialist at Cosy Direct @cosydirect
Janet Smith - Advisor for Sefton LA
With thanks to:
Ruthe Le Quee, Julie Fisher, Amy Woodfield, Hannah Betteridge, Dr Stella Louis, Dr Vicki Veale, Kate Gingles, Jade Craswell, Louise Cheetham, Dixie Louise Dexter, Ellen Parker, Rebecca Sands, Stephanie Cook, Tom Hayes MP, Connor Rand MP