The Inaugural Sheffield Play Conference 2026
We are very excited to announce…
‘The Inaugural Sheffield Play Conference’
Tuesday 19th May
Adventures Hub, Crowther Place, Sheffield, S7 1BJ
Details of the programme and speakers can be found here.
The inaugural Sheffield Play Conference invites volunteers, students, professionals, decision‑makers and community members to come together in a vibrant celebration of all things play! Designed as a cross‑sector gathering, the conference shines a spotlight on play for all children, across the whole of childhood, recognising its role in shaping healthy, creative and resilient communities. Rooted in Sheffield’s growing movement for child‑friendly spaces, the event builds on the momentum of local organisations who are working collaboratively to protect and extend meaningful play opportunities across the city.
Play is not just an activity but a fundamental right.
This conference has emerged from Sheffield Play Partnership’s work to reverse the decline in community play provision, strengthen local capacity, and expand access to high‑quality Playwork training. Our work includes mapping citywide provision, identifying gaps, developing new community‑led play projects, and championing collaborative models that connect voluntary groups, families and local authorities. Find out more about the projects we are working on.
There’s wonderful work going on across Sheffield and beyond to reinvigorate play in our communities. This inaugural conference is the first step in an ambition to gather the region’s play community in one place to energise this shared mission—supporting a future in which every child has the time, space and permission to play. We hope that this conference might become an annual fixture and go on to become truly regional in its reach—one that grows year by year in influence, collaboration and shared vision for play across the whole of the region.
Come and join us!
- Lunch will be provided from The Wood Fired Pizza Co (including halal, vegan, and gluten free options).
- A standard ticket is £15.
- We want to ensure everyone who wants to come can come so a reduced rate ticket at £5 is available. This is for volunteers, students, current learners and those who have attended a course with us previously. If you are in one of these groups, but can afford the standard price, please consider doing so to enable those in unfunded settings the opportunity for a free place. Thank you.
Details of the programme and speakers can be found here.
Who is the Conference for:
- Voluntary, Community and Faith organisations working with children.
- Wraparound and after school provision
- HAF providers
- Junior Youth Club providers
- Early years staff
- Professionals supporting children’s mental and physical health
- Parents and other members of the community interested in how we create more child and play friendly neighbourhoods, and services
- School staff interested in play-based interventions in school settings
- Local and regional decision makers interested in getting children’s voices, desires and needs heard and met
- Anyone responsible for children’s play spaces including parks, schools, housing.
- Academic staff, researchers and students in child development, youth, teaching, social work and others!
- If you are not sure if it is for you, do get in touch with us at info@sheffieldplay.org.uk or 07479 298281.