Tuesday 19th May
Adventures Hub, Crowther Place, Sheffield, S7 1BJ
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.
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.
See below for more details of the programme and speakers. More to be announced – watch this space!
Sheffield Play Conference 2026 Programme
ScrapDragon Pop Up Shop
ScrapDragon is coming to the Sheffield Play Conference! We turn rescued materials into creative treasure – perfect for open-ended, child-led play that sparks imagination and curiosity. Affordable, sustainable resources. Great for play! Creativity with less waste. Visit our fill-a-bag pop-up shop and make & take activity – leave with ideas, inspiration, and something you’ve created!
Explore an Enriched Place to Play
One of the best bits about Sheffield Play Conference 2026 is it taking place at an adventure playground! You’re invited to take the time to explore the Adventures playground (formerly Highfield Adventure Playground), it’s loose parts, children’s mark making, and more!
Lunch from The Wood Fired Pizza Co.
Lunch is included in the ticket price. A buffet will be provided (including vegan, gluten free, and halal options). More information about The Wood Pizza Co. can be found here.
Information Swap Table
Please bring your flyers, business cards, QR codes, dvds, t-shirts, books, and stickers to share at the conference! There will be chance to mingle and network during the event too.
Play and the Brain with Julia Sexton, Sheffield Hallam University
What are the benefits of play for brain development? Is play essential for healthy brain development? If it is then what are the consequences for children who have limited or no opportunities to play? What are the responsibilities for adults who work with children and young people to enable them to play freely? These questions and more will be explored in this session, looking at the evidence of play’s impact on brain development, what is meant by play deprivation and play bias and what the effects may be.
The Buskers Guide to Behaviour and Q & A Session with Shelly Newstead, Common Threads
‘The Buskers Guide to Behaviour’ takes a unique look at the theory and practice of working children’s behaviour in group settings. It sets out a new approach to thinking about ‘behaviour’ and how professionals can help – or hinder – children to meet the behaviour expectations of the setting.
Shelly will also be running a Q & A session where you can find out all about PARS Playwork Practice.
Play Sufficiency in Sheffield with Christina Tatham, University of Sheffield
In this session, we will generate creative, innovative, radical ideas using ‘blue sky’ thinking to imagine what Sheffield could look like if we shift our perspective and accept play is an essential part of the city’s services and infrastructure. In doing so, we will identify long-term strategic goals towards adopting play-sufficiency in Sheffield and map out the steps needed for us to achieve this ambition. Together, we can create a bold vision and a road map for restoring a play-based childhood for all children.
Fire Lighting with Gem Webb, Stomping Ground
A chance to experiment and get playful with sparks and fire lighting, using different tools and natural materials with Gem Webb. Get a basic understanding of the risks involved, equipment to use and how to make it safer. Explore how to make this activity exciting and help young people enjoy this foundational experience.
Food and Fire with Rosa Curtis, Playworker and Forest Schools Lead, Pitsmoor Adventure Playground
Come and play with food and fire! There will be a few different snacks to try cooking on the fire, and an opportunity to chat about the joys and challenges of campfire cooking with kids in a play setting. All play types are very welcome.
More than the Sum of its Parts with Steve Pool and Tony Read
Exploring loose parts play through practical hands-on experimentation. Loose parts play is a great tool for encouraging young people to take control over their environment. Steve and Tony will give a brief introduction followed by a practical making session in the playground’s new loose parts area. This will be followed by a discussion on how ideas from loose parts play can be expanded and adapted in different settings.
Importance of Movement in Early Years and Promoting an Active Start for children and families with Adam Fuller, Yorkshire Sport Foundation
Adam oversees the development of the Active Start programme across South Yorkshire, a training and development opportunity supporting practitioners to increase daily movement minutes for children aged 0-5 years linked to child development, and to support parents and carers to move more at home and in their community.
The Muddy Puddle Teacher with Sarah Seaman
Muddy Puddle Teacher provides expert-led outdoor learning training, activities and resources for EYFS and primary teachers across the UK. Join The Muddy Puddle Teacher (Sarah Seaman), for a hands-on, inspiring session all about outdoor play, creativity, and meaningful learning experiences in early years. Find out more about the Muddy Puddle Teacher here.
Out of School Alliance - Quality Works Tool Kit
Come find out about the OOSA Quality Works Toolkit: a bold, practical and evidence-informed framework designed to help you strengthen, measure and confidently demonstrate quality practice across your setting. This will become your clear roadmap for improvement, covering 15 key areas of provision, from safeguarding culture and inclusive practice, to staff retention, playwork, partnerships and sustainability.
Demonstrating Quality in Play Conversation with Yanina Koszalinski, Pitsmoor Adventure Playground
Come and join the discussion around what makes great play spaces and provision for children. How do we demonstrate the quality of these places? Is OFSTED registration a useful tool? How else we might demonstrate quality? Yanina will be hosting conversations throughout the conference around this theme.