Inclusive Approaches to Positive Playtimes
When it comes to creating inclusive, joyful playtimes, special schools face unique challenges and opportunities. We`ve always believed that play is for every child, and that belief came to life recently during two powerful training days at Leigh and Milestone School, a specialist setting supporting students aged 4 to 19 with a wide range of additional needs. Adapting the Programme: Most of the schools that have embarked on the Positive Playtimes Award Programme are mainstream schools; however, our programmes are designed to be flexible. At Milestone, we made it clear from the outset that this programme would be shaped to their setting, their pupils, and their staff team. We delivered two tailored training days, which enabled us to meet the unique needs of different cohorts, something key to the programme’s success. “I started the day thinking this wouldn’t meet our students’ needs. I’m leaving with more ideas than I can count. This has been one of the best training programmes I’ve ever been on.” – Lisa, Teacher, Leigh and Milestone School To help staff reimagine what was possible, we first focused on what playtime currently looked like in their settings and developed a vision for what they wanted for their pupils. They discussed the possibility of multisensory playgrounds with quiet zones, active spaces, soft play, trampolines, and more.
Key Adaptations for Special Schools
Key Adaptations for Special Schools
To meet a range of needs, we explored the following SEND-specific tools and strategies:
● Visual Supports: Picture cards, visual timetables, and social stories
● Sensory-Friendly Equipment: Soft bean bags, foam bats, textured balls
● Zoning: Clearly defined areas that would have a different play offer
● Adapted Games: Turn-taking cues, cooperative play, non-competitive options
● Calm Zones: Spaces for emotional regulation and sensory retreat
These adaptations were designed to make playtime more structured, predictable, and joyful,
especially for students with anxiety or sensory processing needs.
“This is something we can start doing with our students right now, without extra
paperwork or planning.”
– Rachel, Music Specialist
Hands-On, Practical, and Empowering
To ensure that staff came away from the sessions feeling equipped to begin making these
changes in their own settings, we balanced suggested ideas with opportunities to put them into
practice. Playground zoning and “Craze of the Week” were introduced as ideas adaptable to all
settings.
We took a playful approach to training itself; staff were split into groups to reflect on the tools
they had been given so far and create their own inclusive playtime offerings.
The staff really then had time to design their own lesson and games with brilliant outcomes. From blowing bubbles to obstacle courses to a Super Mario Kart-themed scooter track, creativity and laughter filled the room. As a result of the training, staff walked away with real, ready-to-use tools to enhance playtimes for their pupils. This included adapted game ideas and visuals to support the young people, as well as immediate plans to trial new zones and equipment. Staff also developed a deeper understanding of how to support emotional wellbeing through play.
“The best CPD session we’ve ever had. It’s practical, sustainable, and has the potential totransform behaviour and engagement on the playground.”
– Steven, Head of PE
To the team at The Milestone School: your openness, creativity, and commitment were inspiring. You’ve shown how the Positive Playtimes Programme can flourish in a special school setting, and we can’t wait to see what you do next. ��
Want to see what the staff said? Watch these videos:
Hi Therese,
I wanted to say a massive thank you for delivering such an exceptional CPD to our staff over the last two days. It was organised and pitched perfectly, and really engaged staff and triggered their thinking on how they can implement strategies to improve our provision. I appreciate your
professionalism in adapting to the amount of staff working with such diverse groups. The feedback has been amazing and it’s something that teams have already started planning for. It was also such fun!! I look forward to touching base with you down the line to assess how we have progressed.’
Thank you
Steve and Milestone team
Want to Bring Positive Playtimes to Your Special School?
We offer bespoke training packages to help you create positive, inclusive, and purposeful playtimes for every child.
Let’s play!
Get in touch today to explore a bespoke package tailored to your children and you setting.
🌐 www.positiveplaytimes.com
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