API supports inaugural National Play Conference and Awards

Association backs the Children’s Voice Programme and sponsors the Sector Award

The Association of Play Industries (API) is pleased to be supporting two key elements of the inaugural National Play Conference and Awards, taking place at the University of Warwick on 8–9 October.

Bringing together organisations and individuals from across the play sector and beyond, the new national event will explore the issues shaping children’s play and how we can create better conditions for children to play.

As the trade association representing the UK play industry, the API will be supporting the Children’s Voice Programme at the Conference, helping to ensure that children’s experiences are at the centre of the conversation about the future of play.

The API is also proud to sponsor the Sector Award at the inaugural National Play Awards on the evening of 8 October. The award recognises outstanding contributions to the policy, evidence, investment, infrastructure and systems that support play.

The Conference provides an important opportunity for organisations across the play industry to contribute to the wider national conversation around play, bringing experience and expertise in the design and delivery of play spaces into discussions about policy, investment and the future of provision.

Dr Amanda Gummer, Chair of the API, said:

“The play industry has an important part to play in creating the conditions children need to play, so we’re delighted to support the inaugural National Play Conference and Awards.

“Supporting the Children’s Voice Programme and the Sector Award reflects two things that are important to us: listening to children themselves and recognising the people and organisations working to strengthen play for the future. We’re looking forward to being part of what promises to be an important event for the sector.”

Eugene Minogue, Executive Director, Play England, added:

“Creating the conditions for play requires all of us. We’re grateful to the API for supporting the Children’s Voice Programme and the Sector Award, helping us ensure children’s experiences are heard directly while recognising the people and organisations strengthening the wider systems that support play. The Conference is deliberately bringing together voices from across and beyond the play sector around a shared ambition to restore a play-based childhood for every child.”

The National Play Awards take place on Thursday 8 October, followed by the National Play Conference on Friday 9 October at the University of Warwick.