A PASSION FOR PLAY

Amber Ogunsanya-William is the first-ever NSPCC Champion of Childhood. With seemingly limitless energy, she has made play her mission

FOR PLAY A PASSION

Could you outline to readers your career journey/path, please? Where did it start and what do you currently do/what keeps you busy?

To understand my journey, we need to go to the very beginning, aged three at an adventure playground. There, eyes wide with wonder, I first explored a sprawling playground that seemed to stretch to the horizon.

Towering wooden platforms that felt like castles, slides that twisted and turned like magical vines, and swings made from tires and ropes that soared into the sky, touching the clouds! This was my world, my sanctuary, where every day was a new adventure.

I remember the sheer joy of running, jumping, and climbing, often tumbling down only to springback up with a giggle. The freedom to play, explore, and discover was simply beautiful. Building dens became my specialty – crafting secret hideaways from sticks, leaves, and whatever else I could find. These dens were my fortresses, my secret worlds where my imagination could run wild. Roasting marshmallows over a crackling fire, creating go-carts from scraps, and embarking on endless quests – this playground was my home, my heart.

From these playful beginnings, I blossomed into an inclusive play consultant, advocate, and worker. Through my personal experience, I understand that play is a universal superpower, transcending language and cultural barriers, empowering everyone from babies to the elderly. My mission became clear: to spread the power of play to the world.

In world of play, no two days are ever the same!

I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with a diverse range of organisations on an international level, crafting inclusive play environments, leading play events, and influencing practices in local authorities, museums, early years settings, theatres and adventure playgrounds. I’ve delivered workshops to teachers, nannies, childminders, and charities, sharing the transformative power of play. One of the highlights of my career was being invited to 10 Downing Street to represent play and inclusion – a true honour! Thus gaining the title from the NSPCC as their first ever Champion of Childhood which definitely brought tears to my eyes. The wonderful Catherine Hudson, NSPCC’s celebrity talent manager, and her team wanted to highlight my work within the field of play.

So your passion for play comes very much from your childhood?

Yes, thanks to my father, the head playground manager of Weavers Adventure Playground. His journey from a playworker to a passionate advocate for play inspired me immensely. Growing up with a father whose life revolved around creating purposeful play solutions for every child was transformative.

He would regale us with fantastical stories of how he found me in the jungle, saving him from a saber-tooth tiger while still in pampers and with a dummy in my mouth. These tales transported us to different worlds, sparking our imaginations and filling our days with laughter and joy. Building go-carts alongside other children, listening to his stories, and letting our imaginations run wild – these experiences ignited my passion for inclusive play, creative learning, and community engagement.

Growing up in an adventure playground with my one-of-a-kind father as the play manager was nothing short of magical. It shaped my belief in the power of play and fuelled my desire to ensure that every child, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to experience the joy and freedom of play.

Growing up in an adventure playground with my one-of-a kind father as the play manager was nothing short of magical

What current roles do you hold and what do they entail?

I’m the first-ever NSPCC Champion of Childhood. I’m also the Creative Learning, Community Delivery Lead, plus Designated Safeguarding Lead with an esteemed organisation.

I’m an international, inclusive play specialist and I believe that play is a universal superpower. I want to drive positive behaviour change and elevate performance through purpose- driven solutions. I believe I have an innovative approach – one that transcends boundaries and empowers individuals across diverse contexts.

I’ve worked with both charities and commercial enterprises and I’d like to think of myself as a trailblazer in creating inclusive play environments. I want to ensure that children of all abilities and backgrounds can participate.

If I’d had to list some of my notable contributions, I would probably include creating the Childline Play Room, serving as a Royal Opera House play specialist, delivering training to Haringey Early Years childcare professionals and partnering with the Museum of London. I’ve also been a Play Presenter for Disney, Kunda Kids, the Department of Education, and the London New Year’s Day Parade, among many others.

What’s your typical day-to-day? Or is there one?

In world of play, no two days are ever the same! As a play advocate, worker and consultant, I collaborate with a diverse array of unique companies, adventure playgrounds, and schools, enhancing their environments through the magic of inclusive playwork. Each day is a new adventure, filled with creativity and joy! Thus I’ve created the @playwokeramber play parties, which have built into them the principles of playwork and entertainment for every family and child.

Which recent projects have you completed and what are you working on at the moment?

From providing inclusive playwork in an adventure playground to collaborating with Hackney Museum for a @playworkeramber takeover day, every moment is a celebration of play.

Working with the Haringey Early Years team was another delightful experience. I was invited to be a play practitioner for the “Get Talking Haringey” initiative, where I delivered a workshop called “Bringing Language to Life Through Play.” This workshop allowed professionals to unleash their creativity and value their lived experiences, transforming language learning into a playful journey.

One of my most cherished collaborations was with Childline, where I created a magical playroom known as Playworker Amber’s Creation Station.

This enchanting space was filled with joy and creativity, providing children with a delightful environment to truly express themselves and have the best time imaginable. I wanted to create a space where children could follow their instincts and interests!

Keep an eye out for something incredibly exciting with Compton Verney gallery and some incredible play events at the Museum of London!

Why is play so important, in your view?

Play was a lifeline for me in my world, shaping my character, social skills, emotional well-being, and childhood. It built my resilience (with a few broken bones along the way!), and I found it incredible as I was able to problem-solve and regulate my emotions. In school, academic lessons are crucial for any child’s life, yet they are wonderfully complemented by play. Play opened my mind to possibilities and developed my curiosity, offering a holistic approach to learning.

Play is not just an activity; it’s a powerful pedagogical tool that fosters holistic development. It provides hope, nurtures creativity, and builds a foundation for lifelong learning. So, let’s embrace the freedom to PLAY!

What does the UK do well when it comes to play and activating kids – when compared to other countries?

The UK excels in championing play by providing accessible adventure playgrounds that encourage unstructured, imaginative play. The availability of well-designed playground spaces supports children’s discovery and development. Community engagement is strong, with parents and families recognizing the importance of play. However, the biggest area for improvement is ensuring consistent funding for play provisions to keep these spaces open and accessible for all. Plus the UK needs to do more as looking at play as a fundamental right in law would, I believe, solidify it’s importance.

Do you think we will see a change in direction, when it comes to policies, with the change of government?

I think there will be a change in policy with the change of government. When a new government takes office, it often brings a shift in policy direction to reflect its priorities and campaign promises. In the UK, we need to highlight the significance of both outdoor and indoor play provisions. Ensuring that children have access to safe, engaging, and diverse play environments is crucial for their development and well-being. This should be a focus for any new government looking to improve community health and cohesion.

If you were given the opportunity to change one current (or introduce a new) law or policy, which would have a hugely positive effect on play in the UK, what would that be?

It would be a “Play Whenever and Wherever Act”. It would ensure play opportunities throughout the UK by creating temporary and permanent play streets, providing specific grants for play provisions, and developing the Playworker Amber Inclusive Toolkit for schools.

Additionally, it would establish adventure playgrounds nationwide, with secured funding for each provision for three years once open.

This policy would prioritise play, making it accessible and inclusive for all children. By fostering a culture of play, we would invest in the physical, emotional, and social well-being of our children, creating a healthier, happier, and more connected society. Wouldn’t that be fantastic?

Could you give some insights and/or examples of excellent deliveries of play, which you’ve witnessed or worked on?

One of the most inspiring examples of excellent play delivery I’ve experienced was with the Arts Depot. Their team is phenomenal at infusing play into their events. They hire outside practitioners and are dedicated to putting play on the map, which is why they collaborated with me! I’ve seen their family-friendly events come alive with a variety of playful activities. They even invited me to lead a “Move, Draw, and Play” workshop, which was an amazing opportunity. A special shout- out to Isy and Louisa for being a true catalyst for play advocacy! The energy and creativity they bring to every event are simply unmatched.

What would you describe as the play sector’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats?

The strengths of the play sector in the UK include a network of passionate individuals and organisations dedicated to promoting play and its benefits. However, weaknesses such as the uneven distribution of play facilities, especially in rural and under-served urban areas, and the need for more training and support for playworkers, hinder the quality of play experiences. Opportunities exist in public-private partnerships to fund and develop new play spaces, and the growing interest in nature-based play. On the flip side, budget cuts in local councils threaten funding for play provisions, and the rise of digital entertainment continues to compete with traditional play activities, reducing engagement in outdoor and physical play.

Inclusive Toolkit for Teachers

Recognising the transformative power of play, I created the Inclusive Toolkit for Teachers. This toolkit integrates four different types of play into the curriculum, making learning creative and fun:

Constructive Play: Involves building and creating. Using blocks, clay, or other materials, children can explore concepts of design and engineering. This type of play can be woven into science and art lessons, allowing children to construct models or create art projects that reflect their learning.

Sensory Play: Engages the senses and helps children explore the world around them. Activities like sand play, water play, and sensory bins can be used to teach concepts in science and early literacy. Sensory play is particularly beneficial for children with special needs, providing a calming and engaging way to learn.

Locomotive Play (My Favourite): Encourages movement and coordination. Activities like obstacle courses and dance sessions help children develop motor skills and physical health. Teachers can integrate physical play into subjects like PE and even math, using movement to teach counting and spatial awareness.

Dramatic Play: Allows children to role-play and act out scenarios. This type of play is fantastic for developing social skills and empathy. Teachers can use dramatic play in language arts by having students act out stories or historical events, making the learning experience immersive and engaging.

By integrating these types of play into the curriculum, teachers can create a dynamic and inclusive learning environment. Play allows children to break away from routine and experience the freedom to explore, imagine, and learn in a way that is both joyful and impactful.