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UCC researchers to shape the future of play in Irish schoolyards
Researchers at University College Cork (UCC) are leading a national survey of Irish primary schools to evaluate how well schools make space for children to play.
The groundbreaking Research Ireland funded project ‘Making Space for Play in Irish Schoolyards’ advocates for greater resources and supports for schools to create more play-friendly environments that are inclusive for all children. Furthermore, the project will co-design case study exemplars with schools to create optimum conditions for all children to play in schools.
Providing space, time, and opportunities for play in schoolyards is not only a children’s right obligation, but it also fosters a healthy and inclusive ethos in schools which is central to recent educational policy and curricula developments. Despite its importance, there is limited data, low funding, and a lack of guidance for Irish schools on providing for play.
“Breaktimes in schools fill 12% of the school day and are consistently identified by children as the most enjoyable part of the day. Research to date highlights significant restrictions on play, and the exclusion of certain children in poorly designed and under resourced schoolyards. We need survey responses from all schools, as every school’s context is unique”, said Dr Michelle Bergin, from the School of Clinical Therapies (Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy) and lead researcher on the project.
‘Making Space for Play in Irish Schoolyards’ is the first national research project to examine provision for children’s Right to Play under Article 31, in schoolyards and also aims to;
- Raise consciousness on play rights provision in schoolyards.
- Develop a novel framework of indicators to support the monitoring and progressive realization of play rights in schoolyards.
- Develop guidance for schools to create optimum conditions for all children to play relevant to the Irish context.
- Contribute to cross-sectoral education, health & social policy aims.
A survey of 3,200 primary schools in Ireland will gather essential insights and provide the researchers with a better understanding on the different approaches, facilities, and needs that schools have for play. The survey has been developed using systematic reviews of international research and guidelines, with input from teachers, children, and a research network dedicated to children’s right to play.
Schools that complete the survey can apply to take part in the next phase of the project, which offers:
- Free online training
- Free access to play evaluation tools
- In-person workshops with experts
- Free resources to support play provision
- Shared learning and support from peers
This research is conducted with the financial support of Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland under Grant number [GOIPD/2024/783]. Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland is the new national research and innovation funding agency, established on the 1st of August 2024 through the amalgamation of the activities and functions of Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) and the Irish Research Council (IRC).