Alliance launches third National Week of Play focused on creating connections through play

Leading early years membership organisation The Early Years Alliance has today announced plans for its third National Week of Play, which will focus on how play can help us build positive connections and break down barriers, whether cultural, generational, societal or otherwise. 

The Alliance’s National Week of Play will run from Monday 19 June to Sunday 25 June. 

At a time when the world can often seem so divided, this year’s event will serve as a timely reminder that play is one thing that is always, and without exception, for everyone.  It will focus on how we can ensure that play in the early years fosters and supports a sense of positivity and inclusivity, regardless of age, gender, or background. 

The National Week of Play will celebrate play through a range of activities, including: 

  • An Alliance Connect event exploring the importance of connecting through play 

  • A range of tips, ideas and activities for early years professionals to try throughout the week 

  • Ideas and resources to encourage parents and carers to get involved. 

All early years providers who sign up to the event will be automatically entered into a prize draw to win a LEGO DUPLO Rescue Fire Station and Helicopter set, worth £89.99. 

All parents and carers who sign up will be automatically entered into a separate prize draw to win a year’s free subscription for Boogie Mites App, Building Strong Foundations For Language and Literacy Through Music, which includes 66 music videos, and is worth £60. 

Parents, carers and early years professionals can register their interest in taking part in the Alliance’s National Week of Play at   

Commenting, Neil Leitch, CEO at the Early Years Alliance, said: 

“Play is for everyone, regardless of their age, gender or background, and as early years providers, we must do all we can to encourage play that builds positive connections and breaks down barriers. 

“From examining different approaches to play from around the world to exploring play for all ages, this year’s National Week of Play is all about recognising the unifying nature of play. As such, the event will both celebrate the importance of play in fostering positivity and inclusivity, and equip parents, carers and providers with a fantastic range of free activities, resources, materials and blogs to support this.” 

“We hope as many providers and families as possible will take part in this year’s event, and we look forward to celebrating it with everyone in June.”