Playworkers across England are being invited to take part in a national, sector-led Playwork Summit on Thursday 8th October 2026, hosted by Play England and held at University of Warwick (Scarman Space 11, Scarman Road, Coventry CV4 7AL). The event will run from 3 – 5pm and is in-person only, with places limited to 50.
This gathering comes at a pivotal moment for playwork. With the new National Occupational Standards (NOS) for playwork reaching adoption, and major work underway on workforce development, qualifications, training pathways, and professional standards, the Summit offers a space for practitioners and sector partners to understand what is changing – and to help shape what happens next.
The discussion will explore:
- the future professional recognition of playwork
- the development and implementation of professional standards
- the emerging relationship between playwork and CIMSPA
- how we protect and strengthen the distinctive principles, ethos, and practice of playwork as new structures take shape
This will be an open, practical conversation led by the sector itself – a chance for playworkers, employers, educators, and partners to come together and consider how playwork can evolve while staying rooted in its core values.
The Summit sits alongside the Play England AGM, and precedes both the inaugural National Play Awards (Thursday 8th October) and the National Play Conference (Friday 9th October), creating a two-day focus on the future of play, practice, and professional identity.
Attendance is free but places are limited. Please register here: https://bookings.cloud.microsoft/book/PlayEngland1@playengland.org.uk/s/C6F5S4FJCke4Pc4cWfYQsw2
The Playwork Foundation 