The Play Well Podcast

Paul Hoenigmann, Managing Director of Inclusive Play, is on a mission to revolutionize outdoor play spaces. He discusses the importance of inclusive design, emphasizing that play should be accessible for every child, regardless of ability. With a focus on barrier-free principles, he shares how consultations with families and experts influence innovative designs. Paul dives into the necessity of infrastructure alongside equipment for true inclusion and highlights his experiences breaking into the US market, advocating for intergenerational play that unites families.

Dr. William Bird MBE, a family GP and advisor to the World Health Organisation, discusses innovative ways to get communities active through play. He shares insights on pioneering health initiatives like 'Beat the Street' and the profound impact of nature and competition on physical activity. The conversation delves into the importance of reclaiming childhood independence and fostering safe environments for kids. William emphasizes personal initiative in driving community change and the transformative power of games in building bonds across generations.

On this epsiode, our Play Pedagogy Award Officer, Fiona Kirkland, speaks to Rebecca Wilkinson-Quinn, Clinical Lead for Scotland, Place2Be.Becky is a qualified Art Psychotherapist and Clinical Supervisor. Becky comes from a Fine Arts background, working as an exhibiting artist, FE teaching and community settings. Becky has predominantly worked therapeutically with CYP, their families and teachers in schools, but has also lectured and worked with adults with a variety of presenting issues.   Becky began working with Place2Be 19 years ago, initially as a volunteer on placement. Becky has worked in a variety of roles at Place2Be and is now the Clinical Lead, for Scotland and is responsible for the clinical quality of the work. Having experience of the lasting difference that can be made in schools and communities from the ground up, Becky is hugely passionate about early intervention and the impact Place2Be’s work has.

Julia Jane Gladwin, a seasoned garden designer and founder of Go Flourish, discusses her mission to reconnect children with nature through innovative school gardens. She shares insights on how gardening fosters resilience and enhances learning, especially in the wake of the pandemic. The conversation highlights the transformative power of nature-based play and the critical need for community involvement. Julia also explores international opportunities for youth through WOOF, emphasizing the importance of enriching experiences and unity in building stronger communities.

In this month's episode, we speak to Dannielle Don, a Youth Development Worker at The MAXwell Centre in Dundee.About DannielleMy journey started in 2014 during a placement with Barnardo’s Growing Up Project, where I was introduced to The MAXwell Centre. That’s where I discovered my unexpected love for gardening, and it quickly blossomed into something more. I volunteered with the very first Garden Club and soon after joined the team in a professional role. Now, I work supporting local primary schools and nurseries, helping children plan, plant, and maintain their garden plots. Afternoons are a lively mix of After School Clubs, Youth Cooking Groups, and the Maxwell Youth Council (MYC), with a Garden Club during school holidays - everything we do is focused on building confidence, skills, and community in a fun, hands-on environment.I believe in the power of nature, food, and creativity to inspire young people, and I feel incredibly lucky to do what I love every day.

On this episode of the podcast, we speak to Niki Buchan about play in nature.Niki has 40 years’ experience in Early Education, works internationally as a conference keynote speaker, nature pedagogue, trainer, and award-winning author. She is a strong advocate for children’s right to a quality childhood, including the right to regular play and access to nature. She is the author of ‘Children in Wild Nature’, ‘A Practical Approach to Nature-based Practice’, co-author of STEM Detectives and author of ‘But I Want to be Good’.  Nurture Nature ConferencesHow outdoor play in natural environments, guided by nurturing adults, can transform children’s wellbeing. Expect an inspiring and practical experience that will equip you with tools to improve children’s wellbeing, behaviour, and resilience through outdoor play. Perth - Saturday, 24 May 2025 Aberdeen - Saturday, 31 May 2025 Bathgate - Saturday, 28 June 2025 https://salugen.uk/shop/  

On this episode of the podcast, we speak to Angelica Celinska about working in early years childcare.Angelica is an early childhood advocate, lecturer and founder of The Voice of Early Childhood (TVOEC). Angelica is working on giving the early childhood sector a voice through TVOEC by encouraging shared reflection, dialogue, collaboration and healthy debate. Angelica’s areas of expertise are community building, networking, career progression and bridging the gap between academia and practice. She has worked in practice across various settings and in different roles, before moving into content creation aimed at enhancing training and development for both educators and parents across the globe. This has involved working in publishing, training, academia, events and resourcing learning environments.http://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/

On this episode of the podcast, we speak to Suzanne Scott and Rodney Mountain who have been creating nature trails across Scotland to encourage families to get out and explore. "I'm enthusiastic about promoting playful curiosity, wellbeing and outdoor exploration through art and community. I partnered with Rodney Mountain, the creator of ‘Brambles and Brumbles’ concept of intergenerational togetherness. He is a champion of bringing people together and he is passionate about the value of bringing art and design into healthcare. Together we created an inspiring, magical trail of inclusivity, togetherness, nature based wellbeing and outdoor adventuring."The trail is housed at Dundee Botanic Garden, with one day pop up trails at Scone Palace, Dens Road Primary School, Creative Dundee and the Maxwell Centre (Community Centre and Garden).

In this episode, we hear from Dr. Dan Wuori about his work in early years education.Dan Wuori is the Founder and President of Early Childhood Policy Solutions and Strategic Advisor on Early Childhood at the Saul Zaentz Charitable Foundation. Dr Wuori is a former kindergarten teacher and school district administrator. Working as the Deputy Director of South Carolina First Steps to School Readiness he developed significant, bipartisan support for early childhood education, including the creation of statewide program accountability standards, and the expansion of evidence-based home visiting programs.  Dr. Wuori holds a bachelor's degree in broadcast journalism, a Master of Arts in Teaching, and a Ph.D. in early childhood education, all from the University of South Carolina. He speaks to a social media audience of a quarter of a million to share the powerful learning and development that happens in the early years. And in turn, uses this learning to influence national policy.

In this podcast episode, we hear from Dr. Mike Wragg and his research on play in care homes.Dr Mike Wragg is a Senior Lecturer on the Childhood Development & Playwork BA (Hons) course at Leeds Beckett University.  Mike is Chair of Trustees of Play Bradford, a local play development charity that he founded in 2004, and which incorporates the Big Swing adventure playground.  Mike's current research is focussed on the practice of playwork in care homes with people living with dementia, which he's presenting at the 2004 UK Dementia Congress.