Play Matters
Centre of Excellence
Are you proud of your play-based practice? Do you champion child-led learning and joyful, relational pedagogy?
The Play Matters Centre of Excellence Award is launching soon, an exciting opportunity for early years settings to be nationally recognised for their commitment to high-quality, play-centred provision.
🏅 Apply to become a Recognised Play Matters Provider
📋 Submit a portfolio of practice
👀 Receive a visit from a Play Matters Validator
📣 Celebrate your setting with a digital badge, a setting award, certificate & national spotlight on our website.
Let’s celebrate the power of play, together. 💛
#PlayMatters #CentreOfExcellence #EarlyYears #PlayBasedLearning #ChildCentred
Play Matters Centre of Excellence Award
Purpose
To recognise early years settings that demonstrate a deep commitment to child-centred, play focused learning. This award celebrates exemplary practice aligned with the Play Matters philosophy, supporting settings to embed and advocate for play as central to children’s development.
Eligibility
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Open to all early years providers (nurseries, preschools, childminders, and school-based settings).
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Must have been operational for at least 12 months.
Play Matters Centre of Excellence Award
Application Process
Stage One
Stage One: Expression of Interest (EOI)
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Complete the short online form below capturing:
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Setting name, type, and location
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Brief summary of play-based ethos
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Motivation for applying
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Non-refundable application fee (e.g. £95) to proceed to full application
Stage Two
Stage Two: Written Application Portfolio
Settings submit a detailed portfolio demonstrating their commitment to play. This includes:
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Philosophy of Play: A statement outlining the setting’s approach to play and how it aligns with Play Matters principles.
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Practice in Action: Examples (photos, vignettes, child voice) showing play-rich environments, interactions, and daily routines.
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Leadership for Play: How leadership promotes and protects play, including CPD and parent engagement.
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Reflection and Impact: Evidence of reflective practice and how play improves outcomes for children.
Stage Three
Stage Three: Validation Visit
A member of the Play Matters team will visit the setting to:
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Observe practice and environments
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Speak with staff, children, and (optionally) families
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Review supporting documentation
The visit focuses on authenticity, relational pedagogy, and play as children’s right and lived experience.
Play Matters Centre of Excellence Award
Award Criteria
Principles
Settings must meet the following principles (tailored indicators to be co-created, e.g. using RAG rating):
Recognition and Benefits
Here you will find a list of benefits for holding the Play Matters Centre of Excellence award.
Outcomes
Outcomes are measured in the following ways:
Costs
For a breakdown of award costs, please see the next slide.
Play Matters Centre of Excellence Award
Costs
Expression of interest
The expression of interest cost is £95 and covers administrative costs to register your interest in qualifying for the Play Matters Centre of Excellence Award. Once you have completed your Expression of Interest form in Stage One, please use the payment button below to complete your Stage One submission.
Full Application and Visit
The total cost of applying for the Play Matters Centre of Excellence Award is £500, covers administrative fees and a centre visit. once you have completed the form in Stage Two, proceed to the payment button below.