Ceredigion County Council website

International Day of Play is recognised globally as an opportunity to protect, promote and prioritise play, recognising its vital role in children’s development, wellbeing, creativity, resilience and social connections.

Ysgol y Dderi was selected as the winner for the mid Wales region as part of Clybiau Plant Cymru Kids’ Clubs’ annual Playground Takeovers initiative, now in its third year. The programme highlights the importance of play and champions every child’s right to play.

Throughout the afternoon, children built cardboard cities, created clay masterpieces, constructed dens, experimented with hammers and nails, covered playgrounds with colourful chalk art and immersed themselves in imaginative dressing-up activities.

The event proved so popular that attendance at the after-school club doubled for the session, following promotion of the International Day of Play takeover.

Using loose parts, creative materials, games and play resources, children transformed school spaces into places of imagination, experimentation and collaboration. Despite some wet weather, activities continued both indoors and outdoors, demonstrating that meaningful play can happen anywhere when children are given the time, space and freedom to play.

Carys Davies, Strategic Childcare Manager for Ceredigion County Council, said: “A child’s right to play is protected under Article 31 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. The Childcare Unit is proud to support registered childcare and play settings across Ceredigion that recognise the importance of play and place it at the heart of their provision. The after-school club at Ysgol y Dderi did extremely well to win this event which benefited all who attended.”

Councillor Wyn Thomas, Ceredigion County Council Cabinet Member, added: “Congratulations to Ysgol y Dderi on winning this fantastic event. After-school clubs provide children with valuable opportunities to play, socialise and develop important life skills.

“They also play a vital role in supporting working parents and carers, making them an essential service for many families across Ceredigion.”

For information about providing a childcare and/or play service in Ceredigion, visit the Ceredigion County Council website: Providing a Childcare and/or Play

09/07/2026