Wellbeing - Positive & Inclusive Play

Supporting Positive and Inclusive Play

At St Peter’s, breaktime sport and play are important opportunities for students to unwind, connect with others, build friendships, strengthen teamwork skills, and enjoy being active together. Recently, we have observed an increase in some students using unkind language during games, leaving others out of play, or placing a strong emphasis on winning.

Although these situations can sometimes appear minor, they can greatly influence how safe, confident, and included students feel during breaktimes. Encouraging positive and inclusive play helps foster a sense of belonging and support for all students, and we want every child to feel valued and welcome to participate.

We recognise that children are continually developing important social and emotional skills, such as managing frustration, communicating respectfully, resolving conflicts appropriately, and showing empathy towards others. These skills develop over time and are most effective when consistently reinforced both at school and at home.

The Importance of Positive Play

When students are left out of games or experience unkind language during play, it can impact their confidence, friendships, and willingness to join in. These behaviours can also affect the overall environment of play, making breaktimes less enjoyable for everyone involved.

Positive communication, encouragement, and fair play, however, help foster a welcoming and supportive environment where students feel a sense of belonging. Simple actions such as including others, encouraging teammates, and showing respect towards peers can greatly enhance the experience of play for all students.

How Parents and Carers Can Support Positive Play

We value the important role families play in reinforcing positive messages about teamwork, inclusion, and respectful behaviour. Parents and carers can support these messages at home by encouraging their child to:

• Use kind and respectful language during games and play
• Welcome others who would like to join in
• Support and encourage teammates rather than focus on errors or mistakes
• Prioritise fair play, teamwork, and enjoyment over simply winning
• Seek assistance from an adult when they are unsure how to manage a situation appropriately

Having simple conversations at home can also help strengthen these important social skills. Some helpful questions might include:

• “How did you show inclusion or kindness today?”
• “Did someone encourage or support you during play today?”
• “What could you do to help others feel included in games and activities?”

Working Together

At school, we will continue to support students by reinforcing positive behaviour expectations, providing guided play opportunities, and explicitly teaching social and emotional skills.

Through a strong partnership between home and school, we can help ensure that breaktime sport and play continue to be positive experiences where every student feels safe, valued, included, and confident to participate.

Thank you for your continued support in fostering a respectful, caring, and inclusive school community.

Natasha Franchina

Learning Diversity Leader  / Wellbeing Leader 

MHiPS Leader