Wellbeing

Playing Inclusively: Helping Everyone Feel Welcome

Play is an important part of school life. Through games, conversations and shared activities, children build friendships, confidence and social skills. One of the best ways we can support positive playground experiences is by encouraging inclusive play practices that help all students feel welcome and valued.

Inclusive play means noticing when someone may be left out and using simple strategies to help them join in. Children can learn that everyone communicates, plays and socialises differently, and that being a good friend sometimes means adjusting the way we interact with others.

Some helpful skills students can practise include:

• inviting others to join a game or activity
• using kind and encouraging language
• waiting and giving others time to respond
• asking open-ended questions to keep conversations going
• taking turns and sharing ideas
• noticing when someone may need support to join in
• choosing games that allow multiple players and flexible roles
• including peers with shared interests

At school, staff support students to develop these social and communication skills through modelling, role-play, group activities and guided practice. Children are encouraged to learn how to work together, communicate clearly and support one another during classroom and playground interactions.

Research shows that inclusive social practices can strengthen friendships, increase confidence and help create a stronger sense of belonging for all children. Importantly, these approaches benefit every student by building empathy, teamwork and positive communication skills. (AllPlay Learn)

Families can also support inclusive play at home by encouraging children to:

• talk about kindness and empathy
• practise turn-taking games
• include others during community activities or playdates
• celebrate differences and individual strengths

By working together, we can continue creating a school community where every child feels included, respected and connected.

Wellbeing Team