WEBINAR RECORDING
Play is not just something children do — it is how they build relationships, feel they belong, and make sense of the world around them. For many young children, especially those growing up in vulnerable situations, access to safe, welcoming spaces for play is also a first step towards inclusion in education and community life.
TOY for Inclusion was created with this in mind. Through community-based Play Hubs, the initiative brings together young children, families and practitioners in informal, joyful spaces where play becomes a bridge — supporting children’s transition into formal education, strengthening relationships with parents and caregivers, and encouraging collaboration across education, social and community services. Since its launch, TOY for Inclusion has established Play Hubs in 9 European countries, reaching more than 50,000 children aged 0–10, 20,000 adults, and 3,000 practitioners, and was recognised by HundrED in both 2025 and 2026 as a global education innovation.
But inclusion is only the starting point.
How do we move from doing things for children to deciding things with them?
What does participation look like for very young children — and what does it require from adults?
TOY for Participation builds on the Play Hub experience by placing children’s voices, choices and perspectives at the centre of everyday practice. It invites adults to reflect on power, listen differently, and work alongside children as partners in shaping learning environments and community spaces.
In this webinar, we will explore:
- How TOY for Inclusion works in practice — and how it evolved into TOY for Participation
- Why reflecting on power, participation and adult roles is essential for inclusive early childhood practice
- Practical insights from implementing countries, including training practitioners, changing mindsets and examples from practice
- Opportunities for participants to reflect, exchange experiences and engage live during the session
This webinar is for early childhood educators, teacher trainers, researchers, system leaders and policy makers who are interested in practical, play-based approaches that strengthen belonging, amplify children’s voices and support more equitable learning opportunities from the earliest years.
The webinar is hosted by International Child Development Initiatives, the international coordinator of TOY for Inclusion Play Hubs (Global Collection 2025, 2026)
