October 2021

Play prepares children for the future. Any future.

How do we ready children for a world where machines are replacing jobs?

Imagine a world where half our children grow up without the skills they need

We don’t need a crystal ball to see it: right now, it’s reality for 825 million children around the world. We need to get them ready for a life where robots and algorithms replace some kinds of work, while roles we never dreamed of spring up unexpectedly. The World Economic Forum predicts 85 million traditional jobs won’t exist by 2025 – but without the right skills, who’s going to do the 97 million new ones that appear in their place?

It’s not all about tomorrow. There’s a skills gap widening today.

Already, 94% of businesses say they expect people to learn new skills on the job (as recently as 2018, only 65% said the same). The skills they most want to see? Critical thinking, problem-solving, active learning, resilience, stress tolerance, creativity, and flexibility. Handily enough, these are closely linked to the five super skills children develop naturally when they learn through play. And we don’t have time to waste: the Education Commission reports that 40% of employers say they’re already struggling to find people with those skills. Children won’t develop those skills if they’re just learning to repeat back facts. But by learning through play (in school and out), they can become adaptable, creative learners. We’ve published a paper that sets out the ways education systems can act now to stave off the growing skills crisis, and keep up with the rate of change in the wider world.

World Economic Forum Future Of Jobs Report 2020

It’s time to invest in tomorrow’s problem-solvers

We want every child to have the joyful, playful experiences they need to thrive, now and in the future. It’s the right thing to do. It’s also the smart thing to do. Rapid change hits low-income economies fastest. But we’re all connected: what happens in one area of the world affects another. After all, the world is facing global threats like climate change, which need urgent, creative solutions – so why not unleash the full potential of our future thinkers and leaders? Learning through play allows children to practice the essential skills they need to be lifelong learners. It taps into the natural ways we learn to nurture capable, confident children who become adults ready to take on the world. Whatever it looks.

Dive into our latest news, research, blogs and project stories

October 2021 Opinion
Closing the skills gap
Education systems need to keep up with the world’s rate of change to close our widening skills gap. Here’s what they can do
March 2024 News
Celebrating UN adoption of an International Day of Play
June 2023 Opinion
5 signs you’re (already) a playful parent
June 2022 Opinion
For families to play more, we need better policies
Playful parenting is a huge child development boost – but parents are too often over-stretched and under-supported. Here’s how systems can help families unlock the power of play.
May 2022 Opinion
8 play ideas for family wellbeing
May 2022 Opinion
Play isn’t another thing to do. It’s another way to do things
Playful parenting gives a boost to every member of the family – and it doesn’t have to feel like yet another thing on the to do list. Read one parent’s perspective on getting more play in every day

Try some of our favourite games

Mission Improbable

Ages: 6-9 years

People: 3+

Duration: Under 15 minutes

Brick Music Sequence

Ages: 6-9 years

People: 4+

Duration: Under 15 minutes

Unseen Guesses

Ages: 6-9 years

People: 3+

Duration: Under 15 minutes

Tricky Tower

Ages: 6-9 years

People: 2+

Duration: Under 15 minutes

Shadows Theatre

Ages: 3-6 years

People: 2+

Duration: 15-30 minutes

Explore the research

How can reading be more playful?
Play is a powerful tool for children's language development. Here's why playful reading is so important.
In the classroom, Future skills
Learning through play: what the science says
Do you know that play builds brains? We look at research that shows how playful learning experiences lay the foundations for brain development and develops 21st century skills
In the classroom, At home, Future skills
The relationship between learning through play and holistic skills
Learning through play helps children develop the skills they need to thrive. And we’ve got an ever-growing body of evidence to illustrate it. Take a look.
Future skills, In the classroom
Positive play in a digital age
Children spend more time online than ever – so it is vitally important that digital platforms are a safe space to explore and learn through play. Here’s how organisations are steering industry and governments to put children’s wellbeing first.
Technology, Wellbeing
Why creativity matters and how play nurtures creative minds
Creativity is instinctive in children – and just as essential in adults. Here’s an introduction to what we know so far about why and how we should make space for children to hone creative skills.
In the classroom, At home, Future skills, Systems reform