
Unlocking Playground Potential
Reducing Conflict and Maximising the Positives of Unstructured Time in Schools
Amelia Roberts(Author)
Routledge (Publisher)
1st Edition
Published on 21. May 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
190 pages
978-1-032-52878-6 (ISBN)
Description
Playgrounds, breaktimes and lunchtimes are a crucial part of the school day but can often be a significant source of worry for both staff and students. This book brings together the most relevant research and practical insights from schools to understand the underlying reasons behind stress and conflict and to find creative ways to turn playtime into a positive experience for all.
Chapters cover a range of key topics, from playground design and staff training to supporting student interactions and reducing bullying. Full of practical ideas for improving wellbeing across school settings, the book:
Breaks down research into easily digestible chunks, explaining key theories and incorporating contributions from researchers in the field.
Contains advice on using playground maps to understand students' opinions of different areas and engage them in redesigning play elements such as games and sensory circuits.
Provides ideas for whole-school approaches to rethink 'hotspots' such as tricky transitions back into lessons or lunchtimes that just don't work.
Includes a wealth of case studies showcasing the ways in which different schools have made the most of playtime, alongside reflection opportunities for the reader and reflections from practitioners.
This book will help schools to turn breaktimes back into opportunities for exploring friendship, reducing stress and enhancing learning through play and social interaction. It is essential reading for senior leadership teams, SENCOs, teachers and playground supervisors.
Chapters cover a range of key topics, from playground design and staff training to supporting student interactions and reducing bullying. Full of practical ideas for improving wellbeing across school settings, the book:
Breaks down research into easily digestible chunks, explaining key theories and incorporating contributions from researchers in the field.
Contains advice on using playground maps to understand students' opinions of different areas and engage them in redesigning play elements such as games and sensory circuits.
Provides ideas for whole-school approaches to rethink 'hotspots' such as tricky transitions back into lessons or lunchtimes that just don't work.
Includes a wealth of case studies showcasing the ways in which different schools have made the most of playtime, alongside reflection opportunities for the reader and reflections from practitioners.
This book will help schools to turn breaktimes back into opportunities for exploring friendship, reducing stress and enhancing learning through play and social interaction. It is essential reading for senior leadership teams, SENCOs, teachers and playground supervisors.
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Professional Practice & Development
Illustrations
6 s/w Photographien bzw. Rasterbilder, 16 s/w Zeichnungen, 15 s/w Tabellen, 22 s/w Abbildungen
15 Tables, black and white; 16 Line drawings, black and white; 6 Halftones, black and white; 22 Illustrations, black and white
Dimensions
Height: 208 mm
Width: 296 mm
Thickness: 17 mm
Weight
540 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-032-52878-6 (9781032528786)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Amelia Roberts
Unlocking Playground Potential
Reducing Conflict and Maximising the Positives of Unstructured Time in Schools
E-Book
05/2026
1st Edition
Routledge
€35.49
Available for download

Amelia Roberts
Unlocking Playground Potential
Reducing Conflict and Maximising the Positives of Unstructured Time in Schools
E-Book
05/2026
1st Edition
Routledge
€35.49
Available for download

Amelia Roberts
Unlocking Playground Potential
Reducing Conflict and Maximising the Positives of Unstructured Time in Schools
Book
05/2026
1st Edition
Routledge
€191.50
Shipment within 10-20 days
Person
Amelia Roberts is an Associate Professor at UCL and Head of Department (Psychology and Human Development), formerly Deputy Director of UCL Centre for Inclusive Education Vice Dean (Enterprise) at the Institute of Education. Her research focuses on the relationship between research and schools, including how schools translate their knowledge and experience back into the research. Amelia has developed a number of inclusion and wellbeing-focused university-school partnership programmes and works internationally, including a UNICEF-funded Inclusive Classrooms project in Oman. She has also worked with the DfE on projects related to special educational needs, managed a centre for adults with disabilities in Hong Kong and has experience as a primary school TA and in an on-site Alternative Provision in a South London secondary school.
Content
About the Author
About the Contributor
Preface
Chapter 1: Why Are Playtimes, Breaktimes and Lunchtimes Important?
Chapter 2: Core Ideas Emerging from the Research
Chapter 3: How to Assess Your School's Break Times: Stress, Behaviour and Transitions
Chapter 4: Playground Design
Chapter 5: Managing Transitions
Chapter 6: Recognition and Support for Midday and Lunchtime Supervisors in Creating Harmonious Break Times
Chapter 7: Children and Young People at Particular Risk of Poor Experiences During Play Time
Chapter 8: Designing a Project for Your School: Networks, Collaborations and Frameworks
Downloadable Resource: Framework for Thinking About Playgrounds and Breaktimes
Downloadable Practical Resources
Index
About the Contributor
Preface
Chapter 1: Why Are Playtimes, Breaktimes and Lunchtimes Important?
Chapter 2: Core Ideas Emerging from the Research
Chapter 3: How to Assess Your School's Break Times: Stress, Behaviour and Transitions
Chapter 4: Playground Design
Chapter 5: Managing Transitions
Chapter 6: Recognition and Support for Midday and Lunchtime Supervisors in Creating Harmonious Break Times
Chapter 7: Children and Young People at Particular Risk of Poor Experiences During Play Time
Chapter 8: Designing a Project for Your School: Networks, Collaborations and Frameworks
Downloadable Resource: Framework for Thinking About Playgrounds and Breaktimes
Downloadable Practical Resources
Index