1. Define the experience
Clarify who the experience is for, what children are expected to do, the developmental purpose and the context in which it will be used.
Putting PLAYS into Practice
Putting the principles to work.
PLAYS is intended to be used—not simply displayed. The five principles offer a shared language for examining digital experiences, identifying strengths and making practical improvements across design, delivery and use.
A child-development lens helps us move from broad intentions to decisions that reflect children’s needs, rights, relationships and everyday experiences.
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2. Gather evidence
Review the content, interaction design, accessibility, privacy, adult role and opportunities for learning. Where appropriate, include observation, child and caregiver perspectives, and evidence from real use.
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3. Reflect across all five principles
Consider Purposeful, Learner-led, Adult Connected, Yielding Real-world Learning, and Safe & Developmentally Appropriate. Look for both strengths and tensions; one strong feature does not compensate automatically for a serious weakness elsewhere.
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4. Identify improvements
Translate findings into specific design, content, implementation or mediation actions. Prioritise issues by their potential impact on children.
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5. Review and learn
Revisit the experience after changes. Document what improved, what remains uncertain and what further evidence is needed.
PLAYS supports structured reflection and improvement. Any formal audit or certification decision requires a defined methodology, evidence standards, qualified human review and transparent governance.
Connect
Partnership and collaboration enquiries
Get in touch about working with PLAYS.