01 / Reflect
PLAYS Assessment
A guided assessment that helps individuals or teams reflect on an experience against the five principles and identify areas for improvement.
Audit & Certification
Building a clearer understanding of quality in digital play.
PLAYS™ offers a structured approach to reviewing digital products, content, learning experiences and programmes for children. The first commercial offer is a human-led, evidence-based Digital Play Quality Audit.
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02 / Review
PLAYS Audit
A more comprehensive review of a product, platform, content library or programme. An audit may consider evidence, design features, user journeys and implementation context.
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03 / Recognise
PLAYS Certification
A potential quality-recognition pathway based on defined criteria, evidence requirements, assessment protocols and independent review arrangements.
Potential areas of application
Designed for the people creating children's digital experiences.
Assessment parameters, evidence standards, review processes and certification governance need to be established before any formal certification is offered.
- Children's apps, games and interactive media.
- Digital learning platforms and educational technology.
- Children's content, stories and creative tools.
- Digital programmes and learning initiatives.
- Organisational approaches to children's digital experiences.
Flagship service
PLAYS™ Digital Play Quality Audit
A professional assessment service for organisations that develop, commission, procure or implement digital experiences for children. The Institutional Pilot Edition is the first product being developed for client engagements.
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Quick Review
An initial review of an app, game or content experience, with concise findings and priority questions. The scope and deliverables are agreed with the organisation before the review begins.
- Initial evidence scan
- Priority strengths and concerns
- Recommended next steps
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Comprehensive Audit
A full five-principle assessment supported by evidence and a detailed report, with scope shaped by product complexity, evidence availability and intended use.
- Principle-wise findings and scorecard
- Evidence and methodology notes
- Practical improvement recommendations
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Design & Portfolio Review
Formative support during development, or a review across an organisation’s product and content portfolio.
- Design review and product journey
- Institutional portfolio assessment
- Annual reassessment option
How the audit works
Evidence first. Expert judgement always.
The assessment process connects submitted product evidence to the PLAYS™ principles. AI may assist with organising evidence and drafting, but expert reviewers remain responsible for interpretation, findings and recommendations.
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01 · Product evidence
App information, videos, screenshots, user journeys, privacy policies and product documentation are gathered within an agreed scope.
- Define product and audience
- Agree evidence set and boundaries
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02 · Evidence mapping
Evidence is organised against the five principles, with gaps and uncertainties made visible.
- Indicator-level evidence trail
- No assumptions where evidence is missing
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03 · Human expert review
Reviewers consider developmental fit, context, inclusion, safety, quality and the limits of available evidence.
- Expert interpretation
- Quality review and report approval
Certification and recognition are developmental ambitions, not an automatic outcome of purchasing an audit. Any formal PLAYS™ Assessor credential or PLAYS™ quality mark will follow validated criteria, assessor calibration, independent quality assurance, clear appeals and renewal rules. Organisations pay for independent evaluation—not a favourable score.
Connect
Partnership and collaboration enquiries
Get in touch about working with PLAYS.