Play practice guideline

Play is a fundamental occupation for children and young people

Occupational therapy and play practice guideline

Play is a fundamental occupation for children and young people. That is why we have produced an evidence-based practice guideline on play for occupational therapists. 

Our Occupational therapy and play practice guideline provides recommendations based on high-quality research evidence. It supports occupational therapists’ use of play in assessment and intervention, and to evaluate play participation as a meaningful occupational therapy goal or outcome for the child or young person.

Download the guideline (PDF, 1.22MB)

Download Appendix 2 Evidence tables supplement (PDF, 402.59KB)

illustration of family feeding the ducks

Looking for a more playful version of the guideline?

Check out our film, produced in partnership with Highly Sprung, that explains the guideline and its recommendations through a performance by young people.

illustration of kids playing on swing

Looking for a quick guide to the recommendations? Download our Quick reference and implementation guide

Want to audit your team’s practice against the recommendations? Download our Audit tool.

Looking for a group or individual CPD session? Download our Learning session
You can then use our Reflection tool to record your individual learning and evidence your CPD for HCPC.

  • Publication date: 2023
  • Main PDF download: 101 pages
  • Online only