Work With Schools

With over 40 years of experience in educational settings and work with families, our work with schools is an important part of our mission to champion play and creativity. 

 Children learn best when they are curious, creative and actively engaged — yet many schools struggle to protect time and space for high‑quality play. The Wild Things brings expert‑led play and creativity workshops and consultancy into primary schools, helping teachers enrich their curriculum, boost pupil wellbeing and strengthen the learning culture across the whole school. We equip staff with practical, evidence‑based approaches that make learning more joyful, more imaginative and more effective.  

What problem does this address?

Schools are increasingly finding that the space for play, creativity and imagination in childrens' lives has diminished. Schools want to build resilient learners who are flexible problem solvers but sometimes this starts to become a challenge! Many teachers also talk about how children find resolving conflict, turn-taking, and team work challenging when school is an environment where our children can develop their social skills. 

Play, creativity and imagination give children the opportunity to develop so many skills that help them thrive in a school environment. Play and creativity help primary pupils become better thinkers, better communicators, more confident problem‑solvers, and more emotionally secure learners.

Why this works for schools:

• Improved engagement and behaviour Play‑rich learning boosts focus, motivation and positive behaviour, especially for pupils who struggle in traditional classroom formats.

• Stronger language, communication and problem‑solving skills Creative activities develop vocabulary, reasoning, collaboration and flexible thinking — all essential for progress in core subjects.

• Supports wellbeing and emotional regulation Play provides a safe space for pupils to explore feelings, build resilience and reduce stress, contributing to calmer classrooms.

• Practical CPD for teachers Staff receive hands‑on strategies they can use immediately, aligned with the EYFS, KS1 and KS2 curriculum and whole‑school priorities.

• Inclusive and accessible for all learners Workshops are designed to support SEND pupils, EAL learners and children who benefit from multisensory, active approaches.

• Enhances school culture and community Play‑centred practice strengthens relationships, builds confidence and helps create a school environment where children feel they belong.

• Evidence‑based and aligned with current research Our approach draws on leading UK and international studies showing that play and creativity accelerate cognitive, social and emotional development.