Whole School Wellbeing Starts with Play: A School of Play Conversation

In this Education Vanguard episode, host Kerstin Bender talks with Dale Sidebottom and Paul Campbell from School of Play, live from PHASE Conference. Together, they explore how play can move from the gym to the whole school, shaping culture, relationships, and wellbeing for staff, students, and families.

Dale and Paul share stories from international schools, from whole staff keynotes and leadership work to parent evenings that turn into deeply human moments. They discuss why teachers need to look after themselves first, how play can be accessible for introverts as well as high energy educators, and why staff wellbeing programs are no longer optional.

If you are looking for practical, human centred ways to build connection in your school and shift wellbeing from a PE responsibility to a whole school commitment, this conversation is for you. A great listen for PE teachers, school leaders, counsellors, and anyone who cares about thriving school communities.