Ludicology

Ludicology: Our Story

Wednesday March 15, 2023

In this short blog post we share a little bit about ourselves, why we started Ludicology and the principles that underpin all our work.

We (Ben and Mike) have worked for many years in play advocacy, support and development roles. We have worked in local authority and third sector organisations as well as in colleges and universities. In 2012 we carried out our first Play Sufficiency Assessment. That research generated many interesting and challenging findings. Most challenging for us was that much of the work needed to enable all children to exercise their right to play would require a much broader and farther-reaching outlet than the constraints of our jobs at that time allowed. So, in 2013 we set up Ludicology.

Understanding children’s playful behaviour and ways to support it are essential in caring for or working on behalf of children, families and communities. Through Ludicology (which means the study of playfulness) we support those interested in play and playfulness to develop evidence-based, play centred policies and practices. We also like working together, it’s when we do our best work, so that’s what we try to do as much as possible. Ludicology work to support all those interested in children’s play through advice, research and training. All our work is underpinned through three core principles:

Principle 1: Playing is Living

Humans have evolved to embody a playful disposition in their youth. Playing represents children’s primary form of participation in their everyday lives and is central to their experience and enjoyment of living. Play has unique behavioural qualities that lend themselves to the creation of experiences that are essential to children’s immediate and longer-term wellbeing and development.

Principle 2: Cultivating the Conditions for Play

Children are capable of being highly competent players however, their opportunities for playing will be restricted where conditions are not supportive. Ensuring our communities and institutions are fit for children requires the cultivation of sufficient time, space and permission for play across multiple levels of politics, policy, practice and provision.

Principle 3: Adopting a Play Centred Approach

Adults have a responsibility to be sensitive to the ways in which their actions impact upon children’s ability to play. This will inevitably involve negotiating concerns associated with allowing children greater freedom but will ultimately lead to the design and development of neighbourhoods, services and spaces that are more in tune with children’s innate drive to play.

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" Working with Ludicology on the play designs for Mereside, Blackpool was an important component of the project. Mike and Ben are a pleasure to work with, their experience and knowledge of play related issues and design is invaluable and unique. They are also both skilful workshop leaders and – importantly – fun to work with. "Nils Norman, Artist working across public art, architecture & urban planning

" Play Scotland was delighted to welcome Mike Barclay & Ben Tawil to Scotland recently to talk about their work measuring Play Sufficiency. The aim is clear-more children playing together more of the time! Ben and Mike offer simple steps to meet the ongoing challenge of improving the ability of adults to identify and develop ways in which they can better respond to children’s right to play. Uplifting and enthusiastic presenters, we had fantastic feedback on this inspirational presentation. "Marguerite Hunter Blair, CEO Play Scotland

" I don’t know what was going on in there but you could hear them all laughing at the other end of the building! (feedback from Managing Risk in Play training) "Sharon McCluskie, Information & Communications, Play Scotland

" Brymbo Heritage Trust worked with the Ludicology team across 2018 and 2019 to explore ways of incorporating play and playfulness within an industrial heritage visitor attraction and community park. They made us laugh, helped us rediscover the child within us (easier for some of us!) and see our proposals through children’s eyes. As a result we have a far more inclusive set of plans going forward, and a stronger team to boot. "Gary Brown, CEO Brymbo Heritage Trust

" Ludicology's research and development work on the Welsh Play Sufficiency Duty is fantastic. They bring insider knowledge, experience of real and innovative actions, and a conceptual approach focusing on conditions that support children's play. Plus, they are wonderful to work with, combining commitment, energy, creativity and playfulness. "Dr Wendy Russell

" Mike and Ben take a rigorous approach to play which at ZCD Architects we find extremely valuable. Their work is transformative, accessible and transferable and has helped us to position children’s play more strategically in terms of planning and design in London. "Dinah Bornat, co-founder of ZCD Architects and a Design Advocate for the Mayor of London

" Thanks to Ludicology for providing supervision and mentoring sessions for us at The Land. The service provided is truly excellent and includes the opportunity to reflect, test out new strategies and manage pressures - not forgetting the moral support and the assistance with staff and policy development. When it comes to play and playwork these guys have all the answers! Plus, they're pretty cool to be around 🙂 "Claire Pugh, ‘The Land’, Plas Madoc

" Mike and Ben have a particular knack for engaging with children to understand their needs for play and independence in the built environment. These practical skills are complimented by a rigorous academic approach to analysing data and reporting. "Helen Forman, Urban Design Manager, Leeds

" I just want to say the biggest thank to Ben and Mike for bringing their expertise and general magic to our Play-Work exhibition, right from planning stage and install, bringing all the stakeholders together, designing and building the space, advice throughout and for their involvement in the end of exhibition conference. It’s been a privilege working with them both and I’m looking forward to more shared projects in the future. "Jo Marsh, Creative Director at Tŷ Pawb

" Mike and Ben were great to work with. Having their more independent review of what was happening in terms of play at zoo bit, before and after our major campaign interventions, was really valuable in supporting us to develop our approach. Their supportive yet challenging approach also enabled us to work through what we needed to document about our approach to play, to ensure we could drive it forwards in the longer term. "Charlotte Smith, Head of Discovery and Learning at Chester Zoo

" The Loose Parts Play in Schools training inspired us. This is such an exciting venture for us and something that I strongly believe will transform behaviour on the playground, as well as improving the resilience, problem-solving skills and wellbeing of our children and staff. Ludicology training is highly recommended to all colleagues. At Gwaunfarren, this loose parts approach will play a pivotal role in the day to day running of the school. "Louise Bibby, Head Teacher at Gwaunfarren Primary School

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Ludicology support those interested in play and playfulness to develop evidence based play centred policies and practices through our advice, research and training services. Use this form to get in touch and to let us know what kind of support you require.

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