Ludicology

Work with us

Ludicology is a small specialist research and consultancy organisation working to improve the conditions for children’s play. From time to time we recruit employees and associates to help us deliver and develop our work.

Current opportunities

OPAL Mentor

Permanent, part-time | 4 days / 29.6 hours per week | £34,400 per year (£43,000 FTE) | Home-based with extensive regional travel

We are recruiting an OPAL Mentor to work with primary schools through the Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL) Primary Programme, helping schools make sustained cultural and practical changes so children experience better opportunities for play every day.

Closing date: 11.59 pm, Sunday 1 November 2026

View the OPAL Mentor vacancy

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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

Get in Touch

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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