Addressing the withdrawal of playtime: a collaborative action research project

Despite evidence for the importance of playtime for children, the use of the withdrawal of playtime is a sanction that is used throughout schools in the UK. In light of this, there have been recent arguments highlighting the need to explore alternatives to this sanction in order to protect opportunities for playtime. This exploratory action research study included an initial focus group and multiple psychological consultations with teachers in a single setting to collaboratively explore and review potential alternatives. Findings include teachers wanting to address behaviours that often result in the withdrawal of playtime, and strategies to address these were co-constructed and implemented. Other findings included contextual barriers to stopping the use of withdrawing playtime, such as curriculum constraints, as well as facilitative aspects to stopping the withdrawal of playtime. Further implications for EP and school practice and research, as well as limitations, are discussed.