STAFF TRAINING

for Children's Activity Providers

Whether you work in Early Years education, family support, libraries, community organisations, children's camps, hospitality or play-based programmes, Discovery Playtime offers tailored training and consultancy to help you create more engaging, inclusive and meaningful experiences.

With over 12 years of experience in education, play-based learning and programme design, we provide practical, interactive training covering child development, neurodiversity and inclusion, sensory play, communication, emotional regulation, Early Years CPD, parent education and creative play experiences.

Our approach goes beyond sharing information, helping professionals and organisations develop new perspectives, strengthen their practice and confidently support the children, families and communities they work with.

WHO WE WORK WITH

We specialise in training and programme development for:

Holiday Camps and Clubs

Hotel Mini-Clubs and Entertainment Teams

Elf Experiences and Seasonal Events

Libraries, Toddler Groups, and Family Programmes

Organisations working with children

Training is always tailored to your setting, your staff’s experience, and the needs of your audience.

OUR NEW PROGRAMS

1. SUPPORTING NEURODIVERGENT CHILDREN THROUGH PLAY

Supporting Neurodivergent Children Through Play is a practical six-week programme for parents and caregivers who want to understand their child’s individual communication, sensory preferences, regulation and play. Through weekly 60-minute sessions, parents learn how to create safety and connection, offer meaningful choices and boundaries, develop accessible play experiences, and recognise when to join, help, wait or step back.

The programme is suitable for families of neurodivergent children, including children awaiting assessment or receiving additional support, and can be delivered directly in partnership with organisations or through staff training that equips teams to facilitate it themselves.

2. PLAY FOR GROWTH: A PARENT AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

Play for Growth is an interactive four-week parent and child development programme inspired by Aistear, Ireland's Early Childhood Curriculum Framework. Through practical parent learning and shared family play experiences, parents explore how to support children's emotional wellbeing, communication, independence, creativity and holistic development.

Each session combines guided discussion and reflection with hands-on play, helping parents strengthen connections with their children and recognise everyday opportunities for learning and growth. Designed for Family Resource Centres, Childcare Committees, libraries and family support organisations across Ireland, the programme offers an accessible and engaging approach to parent education and learning through play.

Some of our very special sessions

Working with the Alive Outside team for over 3 years

PROJECT: Designing a CREATIVITY and STEM programmes for their outdoor summer camps and training their staff


OUTCOME: A brand-new creative programme aligned with the outdoor ethos, delivered through a hands-on, high-impact training for 40+ instructors.

“What we quickly realised was that everything Mireia brought to the table was relevant across the board. Her insights and approach will impact every part of our camp experience.”

Sunway Holidays x Discovery Playtime since 2018 both in Ireland and Lapland

PROJECT: Elevating the Magic of Christmas in Lapland with recruitment and training of their Lapland elves with Sunway Holidays.
OUTCOME: A professional, heart-led Elf School programme uniting Irish and Finnish teams to deliver an unforgettable family experience.

“It’s not just about entertainment, it’s about creating memories, connection, and joy that families will carry with them for life.”

- Mireia, Founder of Discovery Playtime & Head Elf for Sunway Lapland Experience

Our training sessions are practical, engaging and designed around your team. Rather than simply sharing theory, we explore real challenges, experience ideas through play and give staff practical tools they can use straight away, helping them feel more confident, creative and intentional in the experiences they create for children, adapting to the real challenges and strengths of your team and organisation.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

Engaging, play-based training sessions that staff actually enjoy

Hands-on ideas that can be delivered right away

A better understanding of child development and inclusive practice

Creative activity plans that match your brand, space, and goals

A confident, inspired team ready to lead with purpose

Ongoing inspiration and support to keep your programme fresh

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CUSTOMISED TRAINING SESSIONS

TAILORED TRAINING IN ACTION

Communicating Through Music, Art & Play

How can play strengthen communication and connection with adults with intellectual disabilities? Our hands-on training with KARE staff explored creative ways to make everyday interactions more meaningful: through music, art, sensory exploration and role play. Discover how we tailored the experience to their team and the people they support.

Creating More Inclusive & Engaging Libraries

Co. Meath library staff training

We worked with County Meath Libraries to explore how simple, intentional changes can create more meaningful and inclusive experiences for children and families.

Play as meaningful learning to create a sense of belonging for all the children and families in the community

Understanding behaviour through observation

Supporting different sensory needs

Creating spaces that encourage curiosity and connection

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Creating More Inclusive & Engaging Libraries

BARRETSTOWN TEAM SESSIONS

We worked with Barretstown to explore how imagination, play and connection can support children navigating serious illness, across hospital, home, school and camp settings.

TEAM FEEDBACK

"Mireia facilitated a workshop in my workplace recently. The workshop was very enjoyable and interactive. Mireia was able to capture the groups attention very well by explaining each aspect of the workshop is easy to follow steps and practical sessions. I felt I had learnt a lot of new ways to support young and old in the development of their skills. The time went by very quickly but we still managed to cover a lot of information. I would reccommend this workshop to anyone working with children."

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Imagination and playfulness as a foundation for connection

Following a child's lead, and creating real choice and safety

Meeting a child where they are, to unlock magic moments

Play adapted safely for every space and every child's needs

Discovery Playtime

Creating playful experiences where children thrive through curiosity, creativity and connection.
Whether we're running camps, festivals, workshops, family events, educator training or sharing conversations through our podcast, our mission is the same: to give children the time, space and freedom to simply be children.

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