PLAY (Positivity, Leadership and Activated Youth)

PLAY is a one-day program that trains Grade 5 and 6 student leaders to lead safe and fun activities with peers and younger students.

On this page

  • Tier: Tier 1: Positive mental health promotion
  • Category of intervention: Whole school approach to mental health
  • Strength of evidence: Level 2: Supported by general evidence for the practice
  • Geographic location: Statewide

Program description

The PLAY Program trains up to 30 Grade 5 and 6 student leaders to lead safe and fun activities with peers and younger students during breaks. Structured sessions promote confidence, relationship skills, inclusion and belonging. PLAY encourages physical activity, social skills and cooperation among students of all ages and abilities.

Intended outcomes

  • Increased social inclusion and connection
  • Improved self-esteem and confidence
  • Improved emotional wellbeing
  • Increased resilience
  • Improved leadership skills
  • Increased school engagement
  • Reduced antisocial behaviour

Program details

Target audience
  • Primary school students – all
  • Primary school staff – capacity building
Program providerResilient Youth Australia Pty Ltd
Delivery modeFace-to-face

Implementation considerations

  • Target population: Primary school students in grades 1 to 6.
  • Program adaptability: The program is suitable for diverse cohorts including:
    • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students
    • culturally and linguistically diverse students
    • neurodivergent students
    • students with a disability.
  • Staffing: The program is delivered by 2 experienced facilitators with the school’s supervising teacher present. Schools are not required to backfill for teaching staff during the program.
  • Training requirements: There are no training requirements from schools prior to implementation of the program.
  • Factors to consider: There is no minimum number of participants required. Schools are not required to have or provide resources such as information technology. Ongoing support is provided through a post-delivery check in, school visits, regular newsletters, and free eBooks available to all participating schools. Schools can phone/email any PLAY facilitator at any point during the year for advice or support at no cost.
  • Australian context: PLAY is an Australian adaptation of Play at Lunchtimes (PALs) developed by Andrew Delaney for delivery in UK schools. It was adapted by Resilient Youth Australia to be delivered in Australian Schools with permission.

Cost

Minimum cost

$2,000+

Detailed cost

The 2025 cost for the full PLAY Program is $2,595 (including GST), plus a $400 fee if travel is beyond 100km of Melbourne CBD.

This includes:

  • a one-day training program for up to 30 Grade 5 and 6 students, delivered by 2 experienced facilitators
  • PLAY Teacher Toolkit
  • PLAY Teacher Program Guide
  • a PLAY Game Card Pack with over 30 games and activities, graded by activity level
  • PLAY Student Leader Certificates
  • 2 eBooks '101 Resilience Building Ideas' and '88 Ideas for Connecting to Nature'
  • 2 copies of 'No Bullying: A Bullying Prevention Manual for Principals and Teachers', by Professor Ken Rigby and Dr Andrew Wicking
  • access to the Resilience Survey and Mental Health Report for Year levels 3–6 inclusive.
Education

Updated

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