We are currently recruiting schools to understand whether we can encourage empathy in reception classes! We will deliver a research-based play programme, in line with PSHE curriculum guidelines, in the 2026-2027 academic year. All reception classes across London are welcome to join. We will provide lesson plans, emotion activities, toys, and teacher training.
Email cbcd-empathy-play-study@bbk.ac.uk to register your interest.
Registering your interest doesn’t commit you to anything. We will simply email you the full information about our empathy play programme. We are always happy to arrange a chat to answer any questions.
We will provide all resources – lesson plans, toys, books, and research-based activities.
What you get:
- Free professional development on empathy and social-emotional learning.
- Free resources (books, content, lesson plans and toys) for PSHE classes in line with government guidelines, which can be used for future years.
- The opportunity for your school to contribute to university research on children’s social learning.
What’s involved?
- Teachers participate in short training sessions about the play programme and empathy development through play. Training will be conducted at a time convenient to you, is in line with PSHE government guidelines, and helps fulfil curriculum requirements.
- Teachers deliver the play programme during 11 weekly sessions, during their usual school day – we provide all resources!
- The play programme aims to improve children’s empathy through play and emotion activities.
Contact cbcd-empathy-play-study@bbk.ac.uk for further information.