In September 2006, play was top of the agenda in a Sutton primary school. Traditional teaching was put on hold and children were given the opportunity to learn through play in a celebration of National Play Month.

Culvers House Primary School in Sutton is proud of its creative curriculum and tries to make sure the children enjoy learning. Yet the outcomes of a day of play at school surpassed the school leadership's wildest expectations. Emma Walford, deputy head teacher, said "When I first had the seed of an idea for this special day I had no idea of the impact it would have on the children's learning and creativity."

An assortment of activities was provided with the help of the Behaviour Support service, to encourage the children and adults to express their playful side alongside each other. Such interaction is often difficult with pressures from today's curriculum.

During the morning the children spent time in three areas set up to promote different types of play. Two playgrounds created opportunities for structured or free play activities. These included parachute games, hoola hoops, drawing and painting, riding bikes and scooters, playing with sand and water, basketball, bouncy castle, and playing giant body ball games. Gunge, slime and spaghetti worms enriched the - possibly - most popular messy zone.

Inside the school the children were free to choose from dressing up, board games and puzzles, junk modelling, and computers. They could also chill out in a sensory room full of cushions, wonderful lights, and music.

In the afternoon the children could choose what they wanted to play in their classes. Many continued the activities they had started in the morning. Among the older children, role play, dressing up and the gunge continued to be popular talking points.

Tim Wallder, London Play Development Officer, says: "This could be a strong indicator that children in today's society are not getting enough time to explore through play. They will revisit these stages if they have not had the opportunity to thrive previously."