The BBC have announced that the classic children’s TV show Play School will be getting a reboot as part of the broadcaster’s new Parenting Promise.
The CBeebies Parenting Promise is a commitment to help support parents and carers as they help children learn through play.
Patricia Hidalgo, the director of BBC children’s and education, writes: “As the world around children continues to change, we believe it’s important to be clearer than ever about the values, standards and principles that guide everything we offer.”
“Your child comes first. We are committed to creating inspiring experiences that spark creativity, curiosity and imagination in every child. Everything we offer is developed with care, purpose and the highest editorial standards, so you can feel confident in the content your family enjoys. We want every child to feel welcome, included and able to see themselves reflected in what they watch, hear and experience.”
Hidalgo goes on to explain that CBeebies, home to shows including Colourblocks, Balamory and CBeebies Bedtime Stories, will support both parents and children, with guidance, expert advice and practical help, and that “every story, song, game and character is shaped by programme makers, educators, child development specialists and audience experts who care deeply about creating content that is right for young children.”
Part of the Parenting Promise is the announcement that beloved show Play School will return to British TV screens.
The original series ran from 1964 until 1988, and featured songs, stories and activities and presenters who spoke directly to the young children who were watching. During the show’s run, the hosts included Brian Cant, Johnny Ball, husband and wife Eric Thompson and Phyllida Law, Julie Stevens and Derek Griffiths.
Originally formulated to recreate nursery and playgroup experiences at home, the new version of Play School will be inspired by the classic series, and the BBC have asked producers to come forward to pitch their own take on the blend of live action, songs, stories, movement, poetry and play. They have been asked to shape the series for today’s audiences while keeping the values that made Play School such a long-running and much loved show.
“Parents and carers place enormous trust in CBeebies and that is a responsibility we never take for granted. In a changing media landscape, we believe trusted, high-quality children’s content has never been more important,” Hidalgo said.
“Play School has always embodied so much of what CBeebies stands for: creativity, curiosity, imagination and learning through play. Bringing it back for a new generation is a meaningful opportunity to build on that legacy, while continuing to support parents and carers through CBeebies Parenting and the wider commitment set out in our Parenting Promise.”
Play School is expected to arrive on CBeebies in 2027 or 2028.
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