On International Women’s Day, it’s vital to shine a light on the incredible impact women in schools have had—and continue to have—in shaping the lives of children. From the classroom to the playground, female educators and role models are often the unsung heroines, quietly nurturing, inspiring, and building the foundations for a flourishing future.
As Therese Hoyle, a bestselling author, founder of the Positive Playtime Programmes, and a woman who has dedicated over two decades to transforming school environments, I know this truth deeply. My own journey in education was shaped by the powerful, yet often undervalued, contributions of women around me.
My Journey: From Classroom Frustration to Playtime Champion
My career began as a teacher. I was surrounded by some of the most talented and experienced female educators, but even within this dedicated community, a common challenge persisted: the playground.
I regularly spent large chunks of precious learning time resolving playground squabbles that spilled over into the classroom.
It became clear to me that despite the incredible work happening inside the classroom, poorly structured playtimes, a lack of cooperative play, and, critically, poorly trained support staff all contributed to chaotic lunchtimes. They weren’t just a break; they were actively undermining the entire school day.
This observation fueled my motivation. I realised that if I wanted to address problem behaviour, build relationships, and teach children to be more tolerant, friendly, and kind, I had to look beyond the classroom walls and focus on the very heart of their social world: the playground.
The Power of Women in Play and Education
Over the past 20+ years, I’ve poured my energy into developing and refining my Whole School Positive Playground Programme.
This work has allowed me to collaborate with and celebrate countless men and women who are truly the backbone of our schools. But today on international women’s day I’d like to celebrate the women who are:
Headteachers and Leaders: Their vision is critical in implementing whole-school programmes that make a real difference.
Teachers: These dedicated women tirelessly manage classrooms, build relationships, and support every child’s learning journey, often navigating the spill-over effects of challenging playtimes.
Lunchtime Supervisors and Support Staff: Often undervalued and under-resourced, they are on the frontline of playground culture. My Lunchtime Supervisor Superhero
Training empowers them, transforming them from individuals “policing” behaviour into confident facilitators of positive play, ensuring children feel safe, seen, and supported.
My programmes address problem behaviour, build relationships, social and emotional skills, and teach children and adults to be more tolerant, friendly, and kind. These are not just educational goals; they are deeply human goals, often championed and nurtured by the women who dedicate their lives to working with children.
A Call to Action for a Flourishing Future
This International Women’s Day, let’s not only acknowledge the visible leaders but also the quiet strength and unwavering dedication of every woman contributing to education and play. Their collective efforts ensure that play is recognised not as an ‘extra’ or a ‘reward’ but as a fundamental part of childhood, public life, and education.
My mission is to help schools reinvigorate their playtimes and see their whole school flourish. It’s about empowering every adult, to create environments where children can develop the wellbeing, creativity, connection, and joy they deserve.
Ready to empower your staff and transform your playtimes?
Explore my programmes and let’s work together to create a truly flourishing school culture: https://theresehoyle.com/positive-playtimes/
