Play as a Powerful and Equitable Agent of Change for Children’s Outcomes: Investigating the Mechanisms by Which Play Libraries Support Early Child Development

The University of Birmingham’s School of Psychology, in partnership with the Centre for National Training and Research Excellence in Understanding Behaviour (Centre-UB) and Boromi, invites applications for a fully funded PhD studentship starting October 2026. This project investigates how Play Libraries—community-based initiatives providing free play bags to families with children aged 0–5—act as agents of change in early child development, particularly for those from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds. Playful parent-child interactions and child-led exploration are foundational to learning and are predictive of positive developmental outcomes. However, barriers such as limited access to resources and low parental confidence can hinder children’s opportunities, especially in under-resourced communities. The Boromi Play Library model partners with educational and community settings to distribute play bags, which families can take home or use on-site, with regular exchanges to maintain engagement. This doctoral project will integrate systematic reviews, qualitative meta-synthesis, Delphi studies, and mixed-methods evaluations to identify and assess the mechanisms-of-change that support child outcomes. Research will focus on understanding how Play Libraries promote development, which mechanisms are most impactful, and how these effects persist in the short and long term. Methods include evaluating barriers and facilitators to family engagement, analyzing the impact of engagement on cognitive and language skills, and using secondary longitudinal data to assess long-term outcomes. The successful candidate will join a vibrant research community at Centre-UB, benefit from collaborative opportunities with Boromi, and receive comprehensive support including tuition fees, a maintenance stipend, research training, and activity grants. Up to 30% of the cohort may be international students, in line with UKRI funding stipulations. Applicants should hold a 1st class or 2:1 degree in Psychology, Education, or a related discipline; a Master’s degree is desirable. Key skills include strong written and communication abilities, independent and team working, project management, experience with young children and families, quantitative and qualitative research skills, and an interest in early child development. For informal enquiries, contact Dr Alexandra Hendry at [email protected]. Application instructions and further details are available at the Centre-UB website. The deadline for applications is February 17, 2026, with interviews scheduled for March 23, 2026.