This session introduces why play matters and how it helps children to thrive and learn. Based on the Developmental Play Model that was created in rural India with neuro-diverse children it is now used in Asia and the UK to support ALL children to have the best start in life for the best chance in life. This session illustrates the model through engaging stories and examples showing how play is the language of childhood and how in understanding non-verbal play stages we can make learning visible, and fun, and enhance social/emotional wellbeing post-pandemic.