The BBC has announced plans to revive its iconic children’s programme Play School after a 38-year hiatus, aiming to provide fresh, high-quality content for young audiences and support parents seeking educational resources. The original Play School, which aired from 1964 to 1988, was well-known for its blend of songs, stories, and imaginative play, and the new iteration will continue in a similar live-action format.

The reboot will be developed primarily for the BBC’s CBeebies Parenting YouTube channel, part of a broader strategy to expand trusted children’s content on digital platforms. The BBC intends for the new Play School to offer not only entertainment but also practical play ideas, expert advice, and resources designed to help parents and caregivers foster learning through play.

Patricia Hidalgo, director of BBC Children’s and Education, emphasized the importance of trusted programming amid a rapidly changing media environment. “Parents and carers place enormous trust in CBeebies and that is a responsibility we never take for granted,” she said. Hidalgo highlighted that the show’s core values—creativity, curiosity, imagination, and learning through play—remain central to the BBC’s vision for the revival.

The corporation has invited producers to submit proposals reflecting a traditional approach that includes music, movement, storytelling, and poetry while maintaining the spirit that made Play School a staple of British children’s television. Production is expected to begin in February 2027, with the first episodes scheduled to air during the 2027-28 financial year.

This initiative comes amid growing concerns about the decline in children’s programming across major British broadcasters. Earlier this year, Hidalgo testified before Parliament, noting a “40% decline” in investment for younger audiences by broadcasters including the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5 over 14 years, with budgets falling below £80 million by 2024. The BBC’s commitment to reviving Play School is part of its broader parenting promise to provide dependable, educational content at a time when quality children’s programming is perceived to be scarce.