Inform users on what toys are available and suitability

Play is essential because it’s how people explore the world, build relationships, and make sense of their experiences. Through play, children (and adults) develop creativity, problem-solving skills, confidence, and emotional resilience. It supports learning in a natural, joyful way, helping people test ideas, take safe risks, and connect with others. At every age, play nurtures wellbeing and reminds us that curiosity and imagination are powerful drivers of growth.

Online toy library management systems have made it easy for members to view and browse your toy collection. However, most members will benefit from the support of trained staff/volunteers in selecting toys.  

Categorisation

Toy categorisation can be as simple or as complex as your toy library requires. However, once established, it is a very big piece of work to change all your toy categories.

For larger toy libraries, these simple toy categories may become your super categories (as they are referred to in SeTLS), with more defined sub categories sitting beneath these.

Age Ranges

The most important part of a toy age range is the manufacturers minimum recommended age for safety.

For inclusion purposes, recognising that all children develop differently, you may consider using a less defined upper age limit for toys i.e. 1 year+, 3 years+, 6 months+. In these cases, if it is necessary, you might choose to use a weight restriction for toy safety rather than an upper age.

Development Stages - I THOUGHT WE WERE REMOVING THIS TERMINOLAGY IN FAVOUR OF PLAY TYPES (ADELLE)

For volunteers and staff to be able to recommend toys to members, it is important that they have an understanding of typical early development stages. It is important to remember that not all children develop according to these milestones, and those with disabilities and developmental delays may need to access toys at different skill levels - they may even be working towards therapy goals with an allied health professional that you can connect with to help support your members.

Play is essential because it’s how people explore the world, build relationships, and make sense of their experiences. Through play, children (and adults) develop creativity, problem-solving skills, confidence, and emotional resilience. It supports learning in a natural, joyful way, helping people test ideas, take safe risks, and connect with others. At every age, play nurtures wellbeing and reminds us that curiosity and imagination are powerful drivers of growth.