BBC Children’s calls for pitches for reboot of classic preschool show Play School

Play School first aired in 1964

BBC Children’s and Education is inviting producers to pitch a reboot of its classic preschool series Play School, which originally aired on the UK pubcaster from 1964 to 1988.

Play School is a live-action and puppet series that was originally created to recreate nursery and playgroup experiences at home. It was succeeded in 1988 by Playdays, which was designed as a similar format and ended in 1997.

The reboot will be inspired by the original, reimagining its blend of songs, stories, movement, music, poetry and imaginative play for today’s audiences, while retaining the original’s values.

The new series is expected to air on CBeebies and stream on iPlayer in 2027/28. The commission will also include companion content for the new CBeebies Parenting YouTube channel, providing practical play ideas, expert guidance and resources for parents and carers.

The announcement comes as CBeebies launches its Parenting Promise, which sets out its commitment to help every child learn through play and gives parents and carers greater insight into the principles behind the broadcaster’s programmes.

Patricia Hidalgo, director of BBC Children’s & Education, said: “Play School has always embodied so much of what CBeebies stands for: creativity, curiosity, imagination and learning through play. Bringing it back for a new generation is a meaningful opportunity to build on that legacy, while continuing to support parents and carers through CBeebies Parenting and the wider commitment set out in our Parenting Promise.”