Paul Hocker’s career began 35 years ago with the Chicken Shed Theatre Company, developing their pioneering inclusive projects in schools. He has since worked with children and young people in positions within the statutory and voluntary sector across London. He is currently director for London Play, leading a small team, creating ideas and fruitful partnerships to help make London childhoods the best in the world.
In 2008, Paul co-ordinated a three-year, Big Lottery funded project for London Play that supported 100 resident-led, street play parties across London. The project won Children and Young People Now magazine’s Play award in 2009 and kickstarted the resurgence in Street Play in the capital.
A qualified playwork trainer, Paul has lectured in play and playwork, is a former chair of the International Play Association for England and in 2012 was appointed a ‘London Leader’ by the Mayor of London. In 2017, he co-authored a paper Gasp! London’s poor air quality, its impact on children and how play activities can be part of the solution, which inspired the current School Streets initiative in the UK. Paul has also advised IKEA on the importance of risk in play.