If you are interested in understanding why we think that personal, shared activities are important and how to promote these please go to OpenLearn or check some of our academic publications: 

Prof David Messer publications

Professor Natalia Kucirkova publications (now at The Open University and the University of Stavanger, Norway)

You may also be interested in the courses offered by the Open University: these range from introductory modules, to undergraduate and post-graduate. 

Early years courses 

Education courses 

Psychology courses 

Financial assistance may be available for Open University modules for those on low income.