Play has that power, through nonsense, to soften hard edges and warm the cold moments and offer a ‘what if…’ where previously only inevitability existed. Play England’s new Trustee Laura Walsh is Head of Play Services at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust. With Play in Hospital Week starting on Monday, here she talks[…]
The Labour Party has opened a consultation on ‘Building a statutory youth service.’ Following this consultation process, the Party aims to create a ‘National Strategy for Youth Work and a Charter underpinned by law’ and ‘create a sustainable funding model to support the delivery of a statutory youth service’ The Party has said that “it[…]
Play England today welcomed recommendations in the report ‘Child’s Play’ by Children’s Commissioner Anne Longfield for increased investment in play provision. The report highlights the urgent need for a joined-up approach to reverse the decline in children playing out. It draws attention to children’s worsening mental and physical health – and rightly argues that children’s[…]
The UK’s annual celebration of play – Playday 2018 – takes place today! This year all four children’s commissioners from England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales stand together to support the importance of children’s play as an essential aspect of childhood as thousands of children across the four nations attend organised Playday events. Koulla Yiasouma,[…]
A big thank you to everyone who helped make our packed out Play policy forum such a success yesterday in Bristol. A special thank you to Bristol City Council and Councillor Helen Godwin for hosting the event, along with Bristol Play Network. The successful event organised with the Playwork Foundation, brought together those involved in[…]
A manifesto for play – a policy development event 10am – 3pm, Thursday 12 July 2018 Shiremoor Adventure Playground, Brenkley Ave, Shiremoor, North Tyneside NE27 0PR This event is free! All welcome! https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-manifesto-for-play-play-policy-roadshow-north-tyneside-tickets-46568960013 Hosted by Shiremoor Adventure Playground, this Play policy forum ‘A manifesto for play’, is a unique opportunity for everyone in the north east[…]
Play England Annual General Meeting Monday 4 June, 12.30 – 1.30pm Bristol Town Hall, College Green, Bristol BS1 5TR All welcome! Play England is delighted to announce that this year its Annual General Meeting is being hosted by Bristol City Council and Bristol Play Network. Taking place on Monday 4 June, it will update members[…]
Play is an essential part of every child’s life, and children at school and in early years settings need time and space to play. Children should have the opportunity to play before school, during break times and after school hours. Playtime support including training and awareness-raising for school staff and parents is vital, as well[…]
With the latest report by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showing girls spending more time involved in play activities than boys, Play England is highlighting how the chronic funding crisis on the play sector means girls in particular are missing out on play opportunities. The ONS report ‘Children’s engagement with the outdoors and sports[…]
Submission to London Plan Consultation: Policy S4: inclusion of adventure playgrounds in new developments Play England welcomes the Mayor of London’s Draft London Plan, particularly Policy S4 on Play and Informal Recreation which calls on London Boroughs to: undertake audits of existing play and informal recreation provision and opportunities, and assessments of need, considering the[…]