Manifesto for children's play

What do you remember best about growing up? Your favourite games? Best friends? The sense of freedom and adventure you got from playing in the outdoor world?

Children today do not have the same freedom.

Play England's Manifesto for children's play calls for policy makers to make play a priority.

We are asking the government, MPs, councillors - as well as individuals and organisations - to make three simple pledges for all children and young people to have the freedom and space to play enjoyed by previous generations:

1. To make all residential neighbourhoods child-friendly places where children can play outside
2. To give all children the time and opportunity to play throughout childhood
3. To give all children somewhere to play - in freedom and safety - after school and in the holidays

Show your support

You can take action now by endorsing the Manifesto for children's play.

Endorse the manifesto now! Email us to be added to our supporter list - please include your full name, organisation (if applicable) and email address.

Other ways to get involved

There are lots of ways you can get involved - here are some ideas to get you started:

• Spread the word - ask friends and colleagues to support the campaign too.
  Getting as many people as possible to support the campaign will have the biggest impact. You can download the manifesto below. Free printed copies are also available. To order, contact us, including your name, delivery address and quantity required.
• Email your local MP and councillors and ask them to support the manifesto.
  Tell your MP how the issues affect you, your family and the wider community. Find your MP.
• Write to your local MP and councillors.
  Use this  letter template [381KB PDF] to tell them why they should support children's play. If you're a parent or work with children and young people, support them to write to them too. Find your MP's contact details.
• Get everyone you know to endorse the manifesto.
  Encourage colleagues to endorse the manifesto by printing the sign-up sheet. [73KB PDF]
• Think about your local area and what would help children to play more where you live.
  Identifying solutions to local issues will help you campaign for more and better play opportunities in your area.
• Tell us your stories - is your area a good or bad place for children to play?
  Tell us your real life examples of how issues have affected you and we'll help you shout about it.

Download the manifesto

A Manifesto for children's play [944 KB PDF]