Campaigning
Play England campaigns for all children and young people to have freedom and space to play throughout childhood. We work with national partners, corporates and other organisations with shared aims to raise awareness about the importance of play.
We advocate to government to make fundamental policy changes to protect and promote play, and encourage everyone who has an impact on the lives of children and young people to recognise and plan for children’s play.
We share practical advice and guidance on best practice to help everyone who wants to improve opportunities for play in their area.
Policy Proposals for Children’s Play in England
A Manifesto for Play
Play England, the Playwork Foundation and International Play Association England are delighted to have joined forces to publish a Manifesto for Play, ahead of any upcoming General Election.
The Manifesto, based on a consultation with children’s professionals, calls on Britain’s political parties to include Leadership, Legislation and Investment in children’s play in their election manifestos to transform the health, happiness and well-being of children in England.
Writing to Members of Parliament
We are asking all members and supporters to write to their Member of Parliament asking MPs to support the Manifesto for Play.
Click here for advice and information on writing to MPs.
The Manifesto for Play calls for 4 pledges for children that Play England wants to see the political parties include in their election manifestos:
Leadership – create a Cabinet minister for children with responsibility for play
Legislation – make planning for play a statutory duty
Investment – more and better play opportunities, spaces and services for children including play in in parks and public spaces, playgrounds, housing, play streets, after school and holiday play schemes, adventure playgrounds and schools
Delivering for play – investment in quality support and training for professionals.
“It’s time to start taking play seriously. Too many children and young people in England are unable to enjoy a wide range of play opportunities and are losing out on the benefits of play.
It is vitally important that this profession is acknowledged and valued, and that spaces for children to play freely are protected for the benefit and enjoyment of all children.”
“Playworkers support children’s play through a specific approach and understanding, based on strong evidence and research, of the importance of time and spaces for play.
“It is vitally important that this profession is acknowledged and valued, and that spaces for children to play freely are protected for the benefit and enjoyment of all children.”
“Children have an innate need to play, recognised by the right to play being enshrined in Article 31 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
IPA England dedicates its work to promoting this, and we call upon Government and public bodies to adopt and action the policy proposals in this manifesto.
Leadership at all levels and associated funding is essential NOW to support opportunities for their play.”
Play England is a national charity that campaigns for better play opportunities for children in England. Play England organises National Play Day in partnership with Playboard Northern Ireland, Play Scotland and Play Wales; and publishes guidance on Designing for Play and Managing Risk in Play Provision.
The Playwork Foundation promotes the value of playwork, supports playworkers and advocates for children’s play. It makes the case for playwork services, helps to develop the playwork approach and provides a representative platform for playwork practitioners.
IPA England is a registered charity, a branch of the International Play Association. IPA’s purpose is to protect, preserve and promote the child’s right to play as a fundamental human right, upholding the right of all children and young people to the opportunity, time and space to play in their own way.