To coincide with Playday – the national day for play – new research highlights for the first time the measurable difference play makes, not just to children but also to families and communities.
Commissioned by the Children's Play Policy Forum the report – The Play Return – highlights the importance of play to the health, well-being, social and educational development of children the benefits for families and communities of children playing outdoors and the importance of play in supporting children to develop essential skills and knowledge as they mature.
The report focuses on the evidence to support play in unstaffed public spaces, staffed out-of-school provision, street play initiatives and school break-times.
Author of the report, Tim Gill said: "At the core of the report is the message that not only does outdoor play impact significantly on the lives of children and young people, it also in many cases can provide a basis for the transformation of wider communities.
"From the perspective of politicians and policy makers, the report highlights that investing in play can, and does lead to multiple benefits including improved educational attainment, a healthier society and increased levels of tolerance within and between communities."
The report reinforces the Playday campaign messages. Jacqueline O'Loughlin, Chief Executive of Playboard Northern Ireland said: "As well as being a basic right of childhood play impacts on almost every aspect of children and young people's lives. That is why this year we have chosen a theme which deliberately allows children and communities to decide what "˜Play is...'to them.
"It goes without saying that play is also a way of remaining healthy and well; a way to make friends and meet new people; a way to learn about the world around us; a way of connecting communities; a way to development new knowledge and skills and a way for children to challenge themselves."
Now in its 27th year, Playday provides an opportunity for children, young people, parents and communities to come together to highlight and celebrate the positive impact play has on the everyday lives of children and young people.
Welcoming the report, Robin Sutcliffe, Chairman of the Children's Play Policy Forum said: "This report provides a valuable insight into the fundamental importance of play to the lives of children, not only in terms of their development and wellbeing but also their enjoyment of childhood.
"At a government policy level it is our belief that this report provides compelling evidence of the impact play can have across a range of policy areas including health and education."
