Play England, the
Playwork Foundation and International Play Association England are delighted to
have joined forces to publish a Manifestofor Play, ahead of the 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.
It is asking all
members and supporters to write to their Member of Parliament asking MPs to
support the Manifesto for Play.
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.
Nicola Butler, Chair
of Play England said: “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.
“Children tell us
that play makes them happy and is an important part of their daily lives.
They want more and better opportunities to play. That’s why we’ve joined
forces with the Playwork Foundation and the International Play Association for
England to launch this manifesto.”
Karen Benjamin,
Chair of the Playwork Foundation said: “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.”
Meynell Walter,
Chair of the International Play Association [England] said: “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.
