Play is a generic term for a wide range of
enjoyable activities, freely chosen by children and young people.
We usually define it as what children do when they follow their own
ideas and interests, in their own way, and for their own
reasons.
The right to play is enshrined in the UN Convention on the
Rights of the Child.
Older children may not want to refer to themselves as ‘playing’
but we use the term to refer to a variety of informal recreational
activities enjoyed by young people.
Playing for children is a primary need, closely linked to their
innate need to express themselves, to explore, learn about and make
sense of their world.
Where play happens
Children play wherever they are. For example, active travel –
such as, cycling, walking and skateboarding - provide excellent
play opportunities in their own right as well as allowing children
an independent means of travelling in their local areas.
The benefits of play for children derive from them choosing it
and doing it themselves: the role of the adult in play provision is
to enable rather than direct. That’s why children should be
involved in the design and planning of play provision in their
areas.
Children also need to take some risks when they play.
Stimulating, adventurous and challenging play environments allow
children to test themselves and develop their abilities.
Child-friendly communities require a sensible approach to managing
risk so that children enjoy the benefits of adventurous and
exciting play, while not being exposed to unacceptable levels of
danger.
The UK’s commitments to play
The right to play and informal recreation is a
human right for children and young people up to 18 years of age,
enshrined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. The
Convention was ratified by the UK in 1991.
Article 31 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
recognises the rights of children to:
- rest and leisure
- engage in play and recreational activities appropriate to their
age
- participate freely in cultural life and the arts.
To support these principles Play England has produced the
Charter for Children’s Play, which offers eight statements of what
play means for children, and what we should all do to promote their
right to enjoy it.
The Charter for Children’s Play states that:
- children have a right to play
- every child needs time and space to play
- adults should let children play
- children should be able to play freely in their local
areas
- children value and benefit from staffed play provision
- children’s play is enriched by skilled playworkers
- children need time and space to play at school
- children sometimes need extra support to enjoy their right to
play.
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