As the world marks the second International Day of Play, PlayBoard NI, the lead organisation for the development and promotion of children’s play, is celebrating the essential role that school-age childcare plays in supporting children’s right to play.

Play is every child’s right, enshrined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. It is central to children’s health, development, and well-being. For many families across Northern Ireland, school-age childcare settings are key in ensuring children have access to quality play opportunities.

Alan Herron, CEO of PlayBoard NI said:

“Play is essential for happy, healthy children. As we await the publication of the Early Learning and Childcare Strategy later this year, we want to shine a spotlight on the vital role of school-age childcare. These settings are critical to the lives of children, parents and carers. As well as providing quality care, they offer opportunities to have fun, make friends, build confidence, and develop essential social skills.

Findings from PlayBoard’s State of the Sector survey, conducted earlier this year, reported that 98% of parents said their child enjoyed attending their school-age childcare setting, highlighting social development as the key benefit for their child (78%) followed by increased independence (72%).”

Lynda England, whose children attend Carryduff Play Care Centre, commented:

“Carryduff Play Care Centre has allowed our family to be able to continue with our careers, knowing that our children are looked after by the most down to earth and caring staff. Our children enjoy attending the wraparound service after school and enjoy the activities set out for them, and playing with their friends.

The play care centre has allowed our children to make and maintain friendships with other children within their age range. Our children have become more confident, independent and outgoing since their time at the play care centre and I hope they will continue to enjoy their time there for years to come.”

Sharon McMullan added:

“I’m absolutely delighted with the after school care provided by Carryduff Play Care. My son adores the centre and the wonderful staff who make every day engaging and nurturing. He is given so many opportunities to express his love for nature and explore his interests in a safe, inclusive environment. Having come through the playgroup setting, I’m thrilled that he can continue to enjoy the same warm, supportive atmosphere throughout his primary school years.

Carryduff Play Care truly celebrates the benefits of school-aged childcare – providing structure, creativity, and care that supports both children and working parents. I couldn’t ask for a better place for him to grow and thrive after school.”

To mark the International Day of Play, PlayBoard has also shared Summer Street Play ideas to inspire families and communities to get outdoors and embrace the power of play.