The right to play

Play is central to children and young people’s lives, supporting the development of knowledge, skills and abilities that enhance their social, physical and emotional well-being.

The child’s right to play is enshrined within Article 31 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).

The UNCRC grants all children and young people (aged 17 and under) a comprehensive set of rights and was ratified by the UK government in 1991, committing all branches of government to ensuring that children are afforded the rights and protections contained within its articles.

Showing support for play

As we approach the local council elections on 18 May, PlayBoard calls on all political parties to recognise and value the importance of play, championing its role in supporting our children and young people as they recover from the impact of Covid-19.

PlayBoard is calling for four key considerations:

• Legislation for play
• Policy for play
• Leadership for play
• Funding for play-based school age childcare