PlayBoard calls on all political parties to recognise and value the importance of play, championing its role in supporting our children and young people.

Play is central to children and young people’s lives, supporting the development of knowledge, skills and abilities that enhance 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).

In its most recent concluding observations, the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child identified a number of key actions for the Northern Ireland Assembly. These included the development of a resourced Play Strategy aimed at increasing play opportunities, greater integration of play within school curricula, increasing access to inclusive play for children with disabilities, and providing safer spaces for play in communities.

Ahead of the General Election on 4 July, PlayBoard is calling on all political parties to show leadership, not only in recognising the critical role play has for children and young people, but actively advocating for and championing full incorporation of the Right to Play, alongside all other articles of the UNCRC. In order to achieve the level of change that is required, PlayBoard is calling on political parties to: 

• Support the development of a focused Play Strategy and Play Sufficiency Act for Northern Ireland.
• Provide political leadership and support for play and the playwork sector.
• Secure funding to support the vital work of the play-based School Age childcare sector.

Read more in our Manifesto.