Play is incredibly valuable for all children. Play allows children to use their creativity while developing their imagination, dexterity and physical, cognitive and emotional strength. Children’s needs vary and play activities can be adapted by those who know the child best to meet individual abilities, likes and dislikes.

The right to play is enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). All children are morally and legally entitled to play.

This briefing includes play ideas suitable for children with additional needs and is aimed primarily at parents/carers within the home environment. However, the ideas could equally be used by practitioners and childcare providers to support children with additional needs through play.

Many play activities can be modified or adapted to cater for children with additional needs and by providing lots of opportunities to play in different ways, you can help children identify with what they like and dislike best.