During 2022, as part of the periodic review process the Committee reviewed progress across the UK nations in terms of implementing the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), noting a number of concerns alongside recommendations. With specific regards to Article 31 – the child’s right to play, the Committee made four recommendations:
- Develop a strategy, with sufficient resources, aimed at ensuring children’s right to rest, leisure and recreation, including free outdoor play;
- Integrate children’s right to play into school curricula and ensure that children have sufficient time to engage in play and recreational activities that are inclusive and age-appropriate;
- Strengthen measures to ensure that all children, including children with disabilities, young children, children in rural areas and children in disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds, have access to accessible, safe, public outdoor play spaces;
- Involve children in decisions regarding urban-planning processes, including public transportation, and in the development of spaces for children to play.
PlayBoard are in the process of engaging with relevant government departments and political representatives regarding the findings of the review with the aim of securing key actions against the four recommendations.