Introduction to Play
All children have the right to play. It provides babies and young children with the foundations for their wellbeing and physical and cognitive development but can be overlooked in favour of more ‘formal’ learning. Adults have an important role in enabling play that is both child-led and that can extend opportunities for learning, but the stresses and pressures caused by poverty unfairly limit this for too many families. The importance and value of play needs to be upheld by the whole system, including joined up policies that address the systemic pressures on families to ensure that parents can play well with their children.
The content is split into sections below in PDF format with a 'full read' section at the bottom of the page, all sections have live links.
Play is Every Child's Right
Play is Critical to Early Learning and Development
Every child has the right to play. Play that is joyful, engaging and led by children’s individual interests allows them to develop a wide range of foundational skills.
Playful experiences help babies and young children to build connections with key adults as the first building block for their physical and psychological well-being and their cognitive development.
Adults Have a Key Role in Supporting Children's Play
Children have a natural capacity to play if given the opportunity to do so, and adults have a critical role in introducing and inspiring fun and playful experiences.
Play is Not Always Understood or Prioritised
The role of play in children’s learning and development is often overlooked in favour of more ‘serious learning’.
Poverty Restricts Children's Play
Poverty has a significant impact on families’ quality of life due to the financial and psychological stresses that can directly impact the time, space and opportunities needed for play.
Supporting Families to Play More
For parents to be able to have the playful interactions that are central to their children’s healthy development, they need to be supported by the whole system around them.
References and Further Reading
Research, publications and useful resources on play.
Additional resources
Play Commission
This report is the Save the Children UK response to the Raising the Nation Play Commission’s call for evidence made in 2024. Chaired by Paul Lindley in partnership with Anne Longfield CBE of the Centre for Young Lives, the Commission aims to move play up the political agenda and shape a Play Strategy for England. The report outlines recommendations for this strategy, drawing on insights from parents and urging action to ensure children and their families have the money, services, and power necessary to support play.
Types of Play
Play can be categorised into different types. This section explains the different types of play and their unique characteristics and distinct roles. Babies and young children benefit from access to a variety of types of play and may also display a preference for some types over others.
