We welcome the publication of the National Play Report. Play is vitally important for children, helping them to learn and develop new skills. It can also help with physical and mental health and provide opportunities for exercise, fresh air and bonding with parents, carers and siblings. It has a positive impact on childhoods and sets the foundation for healthier adult lives.
We would like to add our voice to the many others urging the government to improve play opportunities for children and young people across the country, particularly in those areas impacted by deprivation.
Play in healthcare settings can help improve health outcomes and we support the recommendations in the report around access to play spaces and play specialists for children in hospital and for there to be more focus on socially prescribing play for children.