Hundreds of children will bring the streets of Westminster alive with noise, colour and play next week, to mark the International Day of Play. They are inviting MPs and peers attending the launch of an influential report on play in Parliament to join them, as they bring their banners, costumes, chants and songs into the political heart of the country to highlight the importance of play in their lives.
Organised by the charity London Play, children will lead the parade from Parliament Square, up Whitehall, past Downing Street and down to the Embankment before returning to the starting point. The square will be transformed into a temporary playground, featuring cardboard towers, skipping and games. Children will make speeches and launch a petition calling for play to be recognised as their legal right, to be presented at Downing Street on National Playday, 6th August.
“Playing helps you feel less stressed, and happy.”
Saleemah, 13
Despite vast evidence that play is essential for children’s health and happiness, play spaces and services across the country have suffered serious decline. Since 2012, London has lost 12 of its unique staffed adventure playgrounds and at least 400 playgrounds have closed across the country. Funding for maintenance and repairs is static or declining in most areas, foretelling continuing neglect for play spaces across the capital.
This year the International Day of Play will also see the launch in Parliament of the final report from the influential Commission on Play, which has been collecting evidence and testimony from academics, playworkers, community groups, parents, carers and children across the country over the past year. The report is expected to call for a new National Play Strategy and for play provision to become a legal statutory duty for local authorities in England, as it already is in Wales and Scotland. It will also acknowledge the special, vital role of staffed adventure playgrounds to children and communities. There are around 70 adventure playgrounds remaining in London (with another 50 across the country) and despite providing a lifeline for families in some of the capital’s least affluent communities, many continue to struggle for survival.
The commission is led by entrepreneur Paul Lindley OBE (founder of baby food brand Ella’s Kitchen) and the Centre for Young Lives, headed up by former Children’s Commissioner Baroness Anne Longfield. They have been invited by children, along with MPs including Tom Hayes (Bournemouth East) and Natasha Irons (Croydon East), to join the parade after the report launch.
“Play is Pow!”
Valentina, 10
Paul Lindley OBE, Chair of the Raising the Nation Play Commission, said:
“Children on the play march are sending a powerful message to politicians and decision-makers – we love to play but sometimes we’re stopped from doing so. We want you to do everything you can to make our world more playful and give us more opportunities to play.
That call needs to be heard and acted on. We need to take down the barriers that are preventing children from playing, and missing out on the enormous benefits that play brings, and put play back at the heart of every childhood.”
Many of the children attending will come in groups from adventure playgrounds across the capital. Some will attend the Commission event in Parliament to speak about the importance of these places and play in their lives – and to add to the call are for greater recognition and support for play from politicians and decision makers.
“Play brings me and my friends together to have fun and be free.”
Leyla, 10, Pearson Street Adventure Playground
The Mayor of London has pledged to make London the best city in the world to grow up in.
Deputy Mayor for Children and Families, Joanne McCartney, said:
“The International Day of Play is a powerful reminder of the essential role that play has in supporting children’s development, wellbeing, and happiness. Every child in our city deserves the opportunity to play freely and safely, and it is through play that the next generation will learn, grow, and begin to shape the future of our capital. The Mayor and I are committed to ensuring that all young people are able to flourish, as we build a better London for everyone.”
London Play director Fiona Sutherland said:
“We hope that the sights and sounds of children occupying space in the heart of Westminster – speaking passionately and demonstrating the power of play to bring joy and unity to every community – will inspire those who make decisions that affect children’s lives. Play is not ‘nice to have’ it is essential for healthy happy childhoods and healthy happy communities.”
A press release and high-quality images will be available following the event. For more info contact Fiona Sutherland via fiona@londonplay.org.uk or 07445 770 105.
