FAR FROM BEING MERE CREATION, CHILDHOOD PLAY IS A CRITICAL FAR FROM BEING MERE CREATION, CHILDHOOD PLAY IS A CRITICAL FAR FROM BEING MERE CREATION, CHILDHOOD PLAY IS A CRITICAL DEVELOPMENTAL STAGE WHERE THE SEEDS OF A COLLABORATIVE, DEVELOPMENTAL STAGE WHERE THE SEEDS OF A COLLABORATIVE, DEVELOPMENTAL STAGE WHERE THE SEEDS OF A COLLABORATIVE, COMMUNICATIVE AND INNOVATIVE SOCIETY ARE SOWN. COMMUNICATIVE AND INNOVATIVE SOCIETY ARE SOWN. COMMUNICATIVE AND INNOVATIVE SOCIETY ARE SOWN

Citation

Norman DA, Veale DV, Jones DC, Alliance 4 Children PW, University of Stirling DAM, University of Worcester DPM, V&A Museum DHC, Parenting Apart Programme KK, Chair of Play Scotland MHB, Chief Creative O$cer at Nero and Music and Child Development Specialist MS, Policy Director at Health Professions for Safer Screens AS, Well Within Reach JS, Manchester Metropolitan University DJW-, Early Childhood Consultant DKP, Centre for Research in Early Childhood (CREC) DCP, Sussed & Able JB, Open University DJJ, Sheffield Hallam University DDF-, York St John University SS-, Director of Children’s Alliance TB, Director of Miindfulness EB & University of Strathclyde DLA (2025) FAR FROM BEING MERE CREATION, CHILDHOOD PLAY IS A CRITICAL FAR FROM BEING MERE CREATION, CHILDHOOD PLAY IS A CRITICAL FAR FROM BEING MERE CREATION, CHILDHOOD PLAY IS A CRITICAL DEVELOPMENTAL STAGE WHERE THE SEEDS OF A COLLABORATIVE, DEVELOPMENTAL STAGE WHERE THE SEEDS OF A COLLABORATIVE, DEVELOPMENTAL STAGE WHERE THE SEEDS OF A COLLABORATIVE, COMMUNICATIVE AND INNOVATIVE SOCIETY ARE SOWN. COMMUNICATIVE AND INNOVATIVE SOCIETY ARE SOWN. COMMUNICATIVE AND INNOVATIVE SOCIETY ARE SOWN. Alliance4Children and the University of Winchester.

Abstract
Play is fundamental to children's learning, development, and well-being, fostering creativity, social skills, and resilience. Despite its critical importance, there has been a concerning decline in play opportunities for children in England, evidenced by a 50% reduction in outdoor play over a generation and the closure of 400 playgrounds between 2012 and 2022. This report advocates for recognising play as a fundamental right and integrating it into policy at all levels, emphasising the need for dedicated ministerial leadership, increased funding for play spaces, and mandatory play training for professionals. It also highlights the impact of digital media on children's development, stressing the importance of balancing screen time with play-based activities and protecting children from harmful online content. The report calls for England to align with Scotland and Wales by banning all forms of corporal punishment, ensuring children are safe and respected in their homes and communities, and ultimately fostering a "Creative Britain".