We're calling for a statutory plan for play in every primary school.
Will you join us?
Outdoor free play is essential for children’s health, development and wellbeing, but has almost disappeared from their lives.
Schools are well placed to address this, but despite playtime being 20% of the school day, very few primary schools have a plan for play. Without a strategic plan, this time is wasted and often problematic.
When schools strategically plan for playtimes, behaviour, equality, wellbeing and learning are transformed.
That’s why we’re calling for a statutory plan for outdoor free play in every primary school.
89% of parents agree primary schools should have a plan for play
89% of parents agree DfE should provide guidance on the quality of outdoor play
85% of parents agree Ofsted should inspect how schools plan for play
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What the evidence shows
Play for wellbeing and happiness
Regular outdoor free play reduces anxiety, builds emotional regulation, and improves attention, giving children the foundation they need to learn.
Play for active lives for all
Sport England's Active Lives survey shows active play is the most popular activity for primary-age children -even more popular than sport or PE.
Play for SEND and inclusion
20-30% of primary children have non-typical learning needs. Self-directed outdoor play works for all neurotypes simultaneously.
Play for equality and value
High-quality play in schools is a cost-effective, proven way to improve well-being and learning outcomes for all children and to increase teaching time.