Political Lobbying
(Latest news first)

Play Scotland aims to influence policy, increase investment and promote awareness in play.

March 2008
on 3 March 2008 Scottish Labour launched 'A Positive Start for Every Child' document at the Yard Adventure Playground in Edinburgh. This document highlights the need for safe places to play.

On 18 March 2008 the SNP launched the draft Consultation of 'Early Years and Early Intervention'.

We have been urging everyone with an interest in children's play in Scotland to write to Early Years Framework asking them with their Commitment to a Play Strategy lies as play is not mention in this document.

The SNP promised Scotland a National Play Strategy in their Government Manifesto.

Play Scotland, SCCYP and the Public Petitions Committee are all calling for this promise to be upheld.

This Policy Statement is sadly a dark contrast to the recently published Children's Plan in England which demonstrates a high commitment to Play and for Playworkers.

October 2007
In October 07 Play Scotland together with representatives from Barnardo's, Fields in Trust and PETC Scotland met with the Minister for Children and Early Years, Adam Ingram MSP to ensure that the key issues in the Play Sector would not be confined within an 0-8 years Early Years Strategy.

We were pleased when at the Early Years announcement, MSP Robert Brown's amendment to have a separate Play and Communications Strategy was carried.

May 2007
In 2007 we were delighted when all the Manifestos of the main Scottish Political Parties included a Commitment to a Play Strategy for Scotland. 

The SNP Manifesto stated" We will strengthen national planning guidelines to give greater protection to green spaces for sport and informal recreational activity, particularly in urban and deprived communities. We will work with local authorities and the voluntary sector to develop an effective play strategy to increase the range of quality play opportunities for children and young people in every part of Scotland".

March 2006
In March 2006 Ken McIntosh, MSP put forward a Motion on the Importance of Play:

S2M-3890 Mr Kenneth Macintosh: The Importance of Play—That the Parliament welcomes calls from Play Scotland and Barnardo’s for a play strategy that recognises the right of all children in East Renfrewshire and across Scotland to a safe, challenging and accessible play environment; is aware of the public and political concerns over levels of obesity, mental health problems and anti-social behaviour amongst children and young people; notes that lack of opportunity to play is a contributing factor to these problems; is concerned that traffic growth, loss of open space and fears over safety are further restricting play opportunities, and therefore believes that play should be supported with a vigour that reflects its importance.

This Motion made history when 81 MSPs signed up to this.

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Further to this we were delighted when Alex Fergusson, MSP sponsored a stall for us in the Lobby Garden of the Scottish Parliament in May 2006.

Over 80 MSPs signed the Play Scotland Statement which is calling for Scotland to be a designated Child Friendly Country.

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