"Go and open the door. Maybe outside there's a tree, or a wood. A garden, or a magic city" - (Miroslav Holub)

Manifesto for Play

Play is vital to children’s physical, social and emotional wellbeing.

This Manifesto for Play advocates for children’s play opportunities with Ten Asks for Play. We call on all political parties to commit to supporting these Ten Asks in 2021, building on what has been achieved over the last ten years for children’s right to play in Scotland. Children’s play needs must be assessed and prioritised in policy and practice as we recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Join us in supporting the #tenasksforplay

Why playing is important

Children need play to survive and thrive. Play is a life-enhancing experience which fosters resilience, the ability to handle stress, challenges and setbacks. “Just playing” can help build children’s capacity to cope with highly stressful situations.

Play builds health and wellbeing – being active through play helps physically and emotionally, contributing to their health and happiness

Play builds resilience – playing boosts children’s confidence, creativity, problem-solving skills and perseverance, enabling them to cope with stress and challenges through life

Play builds friendships – playing allows children to interact with others, develop relationships, deal with conflict, and learn respect and tolerance

Play builds communities – playing allows children to learn about the world around them, make connections, and develop a sense of identity and belonging As they grow and develop, play offers children the opportunity to develop a range of physical, emotional and social skills, helping to make sense of the world they find themselves in.