The issue of play and childhood has been brought to the forefront by campaigners who are advocating for a significant emphasis on reintroducing play into the curriculum in schools. This is in response to a growing concern over the declining mental and physical well-being of children, which has been described as a critical problem.
The “plan for play” launched on Tuesday outlines a vision for the Department for Education to require every school to have a play plan that would be subject to Ofsted inspection. Under the proposals, teachers would be taught about play-based learning for children of all ages, not only early years.
According to Michael Follett, the head of Opal Play, a group dedicated to enhancing school playtimes, targeting play in all areas of a child’s life, especially in schools, could address their poor health.
There is a growing crisis in childhood, with children becoming less physically fit and less engaged in physical activity. There is a disturbing trend of increasing mental health issues among children, reaching levels never seen before.
“Schools have become a sanctuary for childhood, preserving the unique experiences that children should have. Even if school is the only place for play, it can have a profound impact on their lives – especially for those whose playtime is limited.”
Opal helps UK primary schools improve playtime using training on different types of play and a focus on junk equipment such as tyres, rope and sand, as well as dressing up.
A major issue facing schools is the pressure to adhere to a structured curriculum, which has resulted in shorter playtimes. According to a 2019 study by the University College London Institute of Education, breaktimes in England have decreased in length over the last 20 years, with older students losing over an hour of playtime each week.
According to Follett, play ought to be included in the curriculum.
“Why wouldn’t schools prioritize play when they already prioritize numeracy and literacy?” he asked. “Engaging in good play can improve social skills and contribute to overall happiness and health in children. As a member of the Play England board and a council play officer, I have seen firsthand the impact of play in schools and its ability to reach a large number of children.”
“In school, children have designated playtime, which is often chaotic with activities such as football, scooters, hoops, fort-building, dress-up, and playing in the sand. Outside of school, this time for play is becoming increasingly limited.”
British students dedicate 20% of their total school time, which is equivalent to 1.4 years, to playtime. Opal believes this highlights the need for increased investment in play.
Last year, Kim Leadbeater, a member of the Labour Party, released a report advocating for a broader comprehension of wellbeing in order to prioritize people’s health.
She stated that the request for participation was crucial in achieving this goal: “We are aware that our limited curriculum does not fully utilize the potential of children and young people. Incorporating play and promoting physical activity contributes to addressing this issue.”
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I frequently focus on the topic of well-being, exploring ways to assess it. To promote the happiness and health of children, we must broaden our perspective beyond standardized tests and assessments. Currently, we are suppressing children’s growth and development.
The report also advocates for increased safeguards for play in all aspects of children’s lives. This includes suggestions for dedicated funding for playgrounds at the local government level and proposing that the right to play be recognized as a protected attribute in the 2010 Equality Act.
The issue of children lacking time and opportunities to play is currently being investigated by a committee responsible for overseeing the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
The investigation has gathered information from psychologists, activists, builders, and designers, hearing claims that children are not adequately safeguarded during the construction of new residences or when they are compelled to coexist with traffic on residential roads.
Leadbeater emphasized the importance of considering how we construct homes to ensure that there is sufficient room for children to play and socialize. This is why it is crucial to advocate for the preservation of community spaces such as libraries and sports halls. These spaces are a manifestation of political decisions because they directly impact the availability of space and time for children to engage in play and self-expression.
Source: theguardian.com
