Template Play Policy
This Play Policy has been produced to reflect the value insert name of club/group places on the
importance of play in the lives of children and young people. It reflects our commitment to
providing freely chosen play opportunities for the children and young people attending our
club/group.
Defining play
At insert name of club/group we define free play as “behaviour which is freely chosen, personally
directed and intrinsically motivated, i.e. performed for no external goal or reward”1.
This means that children and young people themselves choose when, how and what to play.
Secondly that they decide the rules and roles they take within their play. Finally, that their play is
undertaken for its own sake, and not performed for any reward, certificate or status.
Children and young people play on their own and with others. Their play may be boisterous and
energetic, or quiet and contemplative, light-hearted, or very serious.
Our workers/volunteers support and facilitate play, but do not seek to control it or direct it. We
never force children and young people to participate in play, but allow children and young people to
initiate and direct the experience for themselves. We intervene when necessary to ensure that
children/young people attending are not exposed to unnecessary risk, or avoidable harm, and that
all children and young people, who want to take part, are able to.
Our aim is to create an environment that fosters children’s play.
Why play matters
We recognise the importance of play to a child’s development. It is critically important to the
development of children’s physical, social, mental, emotional and creative skills.
Play has physical benefits, being a major source of exercise, promoting fitness and contributing to
the healthy development of children and young people.
Play enables children and young people to develop social skills, as it leads to greater interaction
between peers and adults, and improved abilities to share, negotiate, communicate and co-operate.
Children and young people learn through play. It is the process of a child’s own self-directed
learning. Play contributes to their cognitive and intellectual development. It helps them develop
problem-solving skills, memory, creativity and observation skills, decision-making skills, as well as
learning how to manage risk.
Play has a positive impact on children and young people’s emotional health and well-being. It can
contribute to feelings of happiness and contentment, and provide moments of excitement. It helps
children and young people develop resilience, increased confidence and improved self-esteem.
1
Bob Hughes (1982) Play Education
Values and principles
We recognise that play is an important aspect of children and young people’s lives and that the right
to play is enshrined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
We also recognise the importance of enabling children and young people to take part in challenging
play opportunities, in which they are able to learn about risk-taking in an environment free from
unnecessary or inappropriate hazards.
We will develop play opportunities for children and young people:
· Where play is freely chosen by the child, or young person.
· Where play is informal and not part of an organised activity.
· Which are fun and promote enjoyment.
· Which are accessible for all children and young people.
· Where children and young people are listened to and involved.
· Where workers and volunteers support children and young people to take part in
challenging play whilst ensuring they are protected from avoidable harm.
· Where the risks are balanced with benefits.
· Which encourage children and young people to go outdoors and explore the natural
environment whenever possible.