The children’s author and poet, Michael Rosen has spoken out about the fundamental right to play. He said that play should not be seen as an “add on”, or an “extra” as he urged adults and children to “get out there and play”.
We wanted to share, as a reminder Rosen’s comments, which come in a video by the British Psychological Society (BPS), which has said it is concerned that break times are being eroded.
We wanted to share, as a reminder Rosen’s comments, which come in a video by the British Psychological Society (BPS), which has said it is concerned that break times are being eroded.
In the video, called Right To Play, Rosen, a former Children’s Laureate who is best known for books such as We’re Going On A Bear Hunt, says: “Play isn’t an extra, it isn’t an add on. Play is a fundamental human right. Whoever you are, maybe you’re a mum, a dad, an auntie, an uncle or a grandparent, a child, a teenager, a teacher, whoever you are, let’s get out there and play.”
The video features primary school children talking about why play is important to them.
Research published last year found that school break times are now shorter than two decades ago.
James Bowen, director of policy for the National Association of the Head Teachers (NAHT), said: “Breaks are essential for everyone in the school, and the negative impact on pupil-wellbeing is definitely a concern.
“The school day is now jam-packed with tougher content and more obligations for schools to deliver. School budgets have been at breaking point for several years, so resources are stretched and the number of support staff available to cover breaktimes has been reduced."
Here at Play and Leisure Services we have worked with many schools to help improve the play opportunities available to children at breaks and as part of PE. Please contact us for more information or a consultation!
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