History of play policy in Wales

Play Wales and Senedd Cymru (previously the National Assembly for Wales) share a unique and special history. Their establishment – as a devolved government and as the national charity for play – is closely linked.

Together, we have established a commitment to work collaboratively to make Wales a country where we recognise and provide for every child’s play needs.

Playing is important to all children and to all communities. Since the establishment of Play Wales in 1998, we have successfully campaigned for and championed play. We have encouraged the Welsh Government to make internationally ground-breaking progress on behalf of children and have actively supported this.

Support from the Welsh Government has enabled Play Wales to:

• push for increased funding for children’s play
  • including funding from the Welsh Government and BIG Lottery
• influence the way play is recognised nationally
  • supporting the development of play policy and legislation
  • supporting local authorities in meeting their responsibilities as part of the Play Sufficiency Duty
• play a part in the development of a dynamic play and playwork workforce
  • ensuring that those who work with children and make decisions about their lives are as well trained as possible
• take a lead in promoting an increased awareness of the importance of play
  • contributing to a shared global understanding of the importance that play has for the health and wellbeing of children and communities.