Author: Play Wales
Date: May 2024
This guidance provides information about policy and practice to help school communities take a whole school approach to supporting children’s right to play.
It has been developed as a response to Estyn’s Healthy and happy – school impact on pupils’ health and wellbeing report, which notes the importance of school play and break times.
This guidance is designed to build on the good work that is already being done to provide better play opportunities in schools. It aims to make everyone’s time at school happier and healthier.
The guidance is accompanied by a range of downloadable supporting resources:
- Being a play champion
- Developing guidelines for playtime during inclement weather
- Protecting playtime
- Template letter for parents – Playing out in all weathers
- Template – School playtime plan
- Top tips for supporting children’s play.
A play friendly school – Guidance for a whole school approach is endorsed by: Children’s Legal Centre Wales, Children in Wales, Health & Attainment of Pupils in a Primary Education Network (HAPPEN) and the National Centre for Population Health & Wellbeing Research (NCPHWR).
