MPs Unite for Children's Right to Play: Cross-Party Support for Play Sufficiency Legislation and a New National Play Strategy
The breadth of the debate: A powerful moment for children’s play
On 8 January 2025, a Westminster Hall debate marked a significant turning point in the national conversation on children’s play. Led by Tom Hayes MP, the discussion expanded far beyond the topic of ‘playgrounds’, powerfully emphasising the importance of unstructured free play, adventure playgrounds, active play, and the essential role of Playworkers - and more!
Crucially, MPs from across the political spectrum united to call for inclusive, accessible, and equitable play spaces, places, and provision for all children.
The debate shone a spotlight on how play is fundamental to children’s physical health, wellbeing, social development, and cognitive growth. Yet, serious concerns were raised by MPs about how funding cuts have led to the deterioration of play spaces and a stark decline in the quality and quantity of play provision. The lack of a comprehensive, long-term national play strategy was identified as a major barrier preventing children from accessing quality play opportunities.
Importantly, MPs articulated their unequivocal support for the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC)—particularly Article 31, which enshrines every child’s right to play.
Building on Progress: NPPF Amendment Secured
The debate also celebrated a hard-fought policy win led by Play England: the recent amendment to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), which now explicitly references ‘formal play spaces.’ This landmark achievement strengthens protection for children’s play within national planning guidance, making play spaces a higher priority in local planning decisions.
However, there is still much to be done. Securing this amendment is just the start. Critical questions remain about how the NPPF amendment will be implemented, enforced, and monitored under a single framework. Clear, enforceable guidance is essential to ensure consistent, long-term protection for children’s play spaces across England.
Cross-party support for Play Sufficiency legislation & a new National Play Strategy
At the heart of the debate was strong, cross-party support for Play England’s manifesto, calling for Play Sufficiency legislation. Inspired by successful models in Wales and Scotland, it would require local authorities to assess and secure adequate, high-quality play opportunities for all children.
Alongside this, MPs stressed the urgent need for a new National Play Strategy—a comprehensive framework to ensure that play sufficiency legislation is brought into meaningful practice, and empower local authorities to deliver and sustain safe, stimulating, and inclusive play opportunities for every child. A strategy of this scale would help tackle existing inequalities and ensure every child has the chance to play close to home, at school, and throughout their community.
Next Steps: A Critical Meeting with the Minister
A major outcome of the debate was the Minister, Alex Norris MP’s agreement to meet with our Executive Director, Eugene Minogue, to discuss the next steps for advancing these crucial policy changes. This landmark meeting provides a rare and vital opportunity to turn parliamentary consensus into bold, lasting action for our children and future generations.
Commitment to Action: A message from Eugene Minogue, Executive Director of Play England
"Play England sincerely thanks Tom Hayes MP for securing this pivotal parliamentary debate on playgrounds and local authorities. The debate powerfully reinforced the essential role of play in children's lives and builds on the significant progress achieved through our manifesto, including the recognition of play within the updated National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).
But we can’t stop here. Article 31 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child affirms every child's right to play, yet far too many children still miss out on the opportunities they deserve.
We now urge the government to be bold for our children—by introducing Play Sufficiency legislation and working with us and sector partners to develop a new National Play Strategy, just as we did with government in 2008. This strategy must guarantee every child access to high-quality, inclusive, accessible, sustainable, and equitable play opportunities—on their doorstep, in their schools, and throughout their communities.
I look forward to meeting with the Minister to build on today’s debate and take forward the bold policy changes needed to give children their childhood back. Play England remains committed to working alongside policymakers, local authorities, and communities to create healthier, happier places where every child can thrive through play."
Join Us: Call for Action Continues
The momentum from this debate must not end here. Play England urges our supporters, community leaders, and policymakers to join us in amplifying our critical call for:
Play Sufficiency Legislation as part of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill.
A new National Play Strategy as part of the Children’s Wellbeing & Schools Bill.
Together, we can create a nation where play is not just valued—but protected, supported, and meaningfully implemented.
➡️ Take action today—contact your MP and join our movement for a child-friendly England where all children and young people have the freedom, time, space, opportunity, and permission to play.
Watch (or download the video/audio) the debate on Parliament.TV and/or review the Hansard transcript of the debate