'Making it happen'

New guide shows how the charter for children's play can improve play opportunities.

Wednesday 16 September 2009

A new practical guide from Play England, Making it Happen: Implementing the Charter for Children's Play, shows how organisations, children and families can use the Charter for Children's Play to improve children's play opportunities.

Adrian Voce, Director of Play England, said: 'The Charter for Children's Play illustrates what all children should be entitled to, in order to enjoy their right to play under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. This guide to implementing the Charter shows how everyone involved in children's lives can ensure that their right to play is protected and that excellent and inclusive play opportunities are available to all children, regardless of circumstances or background'.

The Charter for Children's Play's eight statements, set out a vision for play and aim to act as a catalyst for individuals and organisations to examine, review and improve provision for children and young people's play and informal recreation.

Organisations whose services directly impact on children and young people, such as local authorities, voluntary organisations, groups and clubs, health, education and social service providers can endorse the charter to raise awareness of the importance of play, use the eight statements and action points as a basis for planning services that relate to play, and use the charter to review all services that have an effect on children's play and informal recreation.

Children, parents, community groups, play associations and politicians can use the charter to support the creation of better play opportunities in their area, for example, persuading their local authority to adopt the charter as part of their organisational values.

Play England has also published the charter as a colourful and inspiring poster and a children's version.

More from NCB: For more information, visit the Play England website.