A significant concern highlighted in the interim report is the reduction of playtime in schools over the past 25 years. The report reveals that children aged 5 to 7 now have 45 minutes less break time per week compared to their counterparts in 1995. This decline in allocated playtime underscores the need for immediate policy interventions to prioritize play in educational settings.

Martin Allen Morales, Chief Executive of the Institute of Imagination and a Commissioner on the Play Commission, emphasises the fundamental importance of play: “Play is a child’s human right and should be central to all of our lives, activities, and ways of being. It is essential for creativity, innovation, and health, can save lives, and improve communities.”

The Institute of Imagination remains committed to fostering environments where children’s creativity and play can flourish. The insights from the Play Commission’s interim report reinforce our dedication to integrating play into the core of educational and community initiatives. Collaborations with organisations such as Play England, Lego, Crayola, and Disney, are pivotal to our work.

The interim report also advocates for the implementation of Play Sufficiency legislation and the development of a new National Play Strategy. These measures aim to ensure that every child, irrespective of their location, has access to high-quality, inclusive, and accessible play opportunities. The successes of similar legislation in Wales and Scotland serve as compelling models for England to emulate.

As we anticipate the full report’s release in June, the Institute of Imagination calls upon policymakers, educators, and communities to recognise and act upon the crucial role of play in children’s development. By doing so, we can work collectively towards a future where every child enjoys the right to play, fostering a more imaginative, healthy, and connected society.