The UK Government is facing calls to reinstate playtime in schools amid growing concerns that play is being “squeezed out” of children’s daily lives. A new report warns that children are spending less time playing and outdoors due to increasing “distractions and demands,” including screen time and shorter school breaks.
The interim report, published by the Raising the Nation Play Commission, highlights a significant decline in children’s play opportunities. It reveals that school break times have been reduced over the past 30 years, with some schools even withholding playtime as a punitive measure. The commission, led by Paul Lindley, founder of Ella’s Kitchen, and supported by the Centre for Young Lives think tank, has identified several barriers to play, including playground closures, increased traffic, and widespread use of “no-ball-games” signs in public spaces.
Decline in Playtime
Data from surveys conducted between 1995 and 2021 shows a sharp drop in the average weekly breaktime for children in England. For example, children aged five to seven (Key Stage 1) now have 23 minutes less breaktime per week compared to their peers in 1995. The report attributes this trend to a school system overly focused on rote learning and exams, which often views playtime as a “loss of valuable teaching time.”
Calls for Action
The commission is urging the Department for Education (DfE) to protect break and lunchtimes by making them a mandatory part of the school day. It also recommends issuing guidance to discourage schools from removing playtime as a punishment. Additionally, the report suggests that Ofsted should assess schools on how much time they allocate for play, rewarding those that prioritize it.
Other proposals include a review of “no-ball-games” policies and a national campaign to encourage parents to play more with their children. These measures aim to improve school readiness and address the growing mental and physical health challenges faced by young people.
Experts Weigh In
Baroness Anne Longfield, executive chair of the Centre for Young Lives and former children’s commissioner for England, emphasized the importance of play. “Generations of children are growing up with less time to play, less time outdoors, and more time glued to screens,” she said. “The consequences for their health and development are dire. This report offers practical, evidence-based solutions to reverse this trend.”
Paul Lindley, chair of the Raising the Nation Play Commission, echoed these concerns. “An anti-play culture has emerged,” he said. “Playgrounds are closing, youth centers are disappearing, and school playing fields are being sold. Our children are losing out, and we must act now to ensure they have the time and space to play.”
School Leaders’ Perspective
Pepe Di’Iasio, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), acknowledged the importance of playtime but highlighted the challenges schools face. “Schools are under immense pressure to deliver a packed curriculum,” he said. “If we want to create more time for play, we need to balance this against other expectations placed on schools.”
The report calls for a cross-Government national play strategy to address these issues and ensure children have the opportunity to play, both in and out of school.
