Every year, the first Wednesday of August marks the Playday which is the annual celebration of children’s right to play. Playday is an important campaign coordinated by Play England, Play Wales, Play Scotland, PlayBoard Northern Ireland and a national steering group. Playday isn’t just a day for fun and games. Observed primarily in the UK, this day highlights play’s vital role in the healthy development and well-being of children. On Playday and throughout the summer, thousands of children, young people and communities will get out and play at hundreds of locally organised Playday events across the UK. Article 31 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child states that all children and young people have the right to relax and play, and join in a wide range of activities
Why is play so crucial?
- Physical Development: Play enhances motor skills and promotes overall health and fitness, helping to prevent childhood obesity.
- Cognitive Growth: Engaging in play boosts problem-solving abilities and encourages creativity and imaginative thinking.
- Emotional Well-being: Play relieves stress and helps children build self-esteem and confidence.
- Social Skills: Through play, children improve their communication abilities and learn the value of teamwork.
- Mental Health: Play helps children develop resilience and contributes to their overall happiness and creates a senses of satisfaction.
Every child plays, playfulness is a distinct feature of behaviour across generations and cultures. Playing creates a culture of childhood.
Families, early years staff and anyone who works with children across the UK come together on this day to support the culture of play. Get your team involved and spread the word because Play is every child’s right – on Playday and every day.
How can you get involved?
Playday celebrations range from small gatherings to large public events organised by local authorities and national organisations. Previous years have seen children taking over Trafalgar Square, jubilee style street parties, and large-scale mud pie and den building in parks and on village greens. Anyone can organise a Playday event. Big or small, there are lots of different ways to celebrate Playday. There are plenty of resources and tips on how you can organise your own playday events.
Learn how you can get started on planning an event here : https://www.playday.org.uk/planning-events/
Download resources important for organising an event and get started. If you’re having a busy week and are short on time to plan an extensive event, there are many other ways for you to get involved. From organising a party in the park to a backyard play, there are many ideas for you to explore.
Get the word out of how you’re getting involved. Use the hashtags #playday2024 and #playandculture when you post on social media to join everyone celebrating PlayDay 2024.
While it is important to encourage children to have fun and make play a part of their everyday routine, they maybe exposed to various threats in childcare settings. It is crucial for early years staff to be aware of the risks children face, both during play and in their everyday activities.
Our eLearning course, Maintaining the Safety and Security of Children will help them identify potential dangers in the childcare environment as well increase awareness of safety.
Preview our course to learn more!
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