Play is every child's right

On 5 August, we celebrate Playday – a chance to recognise the power of play in helping children grow, connect and thrive. 

This year's theme reminds us that play can happen anywhere. From parks and playgrounds to living rooms, school playgrounds and neighbourhood streets, every place where children feel safe and supported can become a space to play. 

At Children First, we know that play is much more than fun. It is how children explore the world around them, build confidence, express their feelings and develop healthy relationships. Through play, children learn, solve problems, use their imagination and make sense of their experiences. It is an essential part of a happy, healthy childhood. 

However, play is also a right. 

Article 31 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) recognises every child's right to rest, leisure, play and recreational activities. Protecting that right means making sure all children have opportunities to play, whatever their circumstances. 

For many children, those opportunities cannot be taken for granted. Barriers such as the cost of activities, a lack of safe spaces, where a family lives or finding opportunities that meet a child's individual needs can all make it harder to play. That's why it is so important that we work together to create communities where every child feels included, valued and able to enjoy childhood. 

At Children First, creating those opportunities is part of how we support children and families to thrive. 

Through our Space to Grow programme, we provide one-to-one support for children aged 8 to 13, alongside information, advice and resources for parents and carers.  

The Space to Grow programme provides access to free face-to-face support from Children First thanks to funding from BBC Children in Need, in partnership with The Children's Society and MACS Supporting Children and Young People. 

Every child is unique, so our support is shaped around what matters to them, helping them build confidence, strengthen relationships and improve their emotional wellbeing. 

The programme has helped over 250 children to date, like 13-year-old Lucy who said:  

“When I am with my support worker she helps me with my online struggles and made my anxiety better and I’m grateful for that." 

Reflecting on the support 13-year-old Martin received, his parent said: 

“We're blown away by the support for Martin and our entire family! Our support worker Alicia goes above and beyond, she is always there for us. Getting support from Alicia has been a lifesaver. The Space to Grow team are real-life heroes.” 

Throughout the summer, our teams have been using play as an important part of the support delivered. Across our services, children have taken part in a range of play-based activities that encourage creativity, build self-esteem and help them develop positive relationships in safe, nurturing environments. 

Sometimes that means spending time outdoors, trying something new or enjoying creative activities. Sometimes it simply means having the time, space and encouragement to be a child.  

Play creates opportunities for children to feel heard, develop resilience and experience joy. It can help build trust, reduce anxiety and support children to express themselves in ways that words alone cannot. For children who have experienced challenges, these opportunities can be especially important. 

Playday is a celebration of childhood but it is also a reminder of our shared responsibility. Every child deserves the chance to play, regardless of their circumstances. 

By creating safe, welcoming places where children can play, explore and belong, we can help protect childhood and build stronger communities where children and families flourish. 

This Playday, we celebrate the joy of play, the difference it makes every day and every child's right to experience it.