Progress review of Scotland's Play Strategy 2021 - Play in a COVID-19 context - Play Strategy Implementation Group - YouthLink ...
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Progress review
of Scotland’s
Play Strategy 2021
Play in a COVID-19 context
Play Scotland and
Scotland’s Play Council
and Strategy Group
Dr Susan Elsley
mplementation Group
1. Executive Summary
This report is an update to the Progress Since March 2020, play organisations Eight recommendations update the previous At a time of major change and disruption,
Review of Scotland’s Play Strategy following a have worked hard to respond to COVID-19 report, ‘Progress Review of Scotland’s Play it is more important than ever to maintain
year of emergency measures and restrictions emergency measures and the impact of Strategy (2020): 24 steps for play’ in the light and strengthen a focus on children’s right to
in Scotland due to COVID-19. the pandemic. They have delivered services of COVID-19. These highlight the importance play. The current developments in children’s
online and face-to-face and have worked of leadership, partnership and collaboration rights in Scotland with proposed legislation to
Over the last year, Scotland, like the rest of flexibly and innovatively to provide services across sectors and interests; the importance incorporate the UNCRC in Scots law are seen
the UK, has had to respond rapidly to the to children and families in communities across of outdoor play and the need for play which as an essential and crucial underpinning to
major impact of COVID-19. The play sector Scotland. This response has been supported includes all children; the necessity of funding recovery from the pandemic and to realising
welcomes the positive steps that the Scottish by significant funding from the Scottish to deliver play; and crucially, the necessity of children’s rights for the future.
Government has taken to ensure as many play Government including the Wellbeing Fund engaging with, and listening to, children and
opportunities as possible are still available to and Organised Community Play Fund. young people in responding to COVID-19 and
children, particularly enabling children under developing a refreshed Play Strategy. The eight
12 to continue to play outdoors with their The play sector is clear: play is essential for recommendations are:
friends even during lockdown restrictions. securing children’s wellbeing and protecting
However, the challenges for play of their rights at this time of crisis and • Refresh the Play Strategy and ensure
COVID-19 have not diminished readjustment, and more still needs national and local leadership supports
a year into the pandemic and to be done. This is confirmed a child’s right to play
require further attention. by the responses of over
340 children and young • Renew and develop the national and local
The report highlights how people who took part in a commitment to outdoor play
play organisations have consultation undertaken by
responded to the pandemic Play Scotland in early 2021. • Listen to children and young people and act
and emerging evidence of on what they say
the impact of emergency The ‘big message’ from
measures on children and children and young people was • Ensure the inclusion of all children and
young people. The update that they wanted a return to play, young people
provides a summary of a Play more play, and better play. The
Scotland consultation with children overwhelming majority of children and • Ensure cross sectoral and inter professional
and young people on their views on play and young people wanted to see their friends, their approaches to play are in place
the pandemic. It takes account of mitigating clubs and activities to restart and to return to
• Sustain and support play provision through
measures that the Scottish Government have school. But they also wanted changes such as
adequate funding
put in place to support children’s play at improved and inclusive spaces for play in the
a time of national crisis. Finally, it provides community and at school. • Maintain a focus on playful learning and
eight recommendations on how Scotland’s play in schools
Play Strategy should be taken forward in
the light of COVID-19. Work on the report • Strengthen the play sector nationally
was undertaken between late 2020 and and locally.
February 2021.
2 | Play Strategy Review 2021 Play Strategy Review 2021 | 3
2. Introduction to 3. Progress Review on
COVID-19 Update Scotland’s Play Strategy
This report is a COVID-19 update to the This report takes account of evidence, surveys The Scottish Government’s Play Strategy for In cross-sectoral developments, the Planning
Progress Review on Scotland’s Play Strategy and guidance produced by the play sector, Scotland and its Action Plan were launched in (Scotland) Act 2019 introduced a Play
(2020) and has been produced in in order to government and other agencies. It is informed 2013. In order to update the Play Strategy, the Sufficiency Assessment duty which requires
consider the impact of COVID-19 on play and by Play Scotland’s consultation with children Scottish Government commissioned a progress planning authorities to assess the sufficiency
to identify priorities for action. and young people. It draws on the expertise of review in 2019 from Play Scotland. This was of play opportunities in their area. In 2019,
members of the Play Council Strategy Group presented to the government in April 2020. Play Scotland, in partnership with A Place in
Play Scotland commissioned this report who contributed through a consultative online Childhood, were commissioned to co-create
in autumn 2020. The detailed work was meeting and a call for comments. The Progress Review (2020) found that the Place Standard Tools for Children and Young
undertaken in late 2020 and updated in Scottish Government’s Play Strategy and People. These are examples of well received
February 2021 following a consultation with It acknowledges the importance of the UNCRC Action Plan have had a positive impact on policy developments supported by partnership
over 340 children and young people. Incorporation (Scotland) Bill, currently being the provision of play in Scotland. Since the between the Scottish Government, the play
scrutinised by the Scottish Parliament. If Strategy and Plan were introduced in sector and other public bodies and are
Since March 2020 there has been an enacted, incorporation of the UNCRC into 2013, there have been significant indicative of the progress made
unexpected and dramatic impact on people’s Scots law will provide a crucial lever for developments in play in Scotland since 2013.
lives with the implementation of emergency children’s rights in Scotland and, specifically, with increased awareness of
measures due to COVID-19. This has affected a child’s right to play. the importance of play and At the same time, the Progress
everyone, but the impact on children and young many examples of effective Review identified areas where
people has been immediate and profound. practice in communities and there needed to be further
at national level. sustained development and
Scotland’s play sector has responded robustly the input of new energy
to the impact of COVID-19. It has explored how The Progress Review found in areas such as inclusive
services can continue, what indoor and outdoor that the four domains of the play. These areas for further
play facilities can be provided, and what Play Strategy have worked well development provided the basis
resources can be made available to families and and have provided the strategic for the recommendations in the
communities so that children and young people foundation for developments in Progress Review (2020) 24 steps for
are not denied their right to play. play. The importance of play has been play, and remain relevant in 2021.
embedded in the Scottish Government’s
early learning and childcare commitments The legislation to incorporate the UNCRC
and commitments to play-based learning in in Scots law and the associated actions to
schools. There is more focus on outdoor play embed children’s rights in all areas of policy
in early learning and childcare, schools and and practice are warmly supported by the play
community settings with Scotland’s Coalition sector. It is anticipated that this legislation and
for Outdoor Play and Learning position its implementation will provide the basis for
statement launched by the Minister for rights-based approaches to play in response
Children and Young People in 2018. to the pandemic and for the future.
4 | Play Strategy Review 2021 Play Strategy Review 2021 | 5
4. Impact of COVID-19 on play 5. Evidence on the impact
We do not yet fully understand the impact of organisations have emphasised the importance of COVID-19
COVID-19 on children and their families and of outdoor play in supporting child wellbeing
their wellbeing. It is unclear how COVID-19 during this unsettling period.
Organisations have shared a growing body of A Child Rights Impact Assessment (CRIA),
and its social, cultural, political and economic
evidence on the impact of COVID-19 on the commissioned by the Children and Young
consequences will continue to affect children The work of the play sector has been supported
wellbeing of children and young people and People’s Commissioner from the Observatory
and young people, families and organisations by significant funding from the Scottish
on play since March 2020. Reports have been of Children’s Human Rights Scotland, examined
over the next few years. Economic factors are Government including the Wellbeing Fund and
produced in Scotland and across the UK along the evidence of the impact of COVID-19 across
expected to have consequences for Scotland Organised Community Play Fund. A number of
with a growing body of international evidence. key rights including children’s right to play. The
and the UK with an increase in unemployment the funded projects have received international
This evidence has identified that children and CRIA found that children and young people
which will result in increasing levels of child and recognition. In addition, Play Scotland received
young people’s wellbeing has been affected by: experienced significant constraints as a result of
family poverty and low income. In the public funding to develop, produce and distribute
the lockdown. Opportunities to play, to socialise
sector, there may be cuts or changes in funding 40,000 copies of the Play Well Pack aimed
• children missing regular and consistent face-to- with friends, and to express creativity and
for services in the voluntary and public sectors. at supporting families to play together. Living
face contact with friends and family members; imagination were all limited with the focus on
This could have serious consequences for the Classrooms was granted £159,000 to develop
play at home. Children who lived in poverty, in
play sector and for children’s right to play. Virtual Nature Schools which provided both • the impact of social isolation on children inadequate housing, with little access to physical
practitioners and families with the learning especially where they do not have digital access; space or to online community were highlighted
These uncertainties make it more important resources they need to confidently explore
as being particularly negatively affected.
to ensure that children can play to the fullest nature with children. In 2020/2021 Government • restrictions on children’s play opportunities
extent possible – freely and often, inclusively funding for play was £2,933,350. in the initial lockdown and in ensuing This overview of a right to play has been
and without discrimination, indoors and emergency measures; added to by the focus of play organisations.
outdoors at home, in ELC and school, and in the Concerns about child wellbeing have been
Play Scotland undertook a survey which
community. Play organisations are concerned widespread internationally, UK wide and • restrictions on school attendance during the explored the immediate impact on play
that opportunities for children’s play may in Scotland. At an international level, the first and second lockdowns and and childcare provision with respondents
diminish or be eroded at a time when play is UN Committee on the Rights of the Child home schooling; concerned about the future of their services
needed more than ever. The play sector is clear: highlighted the importance of play in April
and the impact of lockdown restrictions on
play is central to securing children’s wellbeing 2020, advising states to ‘explore alternative • a significant number of children not having
children and their families. IPA produced an
at this time of national crisis and readjustment. and creative solutions for children to enjoy their access to playable household or public space;
international study of government and civil
rights to rest, leisure, recreation and cultural
• children and young people not being society responses to COVID-19 and their
Since March 2020, Government, local and artistic activities’ and to ensure that there
heard or being invisible in decision making impact on children’s play and mobility (August
authorities and organisations with an interest were opportunities for children’s views to be
around COVID-19; 2020). This report highlights the importance
in play have been working hard to respond to heard and taken into account in any ‘decision-
of the specific nature of play and for children’s
the COVID-19 emergency measures. National making processes on the pandemic.’
• families affected by unemployment, low physical activity – and the hazards if children’s
and local play organisations have maintained
The UK Children’s Play Policy Forum expressed income and job insecurity with a growing play opportunities are neglected.
opportunities for children’s play. Organisations
have reconfigured and reopened services concern early in the first lockdown about the number likely to be affected in the future;
where possible. Play organisations have moved risks to children where they continued to be
activities online where they could, maintaining deprived of their fullest play opportunities. • the disproportionate and negative
contact with families and communities. A review of UK and international evidence impact of restrictions on some children,
However, in spite of the strenuous efforts found that the restrictions and emergency including those children who are: disabled,
of the play sector, children’s play provision measures restricted children’s right to play. care experienced; young carers; and/or
had to close or was seriously affected at The authors state that ‘play may be one of experience other challenges.
different phases of the emergency measures. the most important areas of focus to promote
With restrictions on where children and children’s health and well-being’.
their families can go and what they can do,
6 | Play Strategy Review 2021 Play Strategy Review 2021 | 7
There have been important surveys undertaken
with children and young people. This includes
Play Scotland’s consultation with over 340
There was a three-fold increase in young
people’s loneliness, a fifth said they had been
stressed because of COVID-19 with 39%
6. Sustaining play
children and young people undertaken in early
2021 (see summary at Section 7). The Children’s
sleeping more badly. Girls reported a more
negative impact on wellbeing than boys. This
during COVID-19
Parliament, in its summaries of findings from complements findings from a lockdown survey
four surveys between April and October 2020, undertaken by Youthlink, Young Scot and the Response of With a strong focus on outdoor play,
found that the majority of children were Scottish Youth Parliament with 2400 young organisations such as Play Scotland, Smart Play
doing better in autumn 2020 than earlier in people which found that 96% of young people Scottish Government Network, Parent Club and Inspiring Scotland’s
the pandemic. had fears for the future with 77% concerned Thrive Network, made their online resources
for their wellbeing. From the beginning of March 2020,
widely available, covering the domains of
Children, post lockdown, reported that organisations concerned with play have
the Play Strategy: play at home, play in early
they were able to have more fun and Evidence of the impact on early worked hard to respond to the needs and
learning, childcare and school, play in the
be with their peers. On the other years children also highlighted rights of children and young people to play.
community and positive support for play.
hand, one in three children were changes in behaviours. Public Although playgrounds were closed in the first
worried about family finances Health Scotland’s Report 2 lockdown, the Scottish Government opened up
Experts in play and child wellbeing, including
in both lockdown and post on young children’s play and play areas at the end of these first emergency
academics and organisations such as the
lockdown. More reported that learning, outdoors and social measures and have ensured they have stayed
International Play Association, have made the
they were feeling less safe interactions found that 5 open during ensuing restrictions. In the
case for attention to be given to the impact
online post lockdown than in 10 children were playing restrictions put in place in late 2020, children
of a play deficit for children on their wellbeing
during lockdown. more outdoors according to under the age of 12 years were still able to
and rights at this challenging time. Reviews are
parents and carers. meet in larger groups with no social distancing
beginning to identify evidence on the short-
The majority reported that they with older children restricted to meeting
term impact of emergency measures on children
were able to be healthy but 2 Eight in 10 young children played one other person from another household
and young people with a call for more research.
in 5 children were worried about outside every day. Conversely, 3 in outdoors. At the time of writing at the end of
their schoolwork. There was a decline 10 children spent less time outdoors February 2021, there is a phased approach for In a consultation with the Play Council Strategy
in positive responses about whether they were than usual. Overall, 9 in 10 had access to children and young people to return to schools Group for this paper, play organisations
having a difficult time from all children but ‘good-quality safe green space’ with 3 in 10 and early learning and childcare with younger reported that they were being creative in
particularly by children aged 8 to 11. accessing green space most days. Younger children returning first. However, other adapting to the new circumstances. Some, such
children had fewer social interactions with restrictions are still having a major impact on as childminders and early learning, childcare
The Teen Covid survey undertaken by friends but 5 in 10 were accessing better children, young people and their families. and out of school care providers have been able
the University of Edinburgh found that imaginative play. to continue or return to face to face work with
there was a significant impact on young adaptations. Other organisations were offering
people’s wellbeing. Response of play sector
a blend of face to face and online provision
In contributing to this report, play and adding value to digital provision by, for
organisations shared how they responded to example, hand delivering resources to families
COVID-19 and the impact on their services. for play activities.
A Play Hub section was added to the Play
There were seen to be positives in using
Scotland website to host a range of play and
digital tools to deliver services such as some
related COVID-19 resources from organisations
enhanced communication and opportunities
across Scotland. Play Scotland developed
to revisit sessions through social media. On
a range of hard copy and online resources,
the other hand, organisations were aware
in partnership with organisations such as
that digital fatigue was setting in amongst
ScrapAntics and Save the Children.
parents and carers and that young children’s
digital attention span could be limited. It was
emphasised that not all families had access to
sufficient online resources.
8 | Play Strategy Review 2021 Play Strategy Review 2021 | 9
Organisations identified that there was
significant interest in outdoor play with children,
parents and carers and play professionals
As stated in the Progress Review (2020) report,
there was concern about the play needs of older
children and young people and this is confirmed
7. Play Scotland consultation
keen for outdoor play opportunities. Smart
Play Network reported that there had been a
by young people’s responses to the Play Scotland
consultation. There was a view by play and young
with children and young people
substantial increase in requests for staff training people’s organisations that young people had
and professional development in outdoor play. been seen as anti-social and as super spreaders of This is a summary of the consultation with Children and young people like the following
COVID-19 during different stages of the pandemic. children and young people that Play Scotland play experiences:
The Scottish Out of School Care Network Conversely, older children and young people had undertook in early 2021. Funding was received
(SOSCN), in its October 2020 survey report, lost significant freedoms and autonomy due to from the Scottish Government to support the • playing with their friends and family members
highlighted that more services were using more the restrictions. In autumn 2020, for example, consultation. The full report of the consultation
outdoor activities as part of their provision. young people over 12 years were restricted in their is also available. • playing in parks and natural environments
Children were enjoying being outdoors, had social contacts and older young people had to such as the beach and woods
shown resilience and were able to adapt and wear masks when moving about at school.
enjoyed being in smaller groups. Childminders A return to play, more play • participating in a wide range of physical
were outdoors more with children. There were practical factors affecting play and better play activities such as football, swimming,
provision. Accessing accommodation dancing and cycling
The restrictions have meant that was a challenge especially where Children want a return to play, more play
services have been working with accommodation was in shared and better play. This was children and • going to their clubs, including those for
smaller numbers of children. This premises or owned by local young people’s overwhelming response to children with additional support needs
has had benefits for children authorities. There was increased a consultation on play undertaken by Play
but resulted in fewer children administration and cleaning Scotland in early 2021. • imaginative play and games
participating in activities. The for organisations as a result
smaller numbers have led to of COVID-19 measures which COVID-19 has had an enormous impact on • playing video games and other online activities.
unmet demand and, in some put additional pressure on children and young people’s lives. After the
cases, lower levels of income staff. Childminders were challenges of the last year, they want a return
for the provider. concerned about their financial to the play they enjoy. They want to be with
‘Imaginative play and
sustainability. their friends and see their extended families. running around with my
Play Scotland has found that
many teachers and schools have Organisations also flagged up the
They want more play at school, at clubs and friends – park/school/beach/
outdoors. Children and young people also
been enthusiastic in wanting access to need for attention being paid to the want better play – with improvements to parks wood with sticks and stuff
resources and opportunities for training and wellbeing of staff in play and childcare settings. and play facilities which include everyone. like that.’
were keen to participate in the Playful Pedagogy Staff were finding their work more pressurised,
Awards Scheme which is to be launched in 2021. uncertain and demanding. Organisations
recognised that it was important to keep staff Children and young people Profound impact of COVID-19
There have been significant challenges. Fewer motivated and enthusiastic so that they could enjoy rich and diverse on play
unregulated play opportunities were being continue to deliver services in this complex
provided because of social distancing requirements. environment. Generally, there was an urgent need
play experiences
The contrast with what children and young
Families with babies and young children were for staff training. people like doing and the impact on play in
missing out on socialising and play opportunities at Over 340 children and young people from
0 to 18 years described rich and diverse play the current COVID-19 situation is stark. As one
a crucial point in children’s development. Children Play organisations are now looking ahead, child, reflecting the views of other children and
with disabilities could not always participate in play experiences that they enjoyed. Many of the
drawing on the lessons from the last year. There is young people, said:
opportunities due to children’s specific needs and play activities they like take place outdoors,
a general view that there are opportunities to look
restrictions in services. Play organisations continued and with their friends.
anew at play provision and particularly at outdoor
to be concerned about children and families who play. Play Scotland has developed a Position
‘It’s changed everything
were experiencing difficult circumstances and Statement with seven principles that should in the world.’
might be isolated, without support and suffering underpin play in Scotland in the light of COVID-19.
from financial hardship.
10 | Play Strategy Review 2021 Play Strategy Review 2021 | 11
Children and young people say that they have
not been able to play in the way they want or
choose. They have not been able to meet their
Children and young people’s
BIG MESSAGES about play
8. Play in a COVID-19 context
friends and other family members in some
Children and young people had unambiguous
way or at all. The emergency measures have 8.1 Progress Review Update 8.2.1 Refresh the Play Strategy
messages about what they wanted to
stopped, changed or inhibited their everyday
happen about play. They wanted to play as The impact of COVID-19 has highlighted the
and ensure national and local
activities. For children with disabilities or
additional support needs, the restrictions have
they did before COVID-19. They also wanted urgent need for a refreshed Play Strategy for leadership support a child’s
opportunities for more play. Finally, and
meant that they cannot access the services
crucially, they wanted better play experiences.
Scotland. Play has always been a fundamental right to play
and the support they need – and in many and necessary part of children and young
instances they have not had access to play people’s lives: it is essential to child wellbeing. A refreshed Play Strategy and Action Plan
The overwhelming majority of children and
outside their homes. The 2013 Play Strategy and play policy and should take into account the impact of
young people stated that they wanted to see
practice have asserted this importance. COVID-19 so that Scotland’s children and
their friends. They wanted activities, such as
‘I can’t have playdates or swimming, football and their clubs to re-open.
However, the COVID-19 national emergency has
thrown the importance of play into sharp relief.
young people’s right to play is not negatively
impacted by the effects of the pandemic.
invite my friends round. This was very important for children with
additional support needs who also wanted
No rugby, football or judo. to see significant improvements in outdoor
The Play Council Strategy Group has a firm A refreshed Play Strategy should acknowledge
collective view that a refreshed Play Strategy the central importance of play in rebuilding
No school so can’t see my play to meet their needs. Older young people and Action Plan should continue to take into Scotland’s communities. It should put the
friends. Can’t go on holiday.’ wanted play and leisure opportunities that met
their needs and interests.
account the Progress Review (2020)’s findings learning from the impact of COVID-19
and recommendations. The relevance of these at its heart with ongoing discussion and
Children and young people identified have not changed: it is that the strategy and consultation to inform the development and
Most children and young people
positive experiences from the plan have become more urgent than ever. implementation of the Play Strategy.
wanted to go back to school.
last year. Many have enjoyed
Some mentioned that they
spending more time with The Play Strategy should include a
their families at home. They
wanted more opportunities 8.2 Updated recommendations commitment to supporting national and local
to play more at school. Some
liked having more relaxed leaders in safeguarding play. This could be
wanted changes in the way Eight updated recommendations have been
approaches to their daily integrated, for example, into Play Scotland’s
education was delivered identified in the light of COVID-19. All are
routines and going on Getting it Right for Play programme with local
after their experiences of the underpinned by a firm commitment to the
walks. Children talked of authorities.
last year. UNCRC and its full implementation.
new opportunities that were
available such as school lessons
Finally, the responses show In addition, it is suggested that the Scottish
which were fun as well as online
that play is of overwhelming Government should consider how to regularly
play and other new hobbies and
importance to children and young monitor and evaluate what is happening to
activities. A small but significant group
people. They have not been able to play in Scotland.
of children preferred online learning and not
participate in the range of play experiences
being at school.
they had before COVID-19. The ‘big message’
from children and young people is that they
‘I really liked the first want a return to play, more play, and better
lockdown because mum had play. As one young person stated in
a challenge to adults:
more time. We did more
crafts and games and played ‘I don’t stop being a child,
outside on long walks.’ even with coronavirus.
Don’t forget children.’
12 | Play Strategy Review 2021 Play Strategy Review 2021 | 13
The strategy should consider the medium and 8.2.2 Renew and develop the 8.2.3 Listen to children and 8.2.4 Ensure inclusion of all
long-term impact of COVID-19 on children
and young people’s wellbeing and their
national and local commitment young people and act on children and young people
right to play. This should reassert Scotland’s to outdoor play what they say The Play Strategy should ensure that all
determination to:
children and young people’s right to play is
The refreshed Play Strategy should have, at its There should be an explicit and actioned
protected and realised during COVID-19 and
heart, a strong commitment to outdoor play. commitment to engage with and listen to
• ensure children’s mental and physical in the future.
This commitment should assess and include children and young people in the development
health is supported through access to
the benefits and opportunities that outdoor of the Play Strategy as well as in ongoing
play opportunities; One of the concerns raised by the Play Council
play has provided during COVID-19. responses to COVID-19.
Strategy Group has been the needs of children
• focus on children and young people who and families who have been negatively
Play organisations and childcare providers Children and young people have stated
have been specifically impacted affected by the impact of COVID-19 and are
have reported greater engagement by children, that their views and experiences must not
by COVID-19; in need of support.
young people and families in outdoor play be unheard and invisible in responses to
• address the opportunity gap for children during the last year. This includes activities COVID-19. The consultation undertaken by
Children and young people with additional
who have missed out on education, across the domains of play at home, early Play Scotland in early 2021 demonstrates the
support needs, who took part in the Play
developmental stages and transitions learning and childcare and in the community. importance of listening to children and
Scotland consultation, stated that their
as a result of COVID-19; young people and ensuring that
specific needs were not being met
In the current situation, play organisations policy and practice decisions on
under current restrictions with a
• take into account children and families have found that children want to play play are informed by their views
lack of availability of services,
who have experienced exclusion due to outdoors, and this is supported by their and experiences. This is even
clubs that support children
disability, additional support needs and families. The Play Scotland consultation with more important in the light
and a lack of inclusive
other circumstances; children and young people found that children of COVID-19.
outdoor spaces.
had been playing outdoors and wanted more
• explore the role and impact of digital use and better outdoor play opportunities for all Children and young people
In addition, older young
on play during COVID-19; age groups and needs. Staff in early learning should be involved as
people who took part in the
and childcare and school settings have a newly essential contributors to
consultation wanted to see
• ensure the refreshed Play Strategy applies revitalised interest in training, resources and national and local play policies
better outdoor and indoor
to children and young people of all ages; advice on outdoor play. and provision. This should be
opportunities for their age group.
undertaken in ways which facilitate
They were also unhappy about the
• explore how COVID-19 has impacted The play sector has long championed the meaningful engagement by children and
restrictions around meeting friends for the
on the domains of home, ELC and school importance of outdoor play. Outdoor play young people.
over-12 age group.
and community; is known to have multiple benefits in terms
of physical activity and general wellbeing. This is not a new expectation. A commitment
Other evidence shows that children’s
• commit to taking forward the In addition, experts have indicated that to listening to children and taking their views
experiences have not been equitable during
implementation of current legislation, being outdoors is less risky for transmission into account is already embedded in Scottish
COVID-19. This includes the impact of living in
guidance and policies that are relevant of COVID-19. legislation and policy. However, the importance
low income and poverty, being disabled and/
to play such as the Planning (Scotland) of involving children will be given intense
or care experienced and children’s gender, race,
Act 2019 and the UNCRC Incorporation The importance of outdoor play is reflected attention as result of the incorporation of
age or status as asylum seekers or refugees.
(Scotland) Bill. in the position statement of Scotland’s UNCRC in Scots law and because of provisions
It is affected by where children live and what
Coalition for Outdoor Play and Learning. in legislation such as the Planning (Scotland)
restrictions are in place and the physical and
There is now a crucial and timely opportunity Act 2019. In turn, this requires a national
mental wellbeing of those caring for them. Some
to have an increased national and local focus commitment to involving children and young
children and young people may be experiencing
on a menu of outdoor play provision and people at the earliest stages of developing
a combination of several challenging factors.
facilities. This should be inclusive in intent and a refreshed Strategy and Action Plan.
They and their families might not be able to
implementation and be accessible to children
access the services that normally support them.
and young people of all ages.
14 | Play Strategy Review 2021 Play Strategy Review 2021 | 15The concern is that these inequalities continue Cross sectoral and inter professional In addition, play organisations have found The commitment to play in schools should
and that children and young people who approaches must be at the heart of an themselves bearing increased costs as a result not lessen in the current public health crisis.
need to play do not have access to play effective Play Strategy. In order to support of the pandemic because of the need for more Instead, play should be recognised as having
opportunities. The Play Strategy and Action this, there should be a collective approach staffing and an associated drop in income from a pivotal role in supporting children’s wellbeing
Plan should prioritise addressing exclusion to ensure that professionals and services services particularly for those delivering early at school as well as facilitating their learning.
in order to promote inclusive play. across sectors are actively engaged in learning and childcare. More staff time is being
the development and implementation spent on cleaning and administration, and the This commitment should be underpinned by
of a refreshed Play Strategy. In addition, need to respond to changes in restrictions. a balanced understanding of protection and
8.2.5 Ensure cross sectoral and consideration needs to be given to the risk which takes current national guidance into
inter professional approaches impact on play of COVID-19 in services such account but allows for playful learning indoors
as transport, planning, public spaces and 8.2.7 Maintain a focus on and outdoors.
to play are in place community leisure and recreation services. playful learning and play
The Play Strategy and Action Plan should be in schools 8.2.8 Strengthen the play sector
informed by, and reflect, cross sectoral and 8.2.6 Sustain and support
inter professional approaches to play. The Play Strategy should include a firm nationally and locally
play provision through commitment to playful learning and play in
There is a need to have a strong, coordinated
The response to COVID-19 has adequate funding schools, informed by evidence and creative
and sustainable play sector to meet the
highlighted what the play sector flexible responses.
challenges of COVID-19. The Play Council
has long known – that play is The Play Strategy should
should refresh its vision and forward plan in
relevant across services and include a commitment to The Scottish Government has acknowledged
order to support the refreshed Play Strategy
sectors. Policies on public reviewing national funding for the central importance of maintaining children
and Action Plan.
health, education, children’s play with the aim of sustaining and young people’s education during this
services, planning, transport, and growing funding for the challenging year. However, the rate of infection
This is an unprecedented time for the play
public spaces, leisure services play sector. This is especially in communities has meant that children
sector. It has risen to the challenge of adapting
and community buildings all important in the light continue to experience disrupted education.
its approaches and delivery modes to meet the
have an impact on a child’s of COVID-19. Children and young people themselves have
needs of children and young people. Its staff
right to play. expressed concerns about their education
and volunteers are committed to responding
Concerns about levels of sustainable and their ability to concentrate in school and
to the complexity of COVID-19 measures
The impact of COVID-19 has highlighted funding for play were raised during achieve their potential. In Play Scotland’s
to ensure children and young people can
the importance of effective communication, the consultation on the Progress Review. consultation, children and young people
continue to access play opportunities.
planning and implementation between sectors These concerns have been intensified by expressed their desire to return to school ,
and services in relation to play. In areas where organisations’ experiences during COVID-19. although a small proportion of children stated It is unknown how long the public health
these partnerships and relationships have not that they had preferred home learning. emergency will last and what will be the
been utilised, play organisations have found Play providers have appreciated the emergency
medium and long-term effects of this
it more difficult to maintain or restart their funding made available by government during Play is acknowledged to have an important
demanding year on the wellbeing of children
provision. This includes, at a basic level, use 2020/2021 and the flexibility of funders part to play in education and in the community
and young people. The play sector wants to be
of public or shared buildings. Children and in supporting the play sector. However, life of schools. It helps children learn, provides
equipped to deal with the challenges ahead.
their families have not been able to access organisations have expressed fear that this opportunities for co-operative and co-
the fullest range of play opportunities where funding will not be sustained and that the produced activities, and supports peer and A refreshed Play Strategy and Action Plan is
there has not been effective partnership and economic and social costs of COVID-19 will adult-child relationships. It is an enabler of therefore more important than ever. In order to
collaborative working. have an impact on the availability of funding creativity and imagination and supports support this, the Play Council should consider
and income in the future. children’s agency. Children and young people reviewing its vision and forward plan in order
in the Play Scotland consultation stated that to provide a complementary structure which
they wanted more play at school. can inform the Play Strategy’s development.
16 | Play Strategy Review 2021 Play Strategy Review 2021 | 179. Conclusion
This report updates the previous Progress Review on Scotland’s Play Strategy (2020)
24 steps for play.
It highlights the strenuous efforts of the play sector, with the support of government,
funders and other bodies, to continue to provide services and support for children’s play
during a tumultuous year. It considers the evidence which is emerging on the impact
on children and young people. Specifically, it draws attention to what children
and young people said about the play activities they enjoy, the impact
of COVID-19 on their play and their big messages for those with
responsibility for play. Finally, the report highlights eight key
recommendations to progress and refresh Scotland’s Play
Strategy in the light of COVID-19.
The report concludes that it is more important than
ever to maintain a focus on children’s right to play
in these complex and challenging times.
www.playscotland.org Play Scotland
info@playscotland.org Rosebery House, Level 1,
9 Haymarket Terrace,
lf&x Edinburgh EH12 5EZ
T: 0131 313 8859
Company Number: SC197785, Scottish Charity Number: SC029167. Registered at the above address. ISBN no: 978-1-8381514-6-1You can also read
