1.2 Outline the rights of children in relation to play, as detailed in the ‘UN Convention on the Rights of the Child’

This guide will help you answer 1.2 Outline the rights of children in relation to play, as detailed in the ‘UN Convention on the Rights of the Child’.

Play is a fundamental part of childhood. It contributes to children’s development, learning, and overall well-being. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) explicitly recognises the importance of play and enshrines it as a basic right for every child. As an Early Years Practitioner, understanding these rights ensures that you create an environment where play is valued and respected.

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child

The UNCRC is an international treaty adopted in 1989. It sets out the civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights of children. The treaty has been ratified by 196 countries, including the United Kingdom. By signing this treaty, the UK has committed to upholding and promoting these rights for all children.

The UNCRC contains 54 articles. Each one details specific rights and how they must be protected and fulfilled. Articles 31 and 12 are particularly important when discussing children’s rights relating to play.

Article 31: The Right to Play, Rest, and Leisure

Article 31 directly addresses children’s right to play. It states:

1. Every child has the right to rest, leisure, and age-appropriate recreational activities.
2. Governments must respect and promote this right by ensuring suitable opportunities are available and accessible.

This article recognises that play is not a luxury or “just for fun”. Instead, it is a critical part of childhood and an essential element for children to thrive. Play supports physical, emotional, cognitive, and social development. Through play, children discover the world, practise new skills, and build connections with others.

Article 12: The Right to Be Heard

Article 12 highlights the importance of listening to children’s voices. It states:

• Every child has the right to express their views on matters affecting them, and these views must be taken seriously.

This applies to play by ensuring that children are consulted about how, where, and when they play. Adults must value children’s opinions and involve them in decision-making to support meaningful and enjoyable play experiences.

Why Play is a Right for Children

The UNCRC emphasises that play is critical for children’s development. It connects directly to their health, learning, and happiness. Here’s how:

1. Supporting Physical Development

Play helps children build and refine motor skills. When children climb, run, throw a ball, or balance on a beam, they strengthen muscles and improve coordination. Active play also encourages healthy habits, reducing the risk of childhood obesity and promoting long-term well-being.

2. Enhancing Emotional Well-being

Play allows children to express their feelings. It provides an outlet to process emotions like joy, frustration, or fear. For example, when children play roles in pretend scenarios, they explore solutions to real-life challenges in a safe way.

3. Developing Social Skills

Playing with peers teaches children how to share, cooperate, negotiate, and resolve conflicts. Through group play, they learn empathy and how their actions impact others.

4. Boosting Cognitive Growth

Play promotes problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking. Activities like building with blocks, solving puzzles, or organising a game enhance cognitive skills. Children learn cause-and-effect relationships, practice decision-making, and expand their imagination.

5. Preserving Cultural Identity

Play reflects cultural traditions, values, and heritage. By engaging in traditional games or storytelling, children build connections to their community and develop a sense of belonging.

Barriers to Play

Despite the recognition of play as a right, children face several barriers that limit their opportunities to play. These include:

• Lack of Safe Spaces: Many children live in areas where there are no safe parks, playgrounds, or green spaces.
• Over-scheduled Lives: Increased academic pressures and structured activities leave little time for free play.
• Economic Inequalities: Families with limited finances may struggle to provide toys, resources, or access to play opportunities.
• Digital Devices: Excessive screen time can reduce opportunities for physical and imaginative play.
• Discrimination: Children with disabilities or from marginalised communities may face exclusion from play opportunities.

It is the responsibility of governments, communities, and practitioners to address these barriers and create inclusive environments where all children can freely exercise their right to play.

Promoting the Right to Play as an Early Years Practitioner

You play a key role in promoting children’s right to play. Here’s how you can support this:

1. Creating Playful Environments

Provide a safe, stimulating, and inclusive environment. This includes age-appropriate toys, books, and resources that encourage exploration and creativity. Outdoor spaces should be accessible and well-maintained.

2. Valuing Play

Recognise that play is not “wasting time”. It is a vital activity that helps children flourish. Advocate for unstructured playtime and resist pressures to overly structure children’s routines.

3. Listening to Children

Involve children in decisions about their play. Ask them what they enjoy and what materials or activities they’d like to see in the setting. Responding to their preferences helps them feel valued and respected.

4. Engaging Families

Educate parents and carers about the benefits of play. Explain why it is important for their child’s learning and development. Encourage them to set aside time for play at home.

5. Challenging Barriers

Identify and address obstacles to play. If children face economic or social restrictions, consider how your setting can adapt to meet their needs. For example, ensure resources are accessible to children with disabilities.

The Role of Policy and Practice

Governments must take action to promote children’s right to play. They can achieve this by:

• Investing in play spaces and community projects.
• Including play in early years frameworks, such as the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
• Training practitioners to understand and support children’s rights under the UNCRC.
• Revising policies to ensure marginalised children can access play opportunities.

In your role, it’s important to align your practice with these policies and work as an advocate for children’s rights.

Final Thoughts

The UNCRC makes it clear that play is not optional for children—it is their right. Article 31 positions rest, leisure, and play as essential for a child’s life, while Article 12 reminds us to listen to children and include their voices in matters that affect them.

As someone working in an Early Years setting, you are at the heart of making these rights a reality. By understanding and championing the importance of play, you can provide every child with opportunities to enjoy, learn through, and benefit from this vital activity.

Recognise and respect the unique nature of each child’s play. Work to create inclusive, meaningful opportunities so that all children can access this vital part of their childhood.