The first evaluation of the Big Lottery Fund's £124m play programme has found some encouraging results, particularly in widening access to 'risky' and adventurous play (see News, page 6).
The Scottish Government is also joining in with the fun, setting up a £4m scheme called Go Play to improve opportunities for five- to 13-year-olds.
It is wonderful that the importance of play for all children, not just those in the early years, is being recognised, with the National Play Strategy also under way. However, if we are genuinely to take play seriously, we must remember the dangers of short-term funding, such as that provided by the lottery. The growth of out-of-school clubs, for example, has been hampered by a lack of sustainability once time-limited funding runs out.
Free play should be a fundamental right for children, and is essential for their well-being, yet it can be hard to justify as a priority when money is in short supply. But as further research shows that Britain's streets are a no-go area for children (News, page 3), the responsibility to promote it is even greater.
DCSF sponsors Nursery World Awards
We're delighted to welcome the Department for Children, Schools and Families as the headline sponsor of the Nursery World Awards 2009 (News, page 3). It's a fantastic endorsement of the great work of the nurseries, pre-schools, schools, childminders, local authorities and equipment companies on our shortlist.
