Editorial: Play is an essential part of extended services

23 May 2006 1 min read Donna Murphy

The extended school initiative is provoking anxiety from expected and unexpected sources. For instance, Mick Brookes, the general secretary at the National Association of Head Teachers, recently warned that the idea amounted to "a national babysitting service". However, play professionals have also been voicing their fears of play being sidelined in the push to develop before- and after-school services and, in particular, their real worry that opportunities for free play could be under threat.

Barnardo's has now entered the fray with a newly published study ofthree after-school clubs in England and three in Denmark, which has along history of providing such care (see News, p7). While the reportmakes interesting comparisons between the size of these clubs, theirfacilities and staff qualifications, it seems the fundamental differencebetween the two countries is in their attitudes towards outdoorplay.

For instance, English clubs generally allow children outside for alimited period, weather permitting, whereas in Denmark outdoor play isviewed as a necessary and important part of child development andwellbeing.

As a result, playing outside is not usually a group activity for Danishchildren, who flow in and out of the clubs as they wish using "risky"play equipment like unicycles and climbing towers, while their Englishpeers typically play with skipping ropes, balls and tennis rackets.

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