CYP Now - Letter: Play should be part of core offer

Because play was not part of the core offer for extended schools in the DfES prospectus published last year, it is hardly surprising play does not much feature in developments on the ground (Children Now, 17-23 May).

For quality play provision to be commonly part of this development, playprofessionals clearly need to be involved. But the policy driver for theextended schools programme is the national childcare strategy. The offerto children is secondary.

If Government statements that play, recreation and leisure outcomes sitequally alongside the others are to be translated into realopportunities for children, then the DfES should explicitly identify andpromote children's play services and environments as part of theextended schools core offer.

Adrian Voce, director, Children's Play Council.

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