Play Commission

Whenever I heard the term “think-tank”, I can’t help but think of the episode of Star Trek: Voyager (yes, I’m a bit of a Trekkie 🖖🏽) where Jason Alexander (of Seinfeld fame) plays the leader of a group of intelligent aliens which Capt. Janeway dubs “The Think Tank”. In true sci-fi drama style, this seemingly altruistic group turn out to be a nefarious force that are playing two parties against each other to get what they want.

Why am I telling you this?

Some time ago, a new piece of work emerged called the ‘Raising the Nation Play Commission‘ presenting itself as “An enquiry into why play is so critical to children’s wellbeing and how a national play strategy can be established”.

The commission is being led by Paul Lindley OBE, who describes himself on his website as a “passionate believer that we can create a society richer in opportunity, ideas and compassion” citing his entrepreneurship, books and campaigning as contributions to achieve this goal. 

Paul is leading this piece of work in partnership with the Centre for Young lives – “independent think tank and delivery unit dedicated exclusively to improving the lives of children, young people, and families in the UK”. The Centre in turn is hosted by Oasis – (not the boy band) who describe themselves as a “movement” whose work extends across the UK and “spans from youth work to housing, and education to reforming youth justice”.

All sounds good, right?

If I was an investigative journalist, this would be the point where I drop the big expose on how these organisations are gathering for unscrupulous purposes. But, I’m not. I’m a playworker.

So what’s the big deal?

Well, hopefully there isn’t one. I see no cause for concern in the roll call of Commissioners. But there is an opportunity. The Play Commission is currently calling for evidence on six key areas:

• Learning through play
• Places to play
• The right to play
• Time to play
• Digital play
• Parents and play

So, what’s that got to do with us?

Taking a look at the “Commissioners” there are a few familiar names: Anne Longfield CBE (former Children’s Commissioner for England), Eugene Minogue (CEO, Play England), Professor Helen Dodd, & Ingrid Skeels (Playing Out) to name a few. All great advocates for children’s rights, including the right to play.

This is welcome news, and I trust their contributions and guidance to the commission will ensure that playwork is not overlooked. But we should not place all our assumptions on their shoulders.

As playworkers, the hint is in the name of our profession as to why this commission is of great interest and importance to us and the children and communities we serve. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of the recognition of playworkers as the only profession whose primary agenda is to extend and facilitate children’s play by those who have an interest in play from other perspectives (e.g. health, education etc). Therefore, it is up to us to make sure that playwork as an approach, and playworkers as experts on the coalface of working with children at play, are adequately featured in the commissions findings.

The deadline for submissions is 30th September, so get your skates on! Submissions should be in a word document format and should set out evidence and recommendations. You can then email this to info@centreforyounglives.org.uk with the subject title “Call for Evidence – Play Commission submission”.

If you would like support to contribute to the commission, or you have a great idea or example of how you’ve contributed to the commission, please let us know so that we can help or share!