Staff Tool 1 The importance of play

Playing is central to children’s physical, mental, social and emotional health and wellbeing and is enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). Through play, children develop resilience and flexibility and for children themselves, playing is one of the most important aspects of their lives (IPA, 2010).

Playing can provide regular physical activity, which helps prevent diseases and relieves depression and anxiety. Playing is strongly linked to creativity – it involves imagination and problem solving.

Play is a natural, active and often unplanned process in which thinking, feeling and doing can flourish; when children are playing, they are able to be inventive and creative. Children benefit greatly through having regular opportunities to play in familiar settings, which provide time, space and permission for play.

Play helps young children to learn and develop skills through doing and talking and is the way they learn to think. It is also how they learn to socialise, as children engage with other children and adults. For older children, playing provides time to relax, explore the world and to spend time with other people and socialise with friends.

Playing helps children to make sense of their experiences and their world. Providing space and time for play supports them to re-enact and repeat events. Playing out their own feelings and dreams helps children come to terms with them and achieve a sense of control. They can safely express anger and aggression without harming people, or without it harming them.

Play is a vital element in children’s development and can be a strong protective factor in children’s lives. It can, to an extent, shield children from the negative aspects of situations of crisis. It allows them to develop their inner resources and build resilience to the difficulties and uncertainties they experience through crisis.