Julie Morgan MS, Deputy Minister for Social Services
The Welsh Government places great value on play and its importance in the lives of children in our society. Access to high quality play opportunities is critical for the social, emotional and physical development of all children. Such experiences benefit children in terms of their health, happiness and wellbeing, and lay the foundation for reaching their full potential in adult life. That is why I am pleased to welcome the report of the Ministerial Review of Play Steering Group.
I wish to extend my thanks to all the members of the Steering Group, made up of key stakeholders from across the playwork and related sectors, who have given up their time and expertise to this important review. My particular thanks to Play Wales, the charity representing children’s play in Wales, who led on the development of this broad and well-framed final report and background document.
The aim of the review is to take stock of our vision and principles for play and to consider how best to drive forward play policy in the context of changes since the last review in 2002.
As part of the review, a consultation was carried out with children and young people via the Young Wales initiative of Children in Wales. In line with Covid-19 guidance, feedback outlining the views of children and young people on their experience and thoughts on play was gathered through a series of online workshops and face-to-face consultations.
The recommendations of the Review are wide ranging, and some will require government cross policy working and continued collaboration with the sector. Therefore, we will undertake further exploration of the recommendations and suggested milestones, which will help to inform the actions required to address them. It my intention to formally respond to the Steering Group’s report with a detailed action plan later this year.