Dawn Bowden MS, Minister for Children and Social Care
I am pleased to champion children’s right to play and strongly believe in the vital importance of play and the benefits it gives to their health, happiness and well-being. I remain proud that Wales was the first country to legislate in support of children’s play, by ensuring local authorities secure sufficient opportunities, via the Play Sufficiency Duties.
This refreshed statutory guidance, 'Wales - a Play Friendly Country', supports local authorities in assessing and, as far as is reasonably practicable, securing, sufficient opportunities for children to play in their areas. Recently we have worked collaboratively with Play Wales and the local authority Play Lead Officers to review this statutory guidance for local authorities, alongside the Play Sufficiency Assessment (PSA) Toolkit, related tools and supporting templates, which were published in 2024, as required under recommendation 2 from the Ministerial Response to the Steering Group recommendations.
Although there are no changes to the requirements or duties on the local authorities within this refreshed guidance, we know this work has enabled them to commence their planning activities, with the benefit of up-to-date legislation, policy and current best practice, to support the submissions of their next full Play Sufficiency Assessment due in June 2025.
I thank Play Wales, the local authorities and other key stakeholders for their ongoing support for children’s play, enabling our ambitions for the reality of Wales as a play friendly country. We want a Wales for all children – where all babies, young children, their families and communities can thrive, through enriched playful opportunities and experiences.
This statement is being issued during recess to keep Members informed. Should Members wish me to make a further statement or to answer questions on this when the Senedd returns, I would be happy to do so.